Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Another season of NFL competition officially began in August, as 32 teams opened their quest to hoist the Lombardi Trophy with preseason competition. Several Tech alumni continue to succeed at their respective positions, many of which return to the gridiron with new teams but the same mission: Contribute to their squads at the highest level.
With a Super Bowl LX rematch already in the books, the 2026 NFL regular season is officially underway. Here’s a look at the notable performances from former Hokies throughout the 2026 NFL preseason.
Chuck Clark – Safety, Detroit Lions
Clark returns to the gridiron in what is his ninth season, but his third consecutive season with a new team in the Detroit Lions. The Lions added Clark in late March of this year, adding depth to a secondary that corralled 13 interceptions throughout the 2025 regular season.
Over two games in the 2026 NFL preseason – Aug. 13 at the Cincinnati Bengals and on Aug. 22 against the Washington Commanders – Clark recorded five total tackles and a pass deflection. Clark’s defensive contributions paid major dividends for the Lions, who finished the preseason with a 2-1 record.
The Lions will host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. to open the 2026 regular season.
Jaylin Lane – Wide Receiver, Washington Commanders
Lane enters his sophomore campaign after hauling in 16 receptions for 225 yards in his rookie season last fall. In preseason competition this past month, the former Hokie continued to display his fast twitch and explosive speed, securing three receptions for 31 yards against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 14 and a three-yard snag against the Lions on Aug. 22.
Hokie fans should keep an eye on Lane throughout the regular season. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels returns after missing 10 games from a plethora of injuries while offensive coordinator David Blough takes the reins for the first time in his coaching career.
Lane also showed his worth as a punt returner, averaging 13.6 yards per punt return with 314 total return yards and two touchdowns
Washington opens its 2026 campaign with a conference matchup, traveling to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 4:25 p.m.
Joey Slye – Placekicker, Tennessee Titans
Virgnia Tech’s all-time leading scorer, placekicker Joey Slye enters his eighth year in the NFL this fall and his second consecutive season as kicker for the Tennessee Titans. In preseason competition, Slye continued his razor-sharp accuracy by going a perfect 11-for-11 in field goal tries over the preseason while also securing two extra points on two tries. Slye’s perfect start was punctuated by successful attempts from 55, 56 and 58 yards, demonstrating an ability to blend power and precision.
Slye and the Titans begin their 2026 regular season with an afternoon home game against the New York Jets on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. Tennessee will look to find themselves back in the win column against a Jets team that claimed victory in the last head-to-head matchup on Sept. 15, 2024.
Tyrod Taylor – Quarterback, Green Bay Packers
Taylor, who starred at quarterback for the Hokies from 2007-10, has continued to impress in what has been a lengthy career in the professional ranks. In what is now his 16th season, Taylor signed with the Green Bay Packers in May 2026 and is primed to serve as the backup quarterback behind current starter Jordan Love.
In two appearances during the 2026 NFL preseason, the Hampton, Virginia native completed eight passes for 38 yards. Taylor gave the Packers the lead in his second of two games, finding wide receiver Will Sheppard for a score in a 33-13 win against the Denver Broncos.
Notable Week One Matchups
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars: Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. on CBS
The Jacksonville Jaguars will look to start their AFC South title defense with a season-opening win on Sunday as they host the Cleveland Browns. The Jaguars claimed the divisional crown in 2025 with a 13-4 record.
Hokie fans should key into this game for Bhayshul Tuten, former Hokies running back and current Jaguar. With the departure of 2025 starting back Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency, Tuten is now primed to contribute alongside tailback Chris Rodriguez Jr., who is in his first year with the franchise.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings: Sunday, Sept. 13 at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
An NFC North matchup awaits fans in the opening weekend of the regular season as the Green Bay Packers travel to face Minnesota on Sunday afternoon. The matchup, which has been played over 130 times since 1961, has favored Green Bay 67-61-3.
Former Hokies can be found on both sides of the matchup, as Green Bay features long-time quarterback Tyrod Taylor while Minnesota boasts offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw, who is entering his sixth season as a pro.