With the National Football League's eagerly anticipated return just days away, a strong contingent of former Virginia Cavaliers players are poised to make their mark. Six 'Hoos have successfully secured positions on their respective teams' primary 53-man rosters, while additional Cavaliers have been integrated into practice squads across the league.
Detailed Report on Former Virginia Cavaliers in the NFL for Week 1
The 2026 NFL season is upon us, and the Virginia Cavaliers program proudly sees its alumni making significant contributions across various teams. This year features several key players taking on pivotal roles and new challenges.
Olamide Zaccheus, a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, returns to the team where he began his NFL journey. After spending time with the Eagles, Commanders, and Bears, Zaccheus is expected to be a crucial target behind Drake London. As a former First Team All-ACC selection in 2018, his veteran presence and consistent performance will be vital for the Falcons' receiving corps, competing with Chris Blair, Jahan Dotson, and rookie Zachariah Branch for significant playing time.
In Miami, rookie wide receiver Malik Washington, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft, faces a golden opportunity. With the departure of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Washington is set to step into a prominent role for new quarterback Malik Willis. Cavaliers fans are well aware of Washington's capabilities, as he shattered program records in 2023 with 110 receptions and 1,426 receiving yards. Despite the Dolphins' projected struggles this season, Washington has a chance to establish himself as a rising star.
Veteran offensive tackle Morgan Moses is entering his thirteenth NFL season with the New England Patriots. Following a Super Bowl appearance last February, Moses will once again anchor the right side of the offensive line, providing crucial protection for young quarterback Drake Maye.
Jonas Sanker, a third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2025, is set for an expanded role after a remarkable rookie year. The Charlottesville native recorded 80 tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in his debut. This season, Sanker is projected as a day-one starter for a revamped Saints defense. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has tasked him with the challenging nickelback position, a role he appears to be embracing with promising early results.
Tight end Jelani Woods, now with the New York Jets, is aiming for a resurgence after battling significant injury setbacks. Following a strong rookie season in 2022, Woods missed all of 2023 with hamstring issues and all of 2024 due to a preseason turf toe injury. In 2025, he made a triumphant return, catching his first pass in 1,085 days, despite playing in only four games. Now fully healthy, Woods has secured a spot on the Jets' 53-man roster and looks forward to showcasing his considerable talent, even with prominent names like rookie Kenyon Sadiq ahead of him on the depth chart.
Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks joins the Philadelphia Eagles, where he is considered one of the league's top breakout candidates for 2026. Traded from the Green Bay Packers, Wicks is poised for a greater role, with training camp reports highlighting his impressive potential in his new team. The former 'Hoo recently signed a one-year, $12.5 million extension, signaling the organization's strong confidence in his abilities.
Unfortunately, safety Joey Blount of the Arizona Cardinals was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a neck injury during training camp, mirroring a similar season-ending injury from the previous year.
On the practice squad front, running back J'Mari Taylor (Jaguars), defensive end Mitchell Melton (Colts), and cornerback Bryce Hall (Texans) continue to vie for active roster spots. Taylor garnered significant buzz during training camp, and while he didn't make the initial 53, he remains a strong candidate for future opportunities. Melton, an undrafted rookie, secured a spot with the Colts after a solid preseason performance. Hall, a sixth-year professional, is striving to overcome injury challenges and rejoin Houston's active roster after recording six tackles and two pass deflections this preseason.
This year's NFL season promises to be an exciting one for fans of the Virginia Cavaliers, as these talented athletes continue to represent their alma mater with distinction on the professional stage.
The journey of these former Virginia Cavaliers into the professional football arena offers a compelling narrative of perseverance, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From promising rookies carving out their niche to seasoned veterans maintaining their elite performance, each player's story reflects the competitive spirit instilled during their time at Virginia. Their collective presence in the NFL not only highlights the strength of the Cavaliers' football program but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. It reminds us that dedication and hard work, even in the face of adversity like injuries or new team environments, can lead to significant achievements on the grandest stage of American football.
