The NFL playoffs for 2026 are set to commence this Saturday, with 14 former Tennessee Volunteers (VFLs) participating. Among these players, nine are on active rosters, three are on practice squads, and two are currently injured. The postseason kicks off with Wild Card Weekend, featuring significant contributions from several VFLs.
Key Matchups Featuring VFLs
The opening game of the playoffs occurs at 4:30 p.m. ET, when the Los Angeles Rams face the Carolina Panthers. Notable for the Rams are Byron Young and Jaylen McCollough, both essential parts of the defensive lineup. Young had a standout season, recording 12 sacks, which ranked eighth in the league. He is the first Rams player to hit that mark since Aaron Donald in 2021. McCollough contributed significantly with 48 tackles and two sacks.
On the Panthers, Cade Mays takes charge as starting center, showcasing his skills in a playoff environment.
Evening Game Highlights
Sunday’s Action
Sunday promises more excitement with two games featuring VFLs. At 1 p.m. ET, Joshua Palmer and the Buffalo Bills will clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Palmer has made 22 receptions for 303 yards this season.
At 4:30 p.m. ET, Jauan Jennings and the San Francisco 49ers are set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, the defending Super Bowl champions. Jennings is the 49ers’ second leading receiver, posting 55 catches for 643 yards and nine touchdowns this season. Notably, he scored six touchdowns in his last six games.
Additionally, Joshua Dobbs will serve as the backup quarterback for the New England Patriots, who will host the Los Angeles Chargers at 8 p.m. ET. The Texans also feature defensive ends Derek Barnett and Darrell Taylor, who will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoff finale on Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET.
James Pearce Jr. Shines as a Rookie
Although not in the playoffs, James Pearce Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons concluded his season with impressive statistics. As a 2025 first-round pick, Pearce led all NFL rookies with 10.5 sacks, a remarkable feat last achieved by Micah Parsons in 2021. His total ranked 13th overall in the league.
2026 NFL Playoff Roster Breakdown
The following VFLs are notable players in the 2026 NFL Playoffs:
- Derek Barnett, DE – Houston Texans
- Jerome Carvin, OG – Jacksonville Jaguars (practice squad)
- McCallan Castles, TE – Green Bay Packers (practice squad)
- Joshua Dobbs, QB – New England Patriots
- Kamal Hadden, CB – Green Bay Packers (injured reserve)
- Jauan Jennings, WR – San Francisco 49ers
- Jakob Johnson, FB – Houston Texans (practice squad)
- Velus Jones Jr., RB – Seattle Seahawks (practice squad)
- Cade Mays, C – Carolina Panthers
- Jaylen McCollough, S – Los Angeles Rams
- Joshua Palmer, WR – Buffalo Bills
- Darrell Taylor, DE – Houston Texans
- Darnell Wright, OT – Chicago Bears
- Byron Young, OLB – Los Angeles Rams
This lineup highlights the significant impact of Tennessee VFLs in the NFL, particularly as the postseason intensifies.
