NFL Week 2: Former college stars make impact

Former college football players from Alabama and Virginia Tech delivered notable performances during the second week of the 2026 NFL regular season.

Alabama alumni saw significant success, including Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers, who recorded 287 passing yards and three touchdowns. Receivers Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith both surpassed 100 receiving yards in their respective matchups. Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions contributed 113 all-purpose yards, while kicker Will Reichard provided all the scoring for the Minnesota Vikings in a 9-3 victory. On defense, Dallas Turner recorded two sacks for the Vikings, and Jihaad Campbell tallied 10 tackles for the Eagles.

Virginia Tech alumni also made impacts. Bhayshul Tuten of the Jacksonville Jaguars scored his first touchdown of the season on a rushing play, though the Jaguars ultimately lost to the Denver Broncos 20-13. Additionally, Chuck Clark of the Detroit Lions recorded 11 total tackles in a game against the Buffalo Bills.