NC State Alumni Shine in NFL's Early Season Play

Four former North Carolina State University football players are making significant impacts in Football League through the first three weeks of the current season. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, and linebackers Bradley Chubb and Drake Thomas have each demonstrated strong performances, building on their college careers under coach Dave Doeren.

Brissett Leads Cardinals Offense

Jacoby Brissett, drafted in 2015, has emerged as a starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals. After former quarterback Kyler Murray's departure to the Minnesota Vikings, Brissett secured the starting role over rookie Carson Beck. Last season, Brissett threw 23 touchdowns in 14 games. This season, he has already recorded five touchdowns through three games, putting him on pace to exceed his previous year's total if he maintains his starting position.

In a recent game against the San Francisco Brissett has completed 70.1% of his passes for 652 yards in his first three appearances. In a recent game against the San Francisco 49ers, he threw for 280 yards, including two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, contributing to the Cardinals' 30 points despite a loss. Meyers Finds Role in Jacksonville Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, an undrafted free agent in 2019, has established himself as a consistent offensive option for the Jacksonville Jaguars. After stints with the New England Patriots and Las Vegas, Meyers joined Jacksonville during the 2025 season. He has been targeted 10 times through three games this season, dropping only one pass, and averages nine yards per reception. Meyers has also scored two touchdowns, indicating a reliable presence in the Jaguars' passing game. Chubb Anchors Bills Defense Bradley Chubb, selected fifth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, continues to be a dominant force as an outside linebacker. Last season, Chubb recorded 8.5 sacks for the Miami Dolphins, tying for the 20th-most in the league. Now with the Buffalo Bills, he has already accumulated 1.5 sacks in the first three games, contributing to the team's defensive strength. Chubb's leadership was recognized with his naming as a defensive team captain for the Bills ahead of the 2026 season. Thomas Excels with Seahawks

Linebacker Drake Thomas, who went undrafted in 2023, has quickly become a key player for the Seattle Seahawks. After a brief period with the Las Vegas Raiders, Thomas was claimed off waivers by Seattle in the same season. Last season, he registered 96 total tackles. This season, Thomas has already made 25 tackles, 14 of which were unassisted, and recorded one sack. His performance in the season-opening game against the Patriots included a crucial sack that sealed a victory for Seattle. Wilson Joins Steelers' Linebacking Corps Payton Wilson, the 2023 Butkus Award winner for college football's best linebacker, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round. Known for his physical play, Wilson has quickly integrated into the Steelers' defense alongside T.J. Watt. In his first three NFL games, Wilson has amassed 27 tackles, demonstrating his impact on the field.

NC State's NFL Pipeline Continues

North Carolina State has produced 30 NFL players under head coach Dave Doeren since 2013, with at least one player drafted annually for the past nine years. Of these, 18 are currently active on NFL rosters. The 2025 draft saw tight end Justin Joly and defensive end Brandon Cleveland selected, both of whom are beginning their professional careers.

Outlook for Pack Pros

The continued strong performance of NC State alumni in the NFL suggests a sustained pipeline of talent from the university's football program. If current trends hold, players like Brissett, Meyers, Chubb, Thomas, and Wilson are poised to maintain or increase their impact on their respective teams. This success could further elevate NC State's recruiting profile, attracting more high-caliber athletes to the program. For the NFL, these players represent valuable contributions to team performance and competitive balance across the league, particularly in key offensive and defensive roles.