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Former WVU football stars give fans 11 reasons to watch NFL football this fall

These West Virginia alumni made the final 53-man roster for their NFL teams.
Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  West Virginia University former players Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) and guard Doug Nester (72) and New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) pose for a photo after their game at Acrisure Stadium.  Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; West Virginia University former players Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) and guard Doug Nester (72) and New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) pose for a photo after their game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The NFL preseason has come to a close, and the final 53-man rosters for each franchise were officially finalized over the weekend.

Every year, there are at least a few former West Virginia Mountaineers that get the opportunity to represent the old-gold-and-blue. This season, with the roster cuts wrapped up, the Mountaineersare representedby 11 different players on 53-man rosters.

That group is highlighted by former West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, who is returning to his original NFL team, the New York Jets, after a down season as the starting signal caller for the Raiders, and Zach Frazier, who enters hsi third season starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In addition, one rookie who played for the Mountaineers last season, Michael Coats Jr., was able toattain a regular season roster spotin his first season in the league, while several familiar faces – both younger and older – are set to continue to seek success in the NFL.

A full list of former West Virginia stars who made regular season, 53-man rosters in the league can be found below. These players will get the regular season underway next week, when the NFL resumes action on Wednesday, September 9, and Thursday, September 10, before a full Week 1 slate continues on Sunday, September 13 and Monday, September 14.

Every West Virginia alum on an NFL 53-man roster

Geno Smith, New York Jets

Zach Frazier, Pittsburgh Steelers

David Sills V, Atlanta Falcons

Dante Stills, Arizona Cardinals

Colton McKivitz, San Francisco 49ers

Wyatt Milum, Jacksonville Jaguars

Michael Coats Jr., Cleveland Browns

Tony Fields II, Chicago Bears

Rasul Douglas, Washington Commanders

Austin Brinkman, Houston Texans

Rex Sunahara, Cleveland Browns

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