12 Former NC State Players are Represented in the 2026 NFL Playoffs

The first round of the 2026 NFL Playoffs will wrap up this evening, but before it ends, here’s a look at the 12 former NC State players represented this weekend.

Five Wolfpack players were represented in the Rams’ 34–31 victory over the Panthers. Defensive tackle Larrell Murchison, safety Tanner Ingle, and center Dylan McMahon play for Los Angeles, while offensive linemen Ikem Ekwonu and Chandler Zavala suit up for Carolina.

Of the five, Ekwonu and Ingle were the only two players to see game action. Ekwonu played eight snaps before suffering a ruptured patellar tendon. Ingle recorded 1 special teams tackle.

Two former NC State players took part in the Bears’ 31–27 win over the Packers. Anthony Belton started at right guard for Green Bay, while Joe Thuney started at left guard for Chicago. Belton earned a PFF grade of 46.0, while Thuney posted a 62.9.

Jakobi Meyers finished with one reception for 12 yards in the Jaguars’ 27–24 loss to the Bills.

Center Garrett Bradbury and defensive tackle Cory Durden helped the Patriots defeat the Chargers 16–3. Durden recorded two tackles and two QB hits, earning a team-high PFF grade of 90.7, while Bradbury played every snap at center and earned a 56.7 grade.

Linebacker Payton Wilson and the Steelers will host the Texans tonight at 8:15 p.m. on ESPN/ABC.

Former Wolfpack linebacker Drake Thomas and the Seahawks earned a first-round bye as the No. 1 seed and will host the 49ers next week in the Divisional Round.