### Virginia Football's Rising Stars: A Look Ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft The University of Virginia's football program is generating buzz as several players emerge as potential candidates for the 2026 NFL Draft. Among them, safety Jonas Sanker has recently made headlines after being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This selection highlights the talent coming out of Virginia and sets the stage for future prospects. ### Breakdown of Key Segments 1. **Jonas Sanker's Draft Selection** - Jonas Sanker was chosen by the New Orleans Saints with the 93rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, marking a significant achievement for the former Virginia standout [https://www.si.com/college/virginia/virginia-safety-jonas-sanker-selected-by-saints-in-3rd-round-of-nfl-draft]. 2. **Performance Highlights** - Sanker led his team in tackles for two consecutive seasons, showcasing his defensive skills and making him a valuable asset for the Saints [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/saints-good-value-draft-virginia-030755548.html]. 3. **Future Prospects for Virginia Players** - As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, five Virginia players are being highlighted as potential candidates, indicating a strong pipeline of talent from the university [https://www.si.com/college/virginia/five-virginia-football-players-to-watch-for-the-2026-nfl-draft]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Jonas Sanker's Career Stats:** - **Tackles:** Led the team in tackles for two seasons. - **Draft Position:** Selected 93rd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Saints [https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/saints-draft-virginia-safety-jonas-sanker-93rd-overall/article_313a7305-e841-41cb-a471-5bbc2e6cd16b.html]. - **Virginia Players to Watch for 2026:** - A list of five players from Virginia is being compiled, indicating the university's growing reputation for producing NFL talent [https://www.si.com/college/virginia/five-virginia-football-players-to-watch-for-the-2026-nfl-draft]. ### Conclusion: Virginia Football's Bright Future In summary, **Jonas Sanker's selection by the New Orleans Saints underscores the talent emerging from the University of Virginia's football program**. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight will be on several Virginia players who are poised to make their mark. 1. **Jonas Sanker’s Impact:** His performance in college has set a precedent for future players. 2. **Emerging Talent:** The anticipation for the next draft highlights the strength of Virginia's football program. 3. **Continued Success:** With more players expected to enter the draft, Virginia is establishing itself as a breeding ground for NFL talent. This trajectory not only reflects the individual achievements of players like Sanker but also the overall growth and competitiveness of Virginia football [https://dailyprogress.com/sports/college/football/virginia-cavaliers/article_d6f8b17b-8662-43db-8a0c-d7e2b0d5fb32.html].
