Former Virginia Tech standout and Paulsboro, New Jersey native Bhayshul Tuten has officially signed his first NFL deal—a four‑year rookie contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Selected 104th overall in the fourth round of the April 2025 NFL Draft, Tuten wraps up the signing wave for the Jaguars early, joining the roster well ahead of training camp .
Humble Beginnings and Rising Stardom
Tuten’s football journey began at Paulsboro High School, where he amassed an astonishing 3,768 rushing yards and 77 touchdowns, earning South Jersey Times Offensive Player of the Year in 2020 . He started his collegiate career at North Carolina A&T in 2021, exploding in his sophomore campaign with over 1,300 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns, and standout play as a kickoff returner—a performance that drew Power 4 eyes .
Seeking greater exposure, Tuten transferred to Virginia Tech, becoming a fan favorite almost instantly. Over two seasons in Blacksburg, he compiled over 2,000 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, including a jaw‑dropping 266‑yard single-game performance and six 100+ yard games . Twice honored as All‑ACC, he showcased powerful running, elite speed, and impressive contact balance .
Combine Heroics That Stirred the NFL
At the 2025 NFL Combine, Tuten electrified scouts by posting a blazing 4.32‑second 40‑yard dash—the fastest among all running backs and the fifth overall—paired with a phenomenal 40.5‑inch vertical leap . His athletic explosion not only validated his draft hopes but cemented a reputation as an explosive threat in the open field.
Signing Day and Rookie Prospects
On June 24, the Jaguars locked him down with a four‑year contract worth roughly $5.27 million and a $1 million signing bonus. With an average annual salary of about $1.32 million, this deal reflects both solid investment and confidence in his upside .
Opportunity and Challenges Ahead
Tuten joins a Jaguars backfield featuring established talents like Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. While those two are expected to lead initially, Tuten’s unique skill set positions him as a versatile weapon—capable of impacting as a runner, receiver, and special teams contributor . Coaches have already praised his quiet confidence, compact build, and physical running style .
But it won’t all be smooth sailing. A key area of concern remains his ball security—he recorded nine fumbles over his last two college seasons . Addressing that vulnerability will be critical to earning the trust of the Jaguars’ coaching staff and earning meaningful snaps early on.
Why This Matters
Tuten’s signing adds to the proud tradition of Hokies making their mark at the professional level. His journey—from high school phenom to HBCU standout at North Carolina A&T, to ACC star at Virginia Tech, and now to an NFL contract—is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and grind.
For Virginia Tech fans and beyond, Tuten’s success is both homecoming and celebration. His breakout electrifying displays in Blacksburg still echo with Hokie pride, and now that same spirit will be unleashed under the Duval County lights. Jacksonville fans may very well see him become a breakout contributor—whether through explosive runs, big plays in space, or dynamic special teams work.
Looking Ahead
As the Jaguars approach training camp, all eyes will be on Tuten. This is his chance to show he can handle the physical and mental rigors of the NFL while proving his fumbling woes are now a thing of the past. If he can lock down the ball and showcase the same burst and balance that defined his collegiate career, he could carve out a unique role—and maybe even rewrite the depth chart in Jacksonville.
No matter the outcome, Bhayshul Tuten’s journey is a story of hard work, talent, and opportunity—a narrative that’s sure to inspire Hokie Nation and aspiring athletes everywhere. Best of luck, Bhayshul—we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
