Joshua Jaylin Lane (born May 1, 2002) is an American professional football wide receiver and punt returner for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and Virginia Tech Hokies. Lane was selected by the Commanders in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Early life Lane was born on May 1, 2002, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. As a senior at Clover High School, he had 76 receptions for 1,611 yards and 30 touchdowns.ALL-GAZETTE OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR: Clover quarterback-receiver duo lead program to new heights Lane played under his father, Brian, who served as head coach. He committed to Middle Tennessee State University to play college football.MTSU football adds much-needed depth at multiple positions on early signing day
College career Lane played 54 games of college football as a wide receiver and return specialist. He played for the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State University from 2020 to 2022, recording 124 receptions for 1,528 yards and 10 touchdowns. He transferred to play for the Hokies of Virginia Tech in 2023, playing in 24 games over two seasons and recording 79 receptions for 1,004 yards and eight touchdowns.How Virginia Tech transfer additions of Jaylin Lane, Derrick Canteen impact HokiesLane, Felton taking leadership role in Hokies receiver room
Professional career
Lane was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fourth round (128th overall) of the 2025 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 9, 2025. Lane earned Rookie of the Week honors for week 3 after scoring his first career touchdown on a 90-yard punt return against the Las Vegas Raiders, tying the franchise record set by Jacquez Green's 90-yard punt return in Week 2 of the 2003 season. In the Week 15 win over the New York Giants, he recorded his second career touchdown on a 63-yard punt return. Lane made 15 appearances (four starts) for Washington during his rookie campaign, recording 16 receptions for 225 scoreless yards. On December 22, the Commanders placed Lane on season-ending injured reserve due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Career statistics NFL Legend Led the league Bold Career high
Year Team Games Receiving Punt returns Fumbles 2025 WAS 15 4 16 225 14.1 41 0 23 314 13.7 90 2 3 1 2026 WAS 2 0 1 4 4.0 40 0 5 67 13.4 19 0 1 1 Career 17 4 17 229 13.5 41 0 28 381 13.6 90 2 4 2
College + Year Team Receiving Kick returns Punt returns 2020 Middle Tennessee 7 13 122 9.4 1 13 274 21.1 – 1 10 10.0 – 2021 Middle Tennessee 12 42 466 11.1 4 13 285 21.9 – 19 295 15.5 1 2022 Middle Tennessee 11 69 940 13.6 5 11 254 23.1 – 18 152 8.4 – 2023 Virginia Tech 12 41 538 13.1 6 1 18 18.0 – 5 31 6.2 – 2024 Virginia Tech 12 38 466 12.3 2 1 21 21.0 – 24 245 10.2 1 Career 54 203 2,532 12.5 18 39 852 10.9 – 67 733 10.9 2
References
External links
Washington Commanders profile Virginia Tech Hokies profile Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders profile