Former Tennessee Vols Standout Named by The Athletic as Potential NFL Breakout Star in 2025
The Athletic’s recent list of projected NFL breakout players for the 2025 season includes a familiar name to college football fans—a former Tennessee Volunteers standout whose combination of athleticism, work ethic, and untapped potential has analysts buzzing. While the publication did not specify which ex-Vol made the cut, several candidates fit the bill, including **Hendon Hooker, Jalin Hyatt, Darnell Wright, and Cedric Tillman**—all of whom have shown flashes of brilliance early in their professional careers.
Prime Candidate: Hendon Hooker
The most compelling case belongs to **Hendon Hooker**, the dynamic quarterback who led Tennessee’s high-powered offense in 2022 before suffering an ACL tear late in the season. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2023, Hooker spent his rookie year recovering and learning behind Jared Goff. However, with Goff entering a contract year and the Lions’ coaching staff openly impressed by Hooker’s progress, 2025 could be his opportunity to seize the starting job. His combination of arm talent, mobility, and poise makes him a prime breakout candidate if given the chance.
Jalin Hyatt: A Deep Threat Ready to Shine
Another strong possibility is **Jalin Hyatt**, the 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner who was drafted by the New York Giants. After a quiet rookie season in a struggling offense, Hyatt has the speed and route-running ability to emerge as a true No. 1 receiver—especially if the Giants improve at quarterback. His elite separation skills and big-play potential align perfectly with The Athletic’s criteria for a breakout star.
Darnell Wright: Anchoring the Bears’ O-Line
Former Tennessee offensive tackle **Darnell Wright**, a first-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2023, has already shown promise as a rookie starter. If he takes another leap in 2025, he could establish himself as one of the league’s premier right tackles, providing much-needed protection for Caleb Williams or Justin Fields (depending on Chicago’s QB situation).
Cedric Tillman: A Sleeper Pick in Cleveland
Wide receiver **Cedric Tillman**, now with the Cleveland Browns, has the size (6’3”, 215 lbs) and physicality to thrive as a possession receiver. With Amari Cooper getting older and Deshaun Watson (if healthy) needing reliable targets, Tillman could see a significant increase in production.
Why This Matters for Tennessee and the NFL
Tennessee’s resurgence under Josh Heupel has produced NFL-ready talent, and The Athletic’s recognition of a Vols alum underscores the program’s ability to develop pro-caliber players. For the NFL team that lands this breakout star, it could mean the difference between playoff contention and another middling season.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on these former Vols to see who lives up to the hype—and which one The Athletic believes is destined for stardom.
