May 31, 2025

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2026 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch for the Tennessee Volunteers

As the Tennessee Volunteers continue their ascent back into national prominence under head coach Josh Heupel, all eyes are not only on their season performance but also on how their top players are positioning themselves for the next level. The 2026 NFL Draft is already beginning to take shape, and Tennessee has a wealth of talent that could be headed to the professional ranks.

Whether it’s explosive athletes on offense, stalwart defenders in the trenches, or rising stars who’ve only just scratched the surface of their potential, the Vols have several names NFL scouts are already keeping tabs on. Here’s a comprehensive look at the Tennessee Volunteers’ top 2026 NFL Draft prospects — players whose development in the upcoming season could vault them into top draft consideration.

1. James Pearce Jr. – EDGE

Arguably the most tantalizing prospect on Tennessee’s 2025 roster, James Pearce Jr. is a freak athlete who has made significant strides every year. At 6-foot-5, 242 pounds, Pearce possesses elite burst off the edge, a long wingspan, and a developing array of pass-rushing moves that have scouts buzzing.

In 2024, Pearce led the SEC in pressures and finished with 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. He was a disruptive force every week, often commanding double-teams and still finding ways to impact the game.

NFL Fit: Pearce projects as a Day 1 pick and could be a perfect fit for teams needing a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 edge rusher — think Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, or New Orleans Saints.

What Scouts Are Saying:
“Pearce checks all the boxes — speed, power, motor. He’s just scratching the surface. If he stays healthy, he’s a top-10 talent.”

2. Keenan Pili – Linebacker

After transferring from BYU, Keenan Pili brought maturity, physicality, and football IQ to Tennessee’s linebacker corps. Injuries slowed him early in his Vols career, but a strong 2024 season put him back on the NFL radar.

Pili is known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, his ability to diagnose plays quickly, and leadership skills that elevate the entire defense. At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, he has the prototypical size NFL teams want at inside linebacker.

NFL Fit: Pili fits well into 3-4 schemes or as a MIKE linebacker in 4-3 defenses. He could be a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick with a strong senior year.

What Scouts Are Saying:
“Pili is mature and NFL-ready in terms of mental preparation. He’ll be a coach’s favorite and a special teams ace from Day 1.”

3. Cooper Mays – Center

Tennessee’s offensive line has been one of the most consistent units in the SEC, and Cooper Mays is the anchor. Entering his fifth year, Mays has started over 30 games and brings toughness, smarts, and leadership to the offensive front.

What separates Mays is his ability to call out protections, his balance in pass sets, and his effectiveness at the second level in the run game. At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, he doesn’t have elite size but more than makes up for it with technique and awareness.

NFL Fit: Mays is a Day 2 prospect who could climb with a strong Combine and Senior Bowl performance. Think of teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, or Houston Texans.

What Scouts Are Saying:
“He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done. Great hands, great motor, and he’s battle-tested in the SEC.”

4. Squirrel White – Wide Receiver

One of the most electric players on Tennessee’s roster, Squirrel White is a slot receiver with game-breaking speed and elite change of direction. Despite his smaller frame (5-foot-10, 180 pounds), White has been a consistent deep threat and has shown he can take the top off defenses.

In 2024, White recorded 65 receptions for 968 yards and 8 touchdowns, frequently drawing the attention of safeties and opening up the field for other receivers.

NFL Fit: White is an ideal slot weapon for spread offenses or teams that utilize motion-heavy schemes — look for fits with Miami, Kansas City, or Detroit.

What Scouts Are Saying:
“White is tailor-made for today’s NFL. Put him in motion, get him in space, and let him cook. He’s a weapon.”

5. Omari Thomas – Defensive Tackle

A seasoned veteran on the defensive line, Omari Thomas has quietly become one of the SEC’s most reliable interior defenders. At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Thomas combines strength with surprising quickness and is a run-stopper who can collapse the pocket.

His stats won’t blow you away, but his film shows a player who consistently wins one-on-one battles and eats up blocks to free linebackers.

NFL Fit: A classic 3-4 nose tackle or a 4-3 1-technique, Thomas could land in the third or fourth round depending on his testing numbers.

What Scouts Are Saying:
“He’s the kind of guy coaches love — steady, tough, and low-maintenance. He’ll play in the league for a long time.”

6. Tyre West – Defensive Line

An under-the-radar breakout candidate, Tyre West has NFL potential if he can put together a consistent season. A former top-100 recruit, West has flashed in spurts with his ability to rush from the interior or slide outside on obvious passing downs.

At 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, West has the build and versatility scouts covet.

NFL Fit: He could develop into a hybrid 3-4 DE or 4-3 DT. Teams looking for rotational depth on the defensive line will keep a close eye on him.

What Scouts Are Saying:
“He’s raw, but you see the tools — quick hands, heavy punch, and a high motor. He just needs polish.”

7. Aaron Beasley – Linebacker/Safety Hybrid

One of the more unique prospects in Tennessee’s defense, Aaron Beasley has carved out a niche as a hybrid defender who can cover tight ends, blitz off the edge, and fill gaps in the run game.

At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, he’s undersized for linebacker but too physical for a traditional safety role — which makes him perfect for today’s evolving NFL.

NFL Fit: He’s a late-round or priority free agent type who could thrive in nickel packages or on special teams.

What Scouts Are Saying:
“Beasley is a chess piece. The right coordinator will know how to use him.”

8. Jabari Small – Running Back

Though injuries have limited his overall production, Jabari Small remains a veteran back with strong vision, quick feet, and dependable hands out of the backfield.

He may not be the most explosive runner in the class, but his ability to pick up blitzes and serve as a third-down option gives him late-round or UDFA value.

NFL Fit: A change-of-pace back in a committee system — think New England, Minnesota, or Green Bay.

What Scouts Are Saying:
“He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable. Coaches will appreciate how well-rounded he is.”

9. Jalen McCollough – Safety

Another veteran defender with significant starting experience, Jalen McCollough has been a stabilizing force on the back end of Tennessee’s defense.

He’s a physical safety who thrives near the line of scrimmage but has shown the ability to cover in two-deep and quarters schemes. His experience and toughness make him a target for teams looking for DB depth.

NFL Fit: McCollough could find a home in safety-thin teams like the Colts, Bears, or Eagles.

What Scouts Are Saying:
“A high-floor player. He may never be a star, but he’ll be on a roster for years because he knows how to play.”

10. Dont’e Thornton Jr. – Wide Receiver

After transferring from Oregon, Dont’e Thornton Jr. has had moments of brilliance but has yet to fully capitalize on his potential. At 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, he has the frame and speed to be a deep threat, but inconsistency has hampered his rise.

Still, if he can put it together in 2025, he has the physical tools to climb draft boards.

NFL Fit: Boom-or-bust pick who could go as high as Round 4 or as low as UDFA. The right QB could unlock his potential.

What Scouts Are Saying:
“He’s a prototype WR on paper. If the light comes on, he’s a steal.”

Tennessee Is a Factory Once Again

The 2026 NFL Draft may still be months away, but the talent on Rocky Top is undeniable. From James Pearce Jr. — a likely first-rounder — to seasoned veterans like Cooper Mays and emerging names like Tyre West, Tennessee continues to churn out NFL-ready talent.

As Josh Heupel’s program evolves, expect more players to develop into pro prospects. With elite recruiting, a modern offensive scheme, and a defense that’s improved year over year, Tennessee is poised to become not just an SEC contender but an NFL pipeline.

Vol fans will be watching closely — not just to see if Tennessee can make a College Football Playoff push, but to see how many of their stars will hear their names called on NFL Draft night in 2026.

 

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