Former Tennessee Volunteers star recognized by The Athletic as a top candidate to break out in the NFL during the 2025 season.

The journey from college stardom to NFL greatness is one marked by discipline, resilience, and opportunity. For one former Tennessee Volunteers standout, that path may soon culminate in a breakout NFL campaign in 2025. Recently highlighted by The Athletic as a top candidate to emerge as a difference-maker this upcoming season, this player is drawing attention not just for his collegiate résumé, but for the growing confidence among scouts, coaches, and analysts in his potential to leave a serious mark at the professional level. As the spotlight grows, so do the expectations — but those who have followed his trajectory know he might just be ready for it all.

Every college football program dreams of producing stars that transition seamlessly into the NFL, but not all prospects live up to the hype. In the case of this former Tennessee Volunteer, however, the talent, work ethic, and physical tools were evident long before draft day. Throughout his career in Knoxville, he consistently proved himself on the field. Whether it was through explosive plays, consistent effort, or leadership in the locker room, he made a name for himself in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.

The SEC is known as a breeding ground for NFL talent. Playing in the Southeastern Conference means facing off against elite opponents week after week, and this Tennessee alum didn’t just survive—he thrived. His performances were often the highlight of Tennessee’s weekends, and fans quickly learned to expect something special when he was on the field. His instincts, athleticism, and knack for making momentum-changing plays made him a standout even among the SEC’s deep pool of talent.

Now, heading into the 2025 NFL season, he’s in a position to turn all of that potential into production. For many young players, their first couple of seasons in the league are about learning, adapting, and finding their place. But for this former Volunteer, those lessons may finally be coming together. With a strong offseason under his belt, increased reps in training camp, and an apparent role in his team’s plans for the upcoming year, the stage is set for him to take that next step.

The coaching staff around him believes in what he brings to the table. From early reports out of minicamps and OTAs, he’s been earning praise not just for his raw ability, but for the strides he’s made in understanding the playbook, recognizing coverages, and improving his technique. NFL coaches often talk about the leap players can make between Year 1 and Year 2—or between Year 2 and Year 3—as their knowledge catches up with their athleticism. That appears to be the case here, and it’s one of the main reasons why The Athletic has singled him out as a breakout candidate.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. The margin between success and irrelevance can be razor-thin. Injuries, competition, scheme fit—any number of factors can derail a promising young career. But there’s something different about this particular player’s outlook. There’s a quiet confidence, both from him and from those within the organization, that suggests he’s not just another hopeful waiting for his chance. He’s preparing to seize it.

The mental side of the game has always been one of his strengths. In interviews and press conferences, he speaks with maturity and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Teammates have described him as someone who shows up early, stays late, and sets the tone in the film room and on the practice field. These are the traits coaches look for when deciding who to trust with expanded responsibilities, and it appears that trust is being extended to him now.

What separates breakout players from the rest isn’t just talent—it’s timing and opportunity. Every season, a handful of young players emerge not because they suddenly became more athletic, but because they were placed in the right situations to showcase what they could do. That may now be happening here. Whether due to a scheme shift, injuries ahead of him on the depth chart, or simply his own development, the opportunity is real and it’s now.

Fans of Tennessee football will undoubtedly be watching closely. For them, this isn’t just about rooting for an NFL team—it’s about seeing one of their own succeed on the grandest stage. He represents the hard-nosed, blue-collar attitude that has defined Volunteers football for generations. His success would be a point of pride not just for him personally, but for the program and fanbase that supported him throughout his college career.

From a statistical standpoint, analysts expect a significant uptick in his production. Whether it’s more targets, more tackles, more snaps, or more big plays, the projection is clear: this season could be the one where he firmly plants his flag in the NFL landscape. Fantasy football circles are already buzzing, and some savvy managers are stashing him in anticipation of a breakout. Meanwhile, opposing teams are beginning to take notice of the threat he poses and are preparing accordingly.

His emergence could also have ripple effects for his current NFL team. Every successful franchise needs young, ascending players on rookie contracts who can contribute at a high level. If he becomes the kind of player The Athletic predicts, it could shift the entire dynamic of his team’s offense or defense. He could become the kind of player that opposing coordinators have to account for, and the kind of playmaker that shifts momentum when it’s needed most.

Leadership is another area where he’s beginning to grow. Veterans in the locker room have started to lean on him more, not just for performance, but for energy and focus. Young players around him view him as an example of how to navigate the early years of an NFL career. For an organization trying to build a winning culture, having a young player with both talent and character is a massive asset.

The transition from college to the NFL is rarely seamless. There are always challenges—adjusting to the speed of the game, learning complex systems, dealing with the physical toll of a longer season. But those who survive and thrive are the ones who remain consistent and hungry. This former Tennessee Volunteer appears to have done just that, and 2025 may be the year where it all pays off.

Those close to him speak highly of his work ethic and his humility. Despite the accolades and growing attention, he’s remained grounded, focusing on daily improvement and team success over individual praise. That mentality bodes well for a long and productive NFL career, and it’s part of what makes him so appealing to coaches and front offices.

NFL history is filled with players who started quietly before exploding onto the scene in their third or fourth year. The league can be unpredictable, but for those paying attention, there are always signs—camp buzz, improved usage, coach praise—that a breakout is coming. And in this case, The Athletic has simply given voice to what many insiders have already suspected: this young man is on the verge of something special.

As training camp looms and preseason games draw closer, all eyes will be on him. Every snap, every rep, every opportunity will be a chance to prove that the hype is justified. The road to becoming an NFL star is filled with twists and challenges, but for this former Tennessee standout, the path ahead looks clearer than ever. If he stays healthy, continues to develop, and capitalizes on his chances, 2025 could be the year he becomes a household name.

In the end, breakout seasons are about more than just numbers. They’re about arrival—about a player announcing to the league and the world that he belongs among the best. For this Volunteer-turned-pro, that moment may be just around the corner. And for fans who followed him in orange and white, it’ll be a thrilling ride to watch him rise to new heights.