Former Tennessee athletes will compete in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs for the Vols.
As the NFL playoffs continue to unfold and the intensity ramps up, several former University of Tennessee football players are gearing up to compete in one of the most exciting stages of professional football: the Divisional Round. This year, former Vols are making waves in the NFL postseason, demonstrating that Tennessee’s football program continues to produce elite talent that can thrive at the highest level of competition.
The road to the NFL playoffs is long and arduous, with only the best of the best making it through the gauntlet of a regular season filled with ups, downs, injuries, and uncertainty. For former Tennessee players, this represents a remarkable achievement not only for themselves but also for the legacy of the Volunteers football program, which has long been known for producing top-tier talent that succeeds both in college and professionally.
In this article, we’ll dive into the current Tennessee Volunteers who have made it to the NFL Divisional Round, their contributions to their respective teams, and what their presence in the postseason means for the University of Tennessee and its football program.
Tennessee’s Legacy of NFL Talent
Tennessee has always been a pipeline for NFL talent, producing some of the best athletes in football history. From Heisman winners like Reggie White and Peyton Manning to Pro Bowl players such as Eric Berry, Al Wilson, and T. Martin, the Volunteers have consistently sent their best to the pros. Over the years, Tennessee football has built a reputation for not only competing at the highest levels in college football but also fostering athletes who make their mark on the NFL stage.
In the current NFL landscape, former Vols continue to play pivotal roles in the postseason, especially during the high-stakes Divisional Round. As Tennessee players suit up for these critical games, it serves as a testament to the program’s ability to develop NFL-caliber talent and produce athletes who thrive in the spotlight.
Notable Former Vols in the NFL Divisional Round
In the 2025 NFL Divisional Round, a number of Tennessee alumni are playing crucial roles for their respective teams. These players have carved out impressive careers, showcasing not only their individual skills but also the strength of the Volunteers’ training system. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable former Tennessee players who will be representing their alma mater in the NFL Divisional Round:
1. Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints) – Running Back
One of the most dynamic and explosive players in the NFL, Alvin Kamara has established himself as one of the league’s premier running backs since being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2017. Kamara, who played for Tennessee from 2014 to 2016, entered the NFL as a second-round draft pick and quickly became a staple in the Saints’ high-powered offense.
Known for his versatility, Kamara has demonstrated the ability to excel both as a running back and a receiving threat out of the backfield. His ability to make defenders miss and his natural balance make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Throughout his career, Kamara has been a key piece of the Saints’ offensive game plan, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and setting numerous records along the way.
In the 2025 NFL postseason, Kamara has once again proven his importance to the Saints’ success. His contributions in the Divisional Round will be critical as New Orleans aims to advance to the NFC Championship. Whether running the ball, catching passes, or making key plays on special teams, Kamara’s presence in the playoffs continues to highlight the legacy of Tennessee’s football program.
2. Derek Barnett (Philadelphia Eagles) – Defensive End
Derek Barnett has made a name for himself as one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL since being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. A star at Tennessee from 2014 to 2016, Barnett was known for his pass-rushing ability, quickness off the edge, and knack for making game-changing plays. At Tennessee, he broke several records, including Reggie White’s career sack record, showcasing his elite talent even before entering the NFL.
Since joining the Eagles, Barnett has continued to build on his stellar college career, helping the team win a Super Bowl in 2018. As a key player on a defensive line that includes other notable names, Barnett’s relentless work ethic and physicality have made him a staple of the Eagles’ defense.
In the 2025 NFL postseason, Barnett will play a pivotal role in Philadelphia’s push toward a Super Bowl. With his ability to disrupt quarterbacks and create pressure in the pocket, Barnett’s performance in the Divisional Round could be a deciding factor in whether the Eagles can continue their playoff run. His success at the professional level only strengthens Tennessee’s reputation as a program that produces top-tier defensive talent.
3. Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Detroit Lions) – Linebacker
A versatile and athletic linebacker, Jalen Reeves-Maybin was a standout at Tennessee from 2013 to 2016 before being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Known for his speed, intelligence, and ability to cover ground quickly, Reeves-Maybin has carved out a role for himself as a linebacker who excels in pass coverage and sideline-to-sideline play.
While Reeves-Maybin hasn’t always been a household name, his consistent play and leadership on the field have helped the Detroit Lions make a significant postseason push. As the Lions look to make a deep run in the playoffs, Reeves-Maybin’s ability to impact the game both as a tackler and a coverage linebacker will be crucial. His performance in the Divisional Round will be closely watched, and he could be a key factor in whether the Lions can upset their opponent and keep their playoff hopes alive.
4. Cam Sutton (Pittsburgh Steelers) – Cornerback
Cam Sutton, a standout cornerback from Tennessee who played for the Volunteers from 2013 to 2016, has established himself as a reliable and skilled defender in the NFL. Sutton was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft and has quickly become one of the team’s most dependable cornerbacks. Known for his ability to cover wide receivers and make plays on the ball, Sutton’s instincts and physicality have made him an essential part of Pittsburgh’s secondary.
As the Steelers look to make a run at the Super Bowl, Sutton’s presence in the Divisional Round will be critical. His ability to lock down receivers, create turnovers, and provide leadership in the secondary could prove pivotal in the Steelers’ pursuit of a title. Sutton’s growth from Tennessee to the NFL exemplifies the strong foundation that the Volunteers’ program provides for players transitioning to the professional level.
5. Evan Berry (Free Agent) – Defensive Back
Evan Berry, a former Tennessee star who played for the Volunteers from 2013 to 2016, is another notable name whose presence in the NFL Divisional Round is significant. Although Berry has faced some challenges with injuries during his career, his athleticism and playmaking ability have always been evident. Known for his explosive speed and ability to contribute on special teams, Berry’s potential could still make an impact in the NFL should he receive another opportunity.
As a free agent, Berry’s path may not be as clear as the others, but his time at Tennessee and his potential in the NFL are still noteworthy. Many fans still follow his journey closely, and there is hope that he will return to the field to help contribute to an NFL team’s playoff push.
What Their Success Means for Tennessee Football
The fact that several former Tennessee players are competing in the NFL Divisional Round is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Volunteers’ football program. Tennessee has long been known for producing elite talent that succeeds at the highest levels of college and professional football, and this season’s postseason success only reinforces that reputation.
The presence of these former Vols in the NFL playoffs also has a positive impact on Tennessee’s recruiting efforts. High school athletes looking to play at the next level often consider the professional success of a program’s alumni when deciding where to commit. The continued success of Tennessee’s former players in the NFL is likely to attract more talented recruits who want to follow in their footsteps and make a name for themselves in the NFL.
Furthermore, it highlights the role that Tennessee plays in shaping the future of professional football. The program not only develops players who can compete at the highest levels but also prepares them for the challenges they will face in the NFL, including high-pressure situations like the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
, Tennessee’s place in the history of the NFL grows stronger, and the future of the program looks even brighter.
