Six Tennessee Volunteers have been invited to participate in the 2025 NFL Combine, showcasing their skills for professional scouts.
The road to the NFL is one of the most arduous, with countless athletes from all over the country vying for a chance to make it to the next level. For many players, the NFL Scouting Combine is the final step in that journey—a high-stakes, intense showcase of their physical and mental prowess. The event, which takes place annually in Indianapolis, provides scouts from all 32 NFL teams an opportunity to evaluate top draft prospects in various physical tests, drills, and interviews.
For the University of Tennessee Volunteers, the 2025 NFL Combine marks a significant moment, as six of their star players have received invitations to participate. This recognition not only highlights their individual talent but also serves as a testament to the growth and success of the Tennessee football program under head coach Josh Heupel.
As the NFL Combine draws closer, excitement builds for these players, who are now given the chance to prove their mettle in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. Each of these Volunteers represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of football. This article takes a closer look at the six players invited to the 2025 NFL Combine, their respective journeys at Tennessee, and what their prospects are heading into this critical moment in their careers.
The Volunteers’ Invitation to the NFL Combine: A Tradition of Excellence
The University of Tennessee has long been a breeding ground for NFL talent. From legends like Reggie White, Peyton Manning, and Al Wilson to recent stars such as Jalen Hurd, Derek Barnett, and Alvin Kamara, the program has a rich history of developing players who go on to have successful careers in the NFL. The 2025 NFL Combine marks another chapter in Tennessee’s storied history, as six players will represent the program in hopes of securing their futures at the highest level of professional football.
Each of these athletes had standout careers at Tennessee, contributing to the Volunteers’ successes and establishing themselves as elite talents in the college football world. Their selection for the NFL Combine is a reflection of their skills, performance, and potential, and it will undoubtedly serve as a pivotal opportunity for them to showcase their abilities to NFL teams.
Players Invited to the 2025 NFL Combine
Let’s take a deeper dive into the six Tennessee Volunteers who have been invited to the 2025 NFL Combine, highlighting their skills, impact on the Tennessee football program, and what makes them stand out as potential NFL prospects.
- Quarterback Joe Milton III
Joe Milton III entered the 2023 season with high expectations, having transferred to Tennessee from Michigan. While his first season in Knoxville was marked by flashes of brilliance, Milton truly showcased his talent in 2023, making a case for himself as one of the top quarterbacks available for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Milton has a rare combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength that makes him an intriguing prospect. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 240 pounds, he possesses a cannon of an arm that allows him to make throws others simply can’t. He demonstrated the ability to launch deep passes with precision, making him a threat in Tennessee’s high-powered offense.
However, Milton’s journey has been one of growth. While his arm strength is undeniable, his decision-making and consistency have been areas for improvement. At the NFL Combine, Milton will be expected to demonstrate his accuracy, mobility, and mental acuity—areas where he has shown progress during his time at Tennessee. NFL scouts will be looking to see whether Milton can refine his mechanics and develop into the complete quarterback prospect that many believe he has the potential to become.
- Wide Receiver Jalin Hyatt
Jalin Hyatt is perhaps one of the most exciting players from Tennessee’s 2023 roster. As one of the top wide receivers in college football, Hyatt had a breakout season, accumulating over 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and create separation from defenders made him a constant threat in Tennessee’s high-octane passing attack.
Hyatt’s combination of speed, route running, and playmaking ability makes him a highly coveted prospect for the NFL. His ability to take the top off a defense with his breakaway speed is a trait that scouts value tremendously. Moreover, Hyatt’s ball tracking skills and ability to make contested catches further elevate his status as a potential first-round draft pick.
At the NFL Combine, Hyatt will be expected to showcase his speed and agility, with an emphasis on his 40-yard dash time and his ability to separate during drills. His ability to translate his college success to the NFL will largely depend on his consistency in route running and his ability to win against elite cornerbacks. If he performs well at the combine, Hyatt could solidify himself as one of the top receivers in the 2025 draft class.
- Offensive Tackle Darnell Wright
Darnell Wright is one of the premier offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 335 pounds, Wright has the ideal size and physicality to dominate at the next level. Throughout his career at Tennessee, he played multiple positions along the offensive line, ultimately settling in at right tackle, where he showed impressive technique, strength, and mobility.
Wright was a key player in Tennessee’s offensive success, particularly in their high-tempo passing game. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and create lanes in the running game was critical to the Volunteers’ offensive efficiency. His strength in pass protection, paired with his athleticism, makes him a standout prospect for NFL teams in need of a versatile offensive lineman.
At the NFL Combine, Wright will be expected to showcase his strength, footwork, and agility. Given the importance of offensive tackles in protecting quarterbacks and creating running lanes, Wright’s performance in the drills will be critical in determining his draft stock. He’s widely expected to be one of the top tackles selected, and his performance at the combine will likely determine whether he goes in the first or second round.
- Defensive Lineman Byron Young
Byron Young was a dominant force on Tennessee’s defensive line, known for his explosive burst off the line of scrimmage and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. As a defensive end, Young displayed a relentless motor and an uncanny ability to get to the quarterback, tallying numerous sacks and tackles for loss during his career.
Young is a versatile player with the ability to line up in multiple positions along the defensive front, making him an attractive prospect for NFL teams looking for a player who can create pressure from various alignments. His combination of size, strength, and quickness makes him a difficult matchup for offensive linemen, and his ability to read plays and make adjustments on the fly further enhances his value as a draft prospect.
At the combine, Young will need to demonstrate his explosiveness, strength, and pass-rushing ability. His ability to rush the passer and defend the run will be closely scrutinized, and his performance in the 40-yard dash and other agility drills will be crucial to his stock. With his impressive skill set, Young has the potential to be an early-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Linebacker Jeremy Banks
Jeremy Banks was a key leader on Tennessee’s defense, known for his sideline-to-sideline range, tackling ability, and leadership qualities. As a linebacker, Banks was a force against both the run and the pass, contributing in coverage and consistently being around the ball. His ability to read the opposing offense and make key tackles in critical moments was one of the reasons Tennessee’s defense was so effective during his tenure.
Banks will need to demonstrate his athleticism, coverage skills, and tackling consistency at the NFL Combine. Scouts will be evaluating his ability to move in space, cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game, and track down ball carriers. While Banks may not have the same size or speed as some other top linebackers, his football IQ and relentless effort make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a high-motor player who can contribute in various roles.
- Cornerback Kamal Hadden
Kamal Hadden emerged as one of Tennessee’s top defensive backs, demonstrating exceptional coverage skills and the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. As a cornerback, Hadden showcased his ball skills, making multiple interceptions and breaking up numerous passes throughout his career.
At the NFL Combine, Hadden will need to prove his speed, quickness, and ability to defend against top-tier wide receivers. Scouts will be closely monitoring his performance in one-on-one drills, focusing on his ability to stick with receivers and make plays on the ball. His versatility and experience will play a key role in his draft stock, and if he excels in the combine, Hadden could find himself rising up the draft board.
