WATCH: Tennessee Football Releases Its Top 10 Plays of the 2024 Season

The Tennessee Volunteers football program has had another eventful and exciting season, one that has showcased incredible individual performances, thrilling team moments, and memorable plays that will be etched into the minds of Vols fans for years to come. As the 2024 season draws to a close, Tennessee released its official “Top 10 Plays of the 2024 Season,” a highlight reel that features some of the most jaw-dropping moments from a season filled with ups and downs, as well as a few surprises along the way.

From explosive offensive plays that left opposing defenses scrambling to dramatic defensive stands that sealed important victories, the 2024 season for the Vols had it all. This highlight reel is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of players and coaches alike, and it serves as a reminder of how far the program has come.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into each of the top 10 plays of the 2024 season, discussing what made each play so special, the players behind the moments, and how these performances have helped shape Tennessee’s journey this year.

1. Hooker’s Game-Winning Touchdown Pass vs. Alabama

The first play on the list is an instant classic and arguably one of the most iconic moments of the season for Tennessee. In a thrilling rivalry game against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Tennessee found itself in a back-and-forth battle that seemed like it could go either way. With time running down and the game hanging in the balance, Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker delivered a clutch game-winning touchdown pass to Squirrel White, showcasing both his poise under pressure and his ability to make big-time throws when it matters most.

Hooker, who has been a standout for the Vols throughout the season, put on a display of elite quarterbacking, standing tall in the pocket despite heavy pressure from Alabama’s defense. The pass to White, who had gotten open on a quick slant route, was perfectly placed, hitting his receiver in stride for the touchdown that sent Neyland Stadium into a frenzy.

This play was not only the defining moment of the game but also marked a signature win for Tennessee in a highly competitive SEC season. The way Hooker stood up to the pressure of such a big moment showed why he is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

2. Jalin Hyatt’s 80-Yard Touchdown Reception vs. LSU

Another play that made waves this season was Jalin Hyatt’s sensational 80-yard touchdown reception against LSU. Hyatt, who has been a game-changer for the Vols this season, caught a perfectly timed deep pass from Hendon Hooker and turned it into an electrifying touchdown that had fans buzzing.

Hyatt, known for his explosive speed and ability to get behind defenses, showcased his tremendous playmaking ability as he weaved through LSU defenders, accelerating down the sideline for the long touchdown. The play was a beautiful example of Tennessee’s high-powered offense, with Hooker’s pinpoint accuracy and Hyatt’s breakaway speed putting the Tigers’ defense on their heels.

This play not only extended Tennessee’s lead in what turned out to be a dominant win but also highlighted Hyatt’s growth as one of the top wide receivers in college football. With plays like this, it’s clear that Hyatt is an emerging star for the Vols and a future NFL prospect.

3. Tennessee Defense Stands Tall vs. Georgia

While Tennessee’s offense has been the team’s primary weapon this season, it’s been the defense that has stepped up at crucial moments to make game-changing plays. One of the most memorable defensive stands of the year came against Georgia, when Tennessee’s defense came up with a massive goal-line stop to keep the Bulldogs from scoring in a tightly contested game.

The play came during the fourth quarter with Georgia threatening to take the lead. With the ball at the one-yard line, the Tennessee defense stiffened, stuffing the Bulldogs’ running back and forcing them into a turnover on downs. The defensive line, led by Tyler Baron and Byron Young, got great penetration and completely shut down Georgia’s offense on the crucial play.

This stand not only gave Tennessee the momentum it needed to take control of the game but also proved that the Vols’ defense was capable of stepping up in critical moments. The Vols went on to win the game, and this defensive stop played a huge role in that victory.

4. Jabari Small’s 60-Yard Run vs. Florida

One of the most explosive plays of the season came from running back Jabari Small, who broke off a stunning 60-yard run against Florida. Small displayed his vision, patience, and speed as he took the handoff from Hooker and found a crease in the Florida defense. Once he hit the second level, there was no stopping him.

What made this run particularly impressive was Small’s ability to navigate through a crowded line of scrimmage and then outrun defenders down the sideline. His burst of speed after breaking through the line was a thing of beauty, and it highlighted his ability to turn what seemed like a routine play into a game-changing run.

The run helped Tennessee extend its lead against a tough Florida team and further solidified Small as one of the top running backs in the SEC. Small’s performance on this play was a microcosm of his entire season—a player who can break off big runs and provide a spark for the Vols when needed most.

5. Tennessee Defense Forces Turnover vs. Mississippi State

Turnovers are often a game-changing moment, and Tennessee’s defense made one of the most crucial plays of the season by forcing a turnover against Mississippi State. With the game on the line and the Bulldogs driving late, Tennessee’s defense stepped up in a big way, with cornerback Kamal Hadden coming up with a critical interception.

Hadden made an incredible read on the ball, stepping in front of the receiver to snare the interception. The turnover came at a pivotal moment in the game and effectively sealed the victory for Tennessee. The play was a testament to the Vols’ defensive backfield, which has made huge strides this season in both pass coverage and ball-hawking ability.

This turnover also showcased Tennessee’s resilience on defense, as they’ve shown time and again this season that they can make big plays when the game is on the line. The interception helped Tennessee improve to 5-0 and keep their momentum rolling into the heart of SEC play.

6. Hendon Hooker’s Game-Sealing Run vs. South Carolina

While Hendon Hooker is known for his arm, he also has the ability to make plays with his legs. One of his most impressive moments of the 2024 season came in a close win against South Carolina, when Hooker sealed the game with a gutsy 30-yard scramble that left defenders grasping at air.

Hooker showed excellent awareness and poise as he escaped pressure in the pocket and took off downfield. His vision and ability to make defenders miss allowed him to pick up crucial yards and keep the chains moving. The run was a perfect example of Hooker’s dual-threat ability, which has made him such a dangerous weapon for Tennessee this season.

7. Squirrel White’s One-Handed Catch vs. Auburn

In a season filled with spectacular catches, one of the most jaw-dropping came from wide receiver Squirrel White, who made a one-handed catch against Auburn that left fans and commentators alike in awe. White, known for his incredible speed and agility, somehow managed to snare a ball with one hand while keeping his balance to maintain possession.

This catch was a perfect example of White’s unique skill set—his ability to make plays in tight spaces and on difficult throws. The catch helped the Vols convert a key third down and keep the offense rolling against Auburn. White’s play was a highlight in what was an otherwise dominant performance by Tennessee’s offense.

8. Tyler Baron’s Sack vs. Texas A&M

Defensive end Tyler Baron has been a force all season, and one of his best moments came against Texas A&M when he registered a key sack that helped shift the momentum of the game. Baron, who has been Tennessee’s leader on the defensive line, used a powerful bull rush to overwhelm the Aggies’ offensive tackle, getting to the quarterback in a critical situation.

The sack was a big-time play for the Vols, who were in the middle of a tough battle with Texas A&M. Baron’s ability to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm and put the Aggies in a tough third-and-long situation was a testament to his physicality and playmaking ability.

9. Jabari Small’s TD Run vs. Kentucky

In a pivotal SEC East matchup against Kentucky, Jabari Small once again proved to be a game-changer. On a 40-yard touchdown run, Small showcased his vision, burst, and ability to evade tacklers as he sprinted into the end zone for a touchdown that gave the Vols the lead in a tightly contested game.

Small’s run was not only a highlight for the offense but also a momentum-shifting play in what was a back-and-forth game. His ability to make big plays when needed most helped Tennessee secure the win.

10. Jalen Wright’s 50-Yard Run vs. Missouri

Finally, Jalen Wright’s 50-yard run against Missouri made it onto the top 10 list for its sheer explosiveness. Wright, who has been a reliable complement to Small in the backfield, took a handoff and exploded through a gap in the defense, showing incredible speed and vision on his way to the end zone.

The run was one of the longest of the season and was instrumental in Tennessee’s victory over Missouri. It showcased Wright’s ability to break off big runs and make game-changing plays out of the backfield.