Tennessee Vols wide receiver shows potential for a breakout season in college football, with impressive skills, speed, and playmaking ability set to shine in 2025.

The University of Tennessee Volunteers (Vols) have long been a powerhouse in college football, with a rich history of producing elite players at nearly every position. One area that has seen significant growth in recent years is the wide receiver corps. With the evolution of college football offenses and an increasing reliance on high-powered passing games, wide receivers have become more than just a key position — they’re often the face of the offense. For Tennessee, the wide receiver room is no exception, and 2025 could very well be the year that one of their young stars emerges as a breakout player in college football.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Vols’ wide receiver situation, what makes this particular player a candidate for a breakout season, and why he could be a household name by the end of 2025.

The Evolution of Tennessee’s Wide Receiver Corps

Before diving into the specifics of the potential breakout player, it’s important to understand the context of Tennessee’s wide receiver situation in recent years. Historically, Tennessee has been known for producing star wide receivers, including players like Peerless Price, Joey Kent, and Alshon Jeffery. However, the past decade has seen more ups and downs for the Vols in terms of consistency at the position. The offense at Tennessee had been known for leaning heavily on the running game, which meant that wide receivers didn’t always get the kind of exposure they needed to truly shine.

That all changed with the arrival of head coach Josh Heupel in 2021. Heupel brought with him a high-octane, pass-heavy offensive scheme that’s put Tennessee on the map as one of the most exciting offenses in college football. This has created a fertile ground for wide receivers to flourish, and under Heupel’s guidance, players like Jalin Hyatt, Cedric Tillman, and Bru McCoy have made significant strides in their development. The ability to run an offense that focuses on explosive, big-play opportunities has allowed wide receivers to showcase their skills, and now, with a deep and talented roster, Tennessee is poised for even more success.

A Look at the Vols’ 2025 Wide Receiver Depth Chart

As of 2025, Tennessee boasts one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the country. With numerous talented athletes on the roster, competition for playing time is fierce, but it also presents an opportunity for players to prove themselves. Let’s take a quick look at the key players in the Vols’ wide receiver corps heading into the 2025 season.

• Jalin Hyatt – While Hyatt has since moved on to the NFL, his legacy remains an important part of Tennessee’s wide receiver culture. Hyatt was known for his incredible speed and route-running ability, and his departure has opened up an opportunity for another player to step up into the spotlight.
• Cedric Tillman – Tillman is another player who has helped raise the profile of Tennessee’s receiving game. His physicality and ability to win contested catches have made him a star in recent years. Although Tillman is also no longer part of the team, his impact on the program’s offensive success cannot be understated.
• Bru McCoy – McCoy is one of the top returning receivers for the Vols in 2025. Known for his ability to stretch the field and make spectacular catches, McCoy is a potential first-round draft pick, and his development under Heupel’s system will be closely watched by NFL scouts.
• Squirrel White – White is a rising star who has already flashed significant potential. His shiftiness, ability to break away from defenders, and top-end speed have made him a fan favorite. Heading into 2025, White could be the key player who rises to the challenge and leads the Vols’ receiving corps.
• Rommel Keaton – Keaton has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but has yet to fully break out. He has the size, speed, and athleticism to be a dangerous weapon in Tennessee’s offense, and 2025 could be his year to take over as a go-to option in the passing game.

While all of these players have the potential to shine, one receiver, in particular, stands out as the most likely candidate to break out in 2025: Squirrel White.

Why Squirrel White Could Be Tennessee’s Breakout Wide Receiver in 2025

Squirrel White, a former 4-star recruit from the state of Alabama, has been steadily climbing the ranks in Tennessee’s wide receiver room since his arrival on campus. After a solid but not explosive freshman season, White began to emerge as one of the Vols’ most dynamic playmakers during his sophomore year. His speed, route-running precision, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field are just a few of the traits that make him such a promising talent.

Speed and Agility

At just 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, White isn’t the tallest or heaviest wide receiver on the roster, but he more than makes up for it with his exceptional speed and agility. His 40-yard dash time is rumored to be in the low 4.3-second range, making him one of the fastest players on the team. In a high-powered offense like Tennessee’s, speed is the key to success, and White’s ability to take the top off of defenses will be a major asset in 2025. With his quickness, he can burn defenders on vertical routes or exploit soft spots in zone coverage.

Elite Route Running

One of the most underrated aspects of White’s game is his ability to run precise routes. While his speed will always be a factor, it’s his ability to create separation with sharp, crisp cuts that sets him apart from other receivers. He’s able to manipulate defensive backs with head fakes and sudden bursts of acceleration, which will make him a nightmare for opposing defenders to cover. In Heupel’s offense, where timing and precision are crucial, White’s route-running ability will be a perfect fit for the scheme.

Playmaking Ability

White has demonstrated an innate ability to make big plays in the open field. Whether it’s catching a short pass and turning it into a long gain or hauling in a deep ball for a touchdown, White has shown that he can take any opportunity and turn it into a highlight-reel moment. This type of playmaking ability will be critical for Tennessee as they look to build on their success in 2025 and potentially make a run at the College Football Playoff.

Strong Work Ethic and Leadership

Beyond the physical traits, White’s work ethic and mentality have earned him respect among coaches and teammates. His commitment to improving his game — whether it’s through extra work in the weight room or refining his understanding of the playbook — has been evident since his arrival at Tennessee. In a room filled with talent, White’s leadership has been crucial in pushing others to improve. This mentality could be one of the factors that elevates him into a breakout season, as his competitiveness will drive him to become a top-tier player in the SEC.

Opportunity in 2025

With the departure of star players like Hyatt and Tillman, Tennessee’s wide receiver room is primed for a new leader to emerge. While Bru McCoy may be a primary target, Squirrel White has all the tools to seize the opportunity and become the Vols’ No. 1 wide receiver. Given his talent, combined with Tennessee’s high-powered offense and White’s potential to be a mismatch for defenses, there’s little doubt that he could explode onto the scene in 2025.