A Pair of Former Tennessee Volunteers Start the 2025 Season Off Hot
A Pair of Former Tennessee Volunteers Start the 2025 Season Off Hot
As the 2025 professional sports season kicks off, a pair of former Tennessee Volunteers are already making waves and proving their worth at the highest level. From the basketball court to the football field, these two athletes have carried the momentum of their college careers into the pros, earning recognition for their explosive performances and leadership.
The first standout is Jaden Ivey, a former Tennessee basketball star, who has continued to impress in his second year with the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. Meanwhile, on the football field, Jalin Hyatt, the dynamic wide receiver for the New York Giants, has quickly become one of the league’s most electrifying talents. The early success of Ivey and Hyatt in 2025 has fans of the Volunteers both excited and proud, as these athletes are embodying everything that Tennessee basketball and football stand for: hard work, resilience, and the drive to be the best.
Jaden Ivey: A Rising Star in the NBA
After an impressive freshman year at Tennessee, Jaden Ivey made the leap to the NBA as a top pick in the 2022 draft, and he hasn’t looked back since. His sophomore year with the Detroit Pistons has been nothing short of spectacular. The 6’4″ guard, known for his explosive athleticism, smooth shooting stroke, and relentless drive, has firmly established himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
As the 2025 season gets underway, Ivey has been a standout for the Pistons, averaging 26.2 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game through the first month. His ability to create for himself and others has made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the NBA, and it’s clear that he’s found his rhythm early in the season. After a challenging rookie year, where Ivey had to adjust to the speed and physicality of the professional game, his second season is a testament to his growth and maturity.
“I feel like I’ve really started to understand the game at this level,” Ivey explained after a 35-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets in early November. “Coming into the league, I knew I had the talent, but I had to put the work in. I’ve learned a lot from my teammates and coaches, and I’m finally starting to see the results.”
The Pistons have relied heavily on Ivey’s scoring ability, especially after the team lost veteran star Cade Cunningham to injury for the early part of the season. Despite the adversity, Ivey has stepped up and been the catalyst for Detroit’s offense. His explosive first step and smooth transition play have made him nearly impossible to defend on the fast break, and he’s developed a deadly mid-range jumper to complement his three-point shooting.
Perhaps most impressive has been Ivey’s ability to remain poised in clutch moments. In a tight game against the Milwaukee Bucks in late October, with less than 30 seconds remaining and the Pistons down by two, Ivey calmly drained a three-pointer to give Detroit the lead. His confidence has translated into efficiency and consistency, and he’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA.
Off the court, Ivey has been a fan favorite in Detroit, with his charisma and work ethic making him a leader in the locker room. He credits much of his growth to his time at Tennessee, where head coach Rick Barnes instilled in him a sense of discipline and teamwork that has translated well to the professional game.
“Tennessee was the perfect place for me to grow as a player,” Ivey said. “Coach Barnes taught me so much about the game, but more importantly, he taught me how to be a professional. That’s something I carry with me every day.”
With the Pistons currently sitting in the playoff hunt in the competitive Eastern Conference, Ivey’s strong play has them on track to be a serious contender for a postseason spot. If he continues to develop at this rate, it’s likely that the young guard will be selected to his first All-Star Game this season.
Jalin Hyatt: A Breakout Star in the NFL
While Ivey’s rise in the NBA is generating excitement, former Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is also making a name for himself in the NFL. After an outstanding career at Tennessee, where he was a key part of the Volunteers’ high-octane offense under head coach Josh Heupel, Hyatt was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite a relatively quiet rookie campaign, Hyatt’s 2025 season has been nothing short of explosive, cementing his status as one of the NFL’s most dynamic young wide receivers.
Hyatt’s sophomore season has been marked by his ability to stretch the field and make big plays, a trait that made him a star at Tennessee. His speed, coupled with his sharp route-running and elite ball-tracking ability, has made him a nightmare for defenders. Through the first month of the 2025 season, Hyatt has already racked up 35 receptions for 550 yards and 6 touchdowns, putting him on pace for a career year.
In Week 3, Hyatt made headlines with a breakout performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he recorded 150 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including a dazzling 60-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. His ability to turn a short pass into a long touchdown has become a signature part of his game, and it’s something that has earned him respect across the league.
Hyatt’s speed has been a major asset for the Giants, especially as they’ve struggled to find consistent playmakers in the passing game. New York’s offensive scheme has utilized Hyatt’s deep-threat ability, with quarterback Daniel Jones frequently targeting him on long throws down the sideline. Hyatt’s connection with Jones has grown throughout the season, and the two appear to be developing into one of the most dangerous quarterback-wide receiver duos in the NFC.
“I feel like I’m starting to find my rhythm with Daniel,” Hyatt said in an interview after his breakout game. “We’ve been working together all offseason, and it’s paying off now. I love the way the coaching staff has been using me, and I’m excited to see what we can do the rest of the year.”
Hyatt’s success isn’t just about his raw athleticism; he’s also developed an impressive understanding of NFL defenses, allowing him to find soft spots in coverage and make plays when his team needs it most. His work ethic in the film room and dedication to improving his craft have been praised by Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who believes that Hyatt has the potential to be one of the top receivers in the league.
“Jalin is everything you want in a wide receiver,” Daboll said. “He has the physical gifts, but what really stands out is his mentality. He’s a student of the game, and he works tirelessly to improve. He’s going to be a force in this league for a long time.”
For Hyatt, the success of his second season is a direct result of the lessons he learned at Tennessee, where he was coached by Heupel and played alongside some of the nation’s top offensive talent. The Volunteers’ high-paced offense and Hyatt’s ability to excel in the vertical passing game prepared him well for the professional stage.
“Playing in that system at Tennessee helped me get ready for the NFL,” Hyatt said. “We were always pushing the ball downfield, and that’s something that translates really well to the pros. Coach Heupel helped me develop a lot of the skills I’m using now.”
Looking Ahead: More Success to Come
As the 2025 season continues to unfold, both Jaden Ivey and Jalin Hyatt are poised to be key figures in their respective leagues for years to come. Ivey’s explosive playmaking ability has elevated the Pistons’ offense, while Hyatt’s deep-threat capabilities are helping the Giants remain competitive in the NFC East.
For fans of Tennessee sports, the success of these two former Volunteers is a testament to the high level of talent that the university continues to produce. As both athletes continue to develop and refine their skills, there’s no doubt that they will be among the best players in the NBA and NFL for the foreseeable future.
And as Ivey continues to dazzle in Detroit and Hyatt continues to make big plays for New York, Tennessee basketball and football fans can take pride in the fact that these young stars represent the Volunteer spirit on the biggest stages in sports.
