Former Kentucky Football Star Will Levis Out for 2025 Titans Season After Devastating Injury, Raising Major Concerns About His Future
The Tennessee Titans were dealt a crushing blow this week when it was announced that quarterback Will Levis, a former Kentucky Wildcats standout, will miss the entire 2025 NFL season due to a significant injury suffered during training camp. The news sent shockwaves through the organization and the league, as Levis was expected to be the centerpiece of the Titans’ rebuilding efforts under second-year head coach Brian Callahan.
For Levis, the setback is not just physical—it’s deeply personal. After showing flashes of promise during the 2024 campaign and entering the offseason as Tennessee’s undisputed starter, the 25-year-old quarterback now faces a long, uncertain road to recovery. And for the Titans, questions swirl about what this means for the future of the franchise and the development of a young roster.
A Devastating Turn of Events
The injury occurred during a routine 7-on-7 drill in the first week of Titans training camp. Levis planted awkwardly on his front leg while attempting a deep throw, immediately grabbing his knee before crumpling to the turf in visible pain. Trainers rushed to his side, and the quarterback was carted off the field.
Initial tests revealed the worst: a torn ACL and partial damage to his MCL in his right knee. The diagnosis was confirmed by team doctors and an independent orthopedic specialist. Surgery is scheduled within the next 10 days, followed by an estimated 9-to-12 month rehabilitation process.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Callahan said during a somber press conference. “Will has worked tirelessly all offseason. He’s done everything right. To lose him before the season even begins—it’s a tough pill to swallow.”
Levis also issued a statement through the team, expressing his disappointment and determination.
“This isn’t how I envisioned 2025 starting, but I know this journey will make me stronger,” Levis said. “I’m going to attack this rehab process and come back better than ever. I appreciate all the love and support from the Titans family and Big Blue Nation.”
A Promising Career Put on Pause
Will Levis entered the NFL with plenty of hype and even more skepticism. After starting his college career at Penn State, he transferred to Kentucky and quickly became one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class. With a cannon arm, prototypical size (6-foot-4, 230 pounds), and toughness that won over scouts, Levis was selected in the second round by the Titans—who saw him as their future.
Levis made his NFL debut in 2023, replacing veteran Ryan Tannehill midway through the season. He showcased a strong arm and fearlessness, throwing four touchdown passes in his first start against the Atlanta Falcons. Though the Titans struggled overall, finishing 6-11, Levis gave fans and coaches hope with his pocket presence and leadership.
Heading into 2024, the Titans officially handed him the reins. He started 16 games, throwing for 3,085 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while completing 61.3% of his passes. He led the Titans to several late-game rallies, earning praise for his poise under pressure and improved decision-making.
“This kid was growing into the real deal,” said Titans offensive coordinator Nick Holz. “We built this offense around him this offseason. This injury—man, it just hurts.”
Impact on the Titans’ 2025 Season
Levis’ injury throws the Titans’ 2025 plans into complete disarray. The franchise was banking on the former Wildcat to continue his development and solidify his role as the long-term solution at quarterback. Without him, the team now faces a critical decision: stay in-house or pursue help externally.
Backup quarterback Malik Willis, a third-round pick in 2022, is next in line. Though physically gifted, Willis has struggled with consistency, timing, and confidence during his limited NFL appearances. The Titans also recently signed veteran journeyman Trevor Siemian as a camp arm, but he is not viewed as a long-term option.
“Right now, Malik will get the first-team reps,” Callahan said. “But everything’s on the table. We’re going to evaluate what’s best for this football team.”
That could include bringing in a veteran free agent such as Teddy Bridgewater, Carson Wentz, or even exploring a trade if a suitable candidate becomes available. But the Titans’ timeline for contention may now shift, especially if the front office views 2025 as a transitional year in Levis’ absence.
General manager Ran Carthon acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a starting-caliber quarterback so close to the season.
“There’s no sugar-coating this—losing your starting quarterback is tough,” Carthon said. “But we’re not going to panic. We’ll be smart and strategic moving forward.”
Locker Room Reactions
The injury has deeply affected the locker room. Teammates spoke with genuine emotion when discussing Levis, highlighting his leadership, resilience, and connection with the squad.
“Will is our guy,” said Pro Bowl left tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere. “He’s the one we rally around. It sucks to see something like this happen to someone who puts in so much work.”
Veteran wide receiver Treylon Burks, who had developed strong chemistry with Levis, posted on social media: “Praying for my brother. We got you. Come back even stronger.”
Running back Tyjae Spears echoed the sentiment: “He’s our leader. We’re gonna fight for him this season, no matter who’s under center.”
A New Test of Mental Toughness
Levis has long been known for his mental toughness and confidence. At Kentucky, he played through numerous injuries, often putting his body on the line in SEC battles. In the NFL, he quickly gained a reputation for being unshaken by adversity.
Now, that mindset will be put to the ultimate test.
“Rehab is where champions are made,” said Levis’ former college coach Mark Stoops. “Will’s a warrior. He’s not going to let this define him. I’ve seen him come back from worse.”
Recovery from ACL surgery is a grueling process. It demands patience, discipline, and mental fortitude—all traits Levis has in spades. But it also raises a bigger question: will this injury stunt the progression of a quarterback who was just starting to figure things out?
“It’s not just the physical part,” said NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky. “It’s the reps he’s missing. The experience. The growth. That’s what makes this injury such a blow—not just for 2025, but potentially for his overall development arc.”
Titans’ Future Outlook
This injury could also force the Titans to reevaluate their long-term roster-building strategy. If the team struggles in 2025 without Levis, and ends up with a high draft pick, could they consider drafting another quarterback?
“Anything is possible,” said one AFC executive. “The NFL moves fast. If Tennessee ends up with a top-three pick and a guy like Shedeur Sanders or Carson Beck is sitting there, that conversation’s going to happen.”
For now, though, the Titans insist they’re fully behind Levis—and that this is merely a detour, not a derailment.
“We believe in Will,” said GM Ran Carthon. “He’s still our quarterback of the future.”
From Kentucky to the NFL: A Journey Interrupted, Not Ended
Levis’ story has always been one of resilience. Overlooked at Penn State. Transferred to Kentucky. Battled eligibility hurdles. Overcame injuries. Dropped in the NFL Draft. And now, he faces perhaps his most daunting challenge yet.
But if history is any indicator, don’t count him out.
“Will Levis has always bet on himself,” said ESPN’s Laura Rutledge. “And even in the face of this, he’s not backing down. That’s who he is.”
As the 2025 NFL season kicks off without him, Will Levis will be rehabbing in the shadows—working, grinding, and preparing for the moment he can return.
Because while this injury might have sidelined his season, it hasn’t shaken his resolve.
And when he finally steps back onto the field, both the Titans and the football world will be watching to see how the former Kentucky star writes his next chapter.
