Former Kentucky Football Star Will Levis Ruled Out for 2025 NFL Season With Titans Due to Season-Ending Shoulder Injury.

The Tennessee Titans received devastating news this week as starting quarterback and former Kentucky Wildcats star Will Levis has officially been ruled out for the entire 2025 NFL season due to a season-ending shoulder injury. The announcement, made by the Titans’ front office on Wednesday, confirms widespread speculation after Levis underwent further evaluation following a training camp collision that left him sidelined.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound signal-caller was entering his second season as Tennessee’s full-time starter, and expectations were sky-high after a promising 2024 campaign. Now, those hopes are paused indefinitely as the organization looks for immediate answers and long-term direction.

What Happened: The Injury That Changed the Titans’ Plans

Levis injured his right (throwing) shoulder during a 7-on-7 drill last week at Titans training camp in Nashville. Though initial X-rays revealed no structural damage, subsequent MRIs showed a torn labrum and significant shoulder instability. After consulting with renowned orthopedic specialists, Levis and the Titans medical staff made the mutual decision to undergo reconstructive surgery, which will sideline him for at least 9–12 months.

“This is obviously not what any of us wanted,” said Titans head coach Brian Callahan. “Will is a competitor and leader. He’s been everything we hoped for and more. Losing him for the season is a tough blow—but he’ll attack rehab with the same energy he brings to the huddle.”

Levis released a short statement through his agent, saying, “I’m heartbroken I can’t be on the field with my teammates this year, but I’ll be back stronger and smarter. This is just another challenge I’m going to beat.”

Will Levis: From Kentucky Hero to Titans Hope

Levis made a name for himself at the University of Kentucky, where he transferred after beginning his college career at Penn State. In two seasons with the Wildcats (2021–2022), Levis threw for over 5,200 yards and 43 touchdowns, earning praise for his arm strength, toughness, and leadership. He led Kentucky to a 10-win season in 2021, the program’s second double-digit win season since 1977.

His draft stock fluctuated throughout the 2023 NFL Draft process, but the Titans saw potential and selected him with the 33rd overall pick (second round). After beginning his rookie season behind Ryan Tannehill, Levis took over in Week 8 and never looked back, delivering multiple highlight-reel throws and helping the Titans stay competitive despite a rebuilding roster.

By the end of the 2024 season, Levis had secured the starting job outright. He threw for 3,488 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 15 starts, and became the face of the franchise’s next era.

What This Means for the Titans in 2025

With Levis out, the Titans must pivot quickly. Backup quarterback Malik Willis, a third-round pick in 2022, is expected to step in for now. However, sources indicate the Titans could explore free agency or the trade market to bring in a more experienced arm.

Names like Jacoby Brissett, Teddy Bridgewater, or even a reunion with Ryan Tannehill have surfaced as potential short-term options. But the front office has remained tight-lipped.

General manager Ran Carthon addressed the media Thursday: “We believe in Malik, but we’re evaluating all possibilities. Will’s injury doesn’t change our belief in his long-term future, but we need to be prepared for this season.”

Impact on the AFC South Race

The Titans were projected by many analysts to be a dark horse in the AFC South after bolstering their offensive line and adding weapons around Levis, including rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin and veteran tight end Gerald Everett.

Without Levis, Tennessee’s outlook takes a significant hit. The Houston Texans, with reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, and the Indianapolis Colts, with rising star Anthony Richardson, are now more clear-cut favorites in the division.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah commented, “This injury shifts the power dynamic in the AFC South. Tennessee had built a system around Levis’s development. They’ll need to reinvent themselves quickly.”

How This Affects Levis’s Career Arc

For Levis, this injury represents his first major health setback as a professional. Known for playing through pain in college—including rib and finger injuries during his final season at Kentucky—he has built a reputation as one of the league’s toughest young quarterbacks.

However, shoulder injuries, particularly to the throwing arm, are always a concern. The success rate for NFL quarterbacks returning from labrum surgery is high, but not guaranteed.

ESPN medical analyst Stephania Bell explained, “With modern surgical techniques and rehab, players can absolutely return to peak form. But every shoulder is unique, especially when it’s your livelihood. The good news is Levis is young and resilient.”

Reactions from the Football World

Social media was flooded with support for Levis following the announcement. Former teammates, coaches, and fans rallied behind the 25-year-old.

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops posted on X: “Tough break for a great Wildcat. Will has the heart of a lion and the will of a champion. Big Blue Nation is with you!”

Titans teammates including Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins also shared encouraging messages. “It’s your story, bro,” Hopkins wrote. “You’ll write the comeback chapter too.”

The Titans’ Next Move

Tennessee’s decision-making in the coming weeks will say a lot about the organization’s long-term faith in Levis. If they opt for a short-term patch, it’s a clear signal that they still see Levis as the guy in 2026 and beyond. If they trade for a big-name quarterback, however, it could spark a broader conversation about the future.

For now, all eyes are on Malik Willis, who gets what may be his final shot to prove he can be an NFL starter.

Levis’s Recovery Timeline

Levis is scheduled to undergo surgery next week in Los Angeles, performed by orthopedic specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who has worked on numerous high-profile athletes, including Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, and Shohei Ohtani.

Following surgery, Levis will begin a multi-phase rehab process expected to last between 9–12 months. He’s unlikely to return until OTAs or training camp in 2026.

Though the setback is significant, Will Levis’s career is far from over. The Titans still view him as their franchise quarterback, and fans have seen enough flashes of brilliance to believe he can bounce back.

For Levis, the 2025 season may now become a proving ground—not on the field, but through perseverance, leadership, and preparation for a triumphant return. While the Titans retool and rethink their approach, their future remains tied to a strong-armed kid from Kentucky who’s already won hearts—and now must win a battle off the field.