Tennessee Vols Wide Receiver: A Potential Breakout Player in College Football

In college football, the emergence of a breakout player can be the difference between a good season and a great one. With each passing year, the Tennessee Volunteers (Vols) find themselves in the national spotlight as they continue their climb to prominence within the SEC and the wider college football landscape. One area that has drawn significant attention over the past few seasons is the wide receiver position, a unit that has the potential to become one of the most explosive in the nation. With the Tennessee Volunteers constantly rebuilding and retooling to compete against the best, their wide receiver corps could be home to the next breakout star in college football.

For Tennessee, 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of promise, and Jalin Hyatt, who had a spectacular 2024 season, could serve as the torchbearer for the Vols’ passing game. However, it’s the new faces, players stepping into larger roles, and developing talents like Squirrel White, Brew McCoy, and others who could elevate this Tennessee offense to new heights. The combination of head coach Josh Heupel’s high-paced, dynamic offensive system and a wide receiver group poised to make major strides could position the Volunteers for a thrilling 2025 season.

In this article, we will delve into Tennessee’s wide receiver situation, highlighting a potential breakout star for the Vols and analyzing why this individual could shine brightly in the 2025 college football season.

The Tennessee Passing Game and Josh Heupel’s Influence

To understand the potential for a Tennessee wide receiver to have a breakout season, it’s important to first look at the overarching offensive philosophy of the program. Under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has embraced a high-octane, pass-heavy offensive system that is built on speed, space, and scoring. This system allows wide receivers to thrive, often creating favorable matchups against defenders. Heupel’s offense is designed to exploit weaknesses in defenses by using a fast-paced rhythm that stresses tempo, stretching the field horizontally and vertically.

Heupel’s system is one that demands exceptional play from the quarterback and wide receivers alike. Wide receivers must be agile, able to separate from defenders, and create big plays in a hurry. This style of offense suits fast, explosive players who can turn short-yardage receptions into massive gains. With quarterbacks like Joe Milton (or whoever emerges as the starter) under center, the deep ball will continue to be a staple of the Vols’ passing game.

The emphasis on speed and skill in the receiving corps means that Tennessee’s wide receivers are often put in a position to showcase their talent in one-on-one matchups against opposing defensive backs. This creates a perfect environment for a potential breakout player to emerge, and with a few dynamic options on the roster, 2025 could be the year that Tennessee has one of the most dangerous wide receiver units in the nation.

Jalin Hyatt: From Star to Possible Breakout Legend

Before we dive into the potential breakout stars of 2025, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the success of Jalin Hyatt, who has become one of Tennessee’s most reliable and explosive wide receivers. Hyatt had a standout 2024 season that propelled him into national recognition, becoming one of the most dangerous weapons in the SEC. In 2024, Hyatt racked up 1,210 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the Vols’ offense with an explosive style that is emblematic of what Heupel’s system can produce.

However, with Hyatt no longer in the mix in 2025 (he declared for the NFL Draft), Tennessee will need to fill that void and find a new star in their wide receiver corps. The question on everyone’s mind is: who will step up as the next playmaker and make the kind of impact that Hyatt had in 2024?

While the loss of Hyatt leaves a significant gap in Tennessee’s passing game, there are several candidates who have the potential to fill it. With players like Squirrel White, Brew McCoy, and other emerging talents, the 2025 wide receiver group has the potential to keep the Vols’ offense clicking.

Squirrel White: The Shifty Speedster

When looking at Tennessee’s wide receiver group, Squirrel White stands out as one of the most exciting players who could be poised for a breakout in 2025. Known for his lightning-fast speed and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, White possesses the kind of skill set that can thrive in Josh Heupel’s fast-paced offense.

Squirrel White, standing at just 5’10” and weighing 180 pounds, is a compact, shifty wide receiver who has already shown flashes of brilliance in limited action. His quickness and agility make him a nightmare for defensive backs in one-on-one situations, and he’s shown an ability to break off big plays, both in the slot and on the outside. As of now, White has the potential to step into a larger role in Tennessee’s offense, especially now that they are searching for a reliable playmaker to replace the departed Hyatt.

What makes White an intriguing prospect is his ability to stretch the field. In Heupel’s offense, deep balls are a staple, and White’s speed makes him a legitimate threat to burn defenses over the top. Additionally, White has displayed excellent hands and a knack for creating separation from defenders with his quick route running, which would be essential in making him an integral part of Tennessee’s passing attack in 2025.

White’s ability to make defenders miss with his open-field agility is also something that could make him a YAC (yards after catch) machine in the coming season. In the 2024 season, White demonstrated his ability to break tackles and evade tacklers, often turning short receptions into long gains. He is an explosive athlete with game-changing ability, and as Tennessee looks to replace a player like Hyatt, White has the potential to step up and become the next big star in Knoxville.

Brew McCoy: A Veteran Presence and Playmaking Ability

While Squirrel White brings the speed and shiftiness that makes him a potential breakout player, Brew McCoy provides the type of physicality and route-running ability that could complement Tennessee’s explosive offense. McCoy, who transferred to Tennessee from USC, has already demonstrated his ability to be a significant contributor in the Vols’ offense, but 2025 could be the year he truly breaks out.

Standing at 6’3” and weighing 210 pounds, McCoy has the size and strength to win contested catches and dominate in one-on-one situations, particularly in the red zone. He possesses the ideal size to be a physical presence, but also the agility and speed to operate on the outside and catch passes down the field.

McCoy’s potential for a breakout year is bolstered by his versatility. He is capable of playing both as a boundary receiver and in the slot, giving Tennessee’s offensive coaches flexibility in how they use him. His physicality allows him to excel against bigger cornerbacks, while his quickness and separation skills make him a difficult matchup for smaller defenders.

In Tennessee’s offense, McCoy could become the go-to target when the Vols need a reliable possession receiver. His ability to make contested catches and move the chains on critical downs could prove invaluable for Tennessee’s high-powered offense. And given that McCoy has experience at a high level (from his time at USC), he has the maturity and polish that can make him a dependable playmaker for the Vols.

The Future of Tennessee’s Wide Receiver Corps

While Squirrel White and Brew McCoy are the main players to watch heading into 2025, the future of Tennessee’s wide receiver corps is promising. In addition to White and McCoy, Tennessee has a number of promising recruits and young players who could add depth and competition to the unit. Players like Caleb Webb and Chaz Nimrod have the potential to contribute and make an impact.

With the recruiting classes coming in and the consistent development of players under Heupel, Tennessee’s wide receiver corps looks to be a strong and dynamic unit for years to come. The Vols’ offense has already proven that it can produce elite wide receivers, and the 2025 season is shaping up to be another exciting chapter in the program’s offensive legacy.

The Role of Quarterback Play in the Success of the Wide Receivers

While the wide receivers are a critical part of Tennessee’s offensive success, it’s essential to consider the role of the quarterback in the equation. The success of players like Squirrel White and Brew McCoy will depend heavily on the play of whoever wins the starting quarterback position. Whether it’s Joe Milton, who has the arm strength and experience, or a younger player stepping into a larger role, the quarterback will need to provide consistent, accurate throws to maximize the potential of Tennessee’s wide receivers.

A Breakout Season for Tennessee’s Wide Receiver Corps

In the highly competitive world of SEC football, Tennessee’s wide receivers are poised to take their place among the most dangerous in the nation. With players like Squirrel White, Brew McCoy, and others stepping into bigger roles, the Vols have the potential for a breakout year in the passing game in 2025. Under Josh Heupel’s high-powered offense, Tennessee’s wide receiver corps could be one of the most explosive units in college football, with players capable of changing the game in an instant.

For the Tennessee Volunteers, the future is bright, and with the right combination of talent, leadership, and opportunity, the wide receiver position could be the key to a successful 2025 season. The next breakout player for Tennessee could very well emerge from the ranks of these talented wideouts, and if so, they could help elevate Tennessee’s offense to new heights, both within the SEC and on the national stage.