As the NFL preseason kicks off and the Miami Dolphins take their first strides toward the 2025 campaign, the quarterback position has become an unexpected center of conversation—not because of the veteran presence, but because of a rising young name whose college resume already inspired a passionate following. Former Tennessee Volunteers standout Hendon Hooker, now on the Dolphins’ roster after a whirlwind journey through the league, has emerged as a name to watch, getting a massive vote of confidence from within the organization over a seasoned veteran backup. This development comes as a surprise to many observers, but for those who followed Hooker’s collegiate career and his untapped potential, it feels like the culmination of a slow-burning rise. While most eyes have remained glued to Tua Tagovailoa and the headlines about his contract and long-term future with the team, Hooker has quietly and steadily impressed behind the scenes, earning respect from coaches, teammates, and insiders alike.
Hooker, who shined under Josh Heupel’s offensive system at Tennessee, has always been lauded for his poise, athleticism, and maturity. Though he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2023 and dealt with injuries and development hurdles early on, his move to the Dolphins has offered a clean slate. Now, as Miami transitions into a more flexible and layered offense designed to protect Tua and develop depth behind him, Hooker finds himself competing with and, according to recent reports, leapfrogging an established veteran in the pecking order. That veteran is Mike White, a quarterback who started games for the Jets and showed flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency and health. For much of the offseason, White was assumed to be the unquestioned No. 2 on the depth chart. Yet, during the early days of training camp and into the preseason, Hooker’s name has been brought up repeatedly in team meetings, closed-door evaluations, and informal sideline chats among staff.
The momentum behind Hooker is not merely about physical tools or highlight plays. It’s about command, mental processing, and leadership. Dolphins insiders have noted that Hooker has picked up the playbook at a rapid rate and is showing signs of being a field general when running the second-team offense. He’s vocal, decisive, and, perhaps most importantly, error-averse. With ball security being a significant coaching point this year, his low-interception rate in camp scrimmages hasn’t gone unnoticed. Veteran Dolphins beat writers have even remarked that Hooker looks more confident in the pocket than White, and with each rep, he appears to be gaining more trust from offensive coordinator Frank Smith and quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell.
The vote of confidence Hooker received reportedly came from high up in the Dolphins’ chain of command—possibly even head coach Mike McDaniel himself—who praised the young quarterback for not just his football IQ, but his humility and work ethic. When asked by local media if the team was considering giving Hooker more reps with the second team, a source close to the coaching staff stated that Hooker “has earned the right to show more.” That phrasing, subtle as it may seem, speaks volumes about how the Dolphins are internally re-evaluating their quarterback room.
Fans of the Vols who saw Hooker lead Tennessee to one of its best seasons in recent memory—highlighted by a dramatic win over Alabama and an 11-win campaign—will find this development both exciting and validating. Hooker’s injury late in his senior season cost him potential Heisman consideration and likely dropped his draft stock, but his talent and leadership qualities were never in doubt. His journey from being overlooked to being chosen as a potential quarterback of the future behind a starter like Tagovailoa is a testament to perseverance and development.
The implications of this shift in Miami are significant. For one, it could spell the end of Mike White’s time with the Dolphins. NFL teams often keep only two quarterbacks on the active roster, and with Skylar Thompson also in the mix, Hooker’s rise could make White expendable, especially given his higher salary and limited ceiling. Additionally, the emergence of Hooker adds a layer of strategic depth for Miami. Tua’s health has been a concern over the past few seasons, and while the Dolphins remain fully committed to him as their franchise quarterback, having a legitimate backup option like Hooker—who fits the system and brings a different dynamic to the position—is critical for a playoff-contending team.
More subtly, this confidence in Hooker reflects a trend across the league of teams investing in developmental quarterbacks with high football intelligence and leadership skills. The NFL has evolved beyond the binary of “starter or bust,” and players like Hooker, who may not have a clear path to starting immediately, can still develop into impact contributors over time. Miami’s confidence in him is not just about the immediate backup role; it’s an investment in a future option who could be molded over time into a starter if circumstances require it.
