# Former Tennessee Volunteers Star Recognized by *The Athletic* as Top Candidate to Break Out in NFL During 2025 Season
Every year, a new wave of NFL players emerges from relative obscurity to become household names. Whether it’s a rookie making an immediate impact or a veteran finally finding the right system, breakout seasons are one of the most exciting aspects of professional football. This year, *The Athletic* has identified a former Tennessee Volunteers standout as one of the top candidates to have a career-defining season in 2025.
The player in question, whose name has been buzzing in NFL circles since his college days, is poised to take a massive leap forward. His combination of athleticism, football IQ, and work ethic has not gone unnoticed, and analysts believe that the upcoming season could be his true arrival on the national stage.
During his time with the Tennessee Volunteers, this player was nothing short of electrifying. Whether it was his game-changing speed, his ability to make contested catches, or his knack for finding the end zone, he quickly became a fan favorite in Knoxville. His performances against SEC powerhouses solidified his reputation as one of the most dynamic players in college football, and it was only a matter of time before he made his mark in the NFL.
Despite being drafted in the middle rounds—partly due to concerns about his fit in certain schemes or competition level—he has steadily improved each season. Now, entering what many consider the prime of his career, all the pieces are in place for him to explode onto the scene.
Several factors contribute to *The Athletic*’s belief that this former Vol is on the verge of a breakout.One of the biggest hurdles for any young player is finding the right scheme fit. Early in his career, he was often miscast in roles that didn’t maximize his strengths. However, his current team has made significant adjustments to their offensive philosophy, emphasizing versatility and playmaking ability—two areas where he thrives. With a coordinator who understands how to utilize his skill set, he’s expected to see more targets, more creative play designs, and more opportunities to make game-changing plays.In previous seasons, he was often the third or fourth option in the passing game. But due to roster changes—whether through free agency, trades, or injuries—he is now positioned to take on a much larger workload. Coaches have spoken highly of his development, noting his improved route running and ability to read defenses. With more snaps and more responsibility, his production is almost certain to rise.A receiver’s success is often tied to the quarterback throwing him the ball. Early in his career, he dealt with inconsistent QB play, making it difficult to establish chemistry. However, his team has since solidified the position, either through a veteran acquisition or the development of a young signal-caller. A full offseason working with a stable QB has allowed them to build the kind of timing and trust that leads to big plays.NFL players often make their biggest jumps in Years 3 or 4, once they’ve fully adjusted to the speed and physicality of the league. This former Tennessee star has added muscle without losing his explosiveness, allowing him to better handle press coverage and fight for extra yards after the catch. His training regimen has been a point of praise from teammates and coaches alike, and it’s expected to pay dividends this season.The modern NFL is increasingly valuing players who can line up in multiple positions, create mismatches, and turn short passes into big gains. His ability to play both outside and in the slot, combined with his yards-after-catch ability, makes him a perfect fit for today’s offenses. As defenses focus on stopping other established stars on his team, he could benefit from lighter coverage and more one-on-one opportunities.
So, what kind of numbers are we talking about? While projections vary, many analysts believe he could surpass 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career, with a chance to become a top-20 receiver in the league. His touchdown numbers should see a significant bump as well, especially if his team continues to feature him in the red zone.
But statistics only tell part of the story. The real impact will come in key moments—third-down conversions, game-winning drives, and highlight-reel plays that shift momentum. He has always had the talent; now, the situation is aligning for him to showcase it on a weekly basis.
Looking back at recent NFL history, there are plenty of examples of players who took a leap in their third or fourth seasons. Stefon Diggs, for instance, was a solid contributor early in his career before exploding into a superstar once given a larger role and better QB play. Similarly, Tyreek Hill’s development from gadget player to elite receiver was a product of scheme adjustments and increased opportunities.
This former Volunteer has a similar trajectory. He may not have been a Day 1 draft pick, but his path mirrors many of the league’s current stars who needed time to refine their game before becoming dominant forces.
Of course, breakout predictions don’t always come to fruition. Injuries, scheme changes, or unforeseen roster moves can derail even the most promising seasons. But in this case, the signs are overwhelmingly positive. Coaches, teammates, and analysts all agree: this is the year he puts it all together.
For fans of the Tennessee Volunteers, it will be a proud moment to see one of their own shine on the biggest stage. And for NFL fans in general, it’s always exciting to witness the rise of a new star.
As the 2025 season kicks off, all eyes will be on this former Vol to see if he can deliver on the hype. If *The Athletic*’s prediction holds true, we could be looking at the next great NFL breakout story.
