Vols Football Players Participate in Pro Day, Shining Light on an Excelling Program
Pro Day is a critical event in the college football calendar, offering athletes a final chance to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts and team executives before the NFL Draft. For college football programs, it’s also a moment to highlight their development and show the world how their players are preparing to take the next step to professional football. For the University of Tennessee, this year’s Pro Day was not just an important opportunity for their players but also a reminder of the strength of the Vols football program under head coach Josh Heupel.
Tennessee has been rebuilding and reshaping its identity over the past few seasons, and Pro Day 2025 served as a testament to the progress the Vols have made since Heupel took the reins. The players who participated in Pro Day were not only showcasing their physical talents but were also representing a program that has rapidly gained national attention. From top draft prospects to lesser-known players fighting for their shot in the NFL, Pro Day served as a reflection of how far Tennessee football has come.
In this article, we will explore the key players that stood out at Tennessee’s Pro Day, what their performances mean for the NFL Draft, and how Tennessee football is evolving under Heupel’s leadership. We’ll also take a look at the overall impact of Pro Day on the program and its reputation, as well as the increasing visibility of Vols players in the professional ranks.
Pro Day 2025: A Showcase for Tennessee’s Talent
Pro Day at Tennessee is always a moment of excitement, especially as it’s an opportunity for Vols football players to demonstrate their physical attributes, improve their draft stock, and showcase how the program has shaped their development. Tennessee’s Pro Day in 2025 had all the ingredients to be a turning point for several players looking to make the leap to the NFL.
A Platform for NFL Scouts
With all 32 NFL teams in attendance, the stakes are high for players eager to impress. Scouts look for a variety of traits — speed, agility, strength, and mental sharpness — but they also seek how a player’s college experience translates into their potential success in the professional ranks. For Tennessee, having NFL scouts in the building is a direct reflection of the program’s rising status in the football world.
Tennessee’s Pro Day also serves as a way for scouts to measure the effectiveness of the coaching staff, led by Josh Heupel. After Heupel’s first few years at Tennessee, it became clear that his offensive-minded approach, ability to develop players, and overall program direction was working. The exposure given to Tennessee’s athletes at Pro Day speaks volumes about how well the program is performing.
Key Players to Watch at Pro Day 2025
Several Tennessee players took part in Pro Day, each with different aspirations for their professional careers. Some are high-profile draft prospects, while others are looking to make a name for themselves in front of the scouts. These players, however, are all united in their desire to take the next step in their football careers, and Pro Day provided them with a platform to do so.
1. Jalin Hyatt: The Vols’ Star Wide Receiver
Jalin Hyatt, one of Tennessee’s most explosive players during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, was arguably the most high-profile player at Pro Day. As a wide receiver who had a breakout season under Heupel’s high-octane offense, Hyatt was a major contributor to Tennessee’s offensive success. He set a record for touchdown receptions in a season and showed off his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches for defenders.
At Pro Day, Hyatt’s primary goal was to solidify his position as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. With blazing speed and impressive agility, Hyatt demonstrated why he had been so successful in Heupel’s system. Scouts were eager to see how his performance would match up with the hype surrounding his college career. Hyatt’s vertical jump, 40-yard dash time, and on-field drills all impressed those in attendance. His ability to turn heads with his speed and hands was something scouts took notice of, positioning him as a likely first-round pick.
Hyatt’s performance at Pro Day not only reaffirmed his status as one of the best wide receiver prospects in the nation but also shed light on Heupel’s offensive system. Under Heupel, players like Hyatt have been able to develop their skills and prove that they can excel at the next level. Hyatt’s success is a direct result of the offensive philosophy Heupel has implemented since taking over at Tennessee.
2. Brew McCoy: Versatile Playmaker with NFL Potential
Brew McCoy was another wide receiver who caught the attention of scouts at Pro Day. McCoy, who transferred to Tennessee from USC, showcased his skills throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons and proved to be a valuable weapon for Heupel. Known for his physicality and ability to make plays in critical moments, McCoy has been a steady contributor in Tennessee’s high-powered offense.
McCoy’s versatility as a wide receiver was on full display at Pro Day. Whether it was his crisp route running, his ability to separate from defenders, or his physicality after the catch, McCoy proved that he has the tools to be a potential draft pick. While not as fast as Hyatt, McCoy’s combination of size, strength, and hands makes him a compelling option for NFL teams looking for a well-rounded receiver.
Pro Day served as McCoy’s opportunity to show that he can be more than just a reliable target in college; he can be an NFL-caliber playmaker. Scouts took note of his well-rounded skill set, and McCoy’s stock likely rose as a result of his performance in front of NFL teams.
3. Darnell Wright: A Standout Offensive Tackle
Offensive tackle Darnell Wright was another Tennessee player who garnered significant attention at Pro Day. A massive presence on the offensive line, Wright had an outstanding college career, playing at a high level in the SEC and becoming one of the most dependable blockers for the Volunteers. Given his size, strength, and technique, Wright was a key player on Tennessee’s offense and one of the most consistent performers on the team.
Wright’s Pro Day performance was crucial in securing his place among the top offensive line prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. His athleticism and ability to move well for his size were showcased during drills, and his overall strength was evident when demonstrating blocking techniques. Pro Day allowed Wright to impress scouts with his technical skills and confirmed why he is a first-round caliber prospect for NFL teams in need of a strong, reliable offensive lineman.
Wright’s performance at Pro Day also highlights Tennessee’s ability to develop top-tier linemen under Heupel’s system. It is not just the skill players like Hyatt and McCoy who are thriving in Tennessee’s program, but the big men up front as well. The Vols’ success at developing offensive linemen bodes well for the future as the program continues to attract high-level talent.
4. Jeremy Banks: Linebacker with Leadership and Drive
Another standout at Pro Day was linebacker Jeremy Banks, who has been a mainstay of Tennessee’s defense for several seasons. Banks’ leadership and passion were evident during his time at Tennessee, and he is expected to make an impact as an NFL prospect. His performance at Pro Day demonstrated that he has the tools to succeed at the next level, with his physicality and athleticism drawing praise from scouts.
Banks’ ability to perform both as a pass rusher and as a linebacker in coverage makes him an intriguing prospect. He impressed at Pro Day by demonstrating his agility, speed, and ability to cover ground quickly. For NFL teams looking for a versatile linebacker who can contribute in multiple ways, Banks’ performance solidified his potential in the upcoming draft.
Tennessee Football’s Growing Reputation Under Josh Heupel
As Tennessee’s football program continues to rise in prominence, Pro Day serves as a critical moment for showcasing the development of players under head coach Josh Heupel. Since taking over the program, Heupel has quickly established himself as one of the top offensive minds in college football, leading Tennessee to multiple high-scoring seasons and creating a program that is competitive on a national level.
Pro Day is one of the most visible events that showcases how Tennessee’s players have been shaped by Heupel’s system. The success of players like Jalin Hyatt, Brew McCoy, and Darnell Wright demonstrates that Tennessee is producing NFL-caliber talent and competing with the best programs in the country. The Vols’ ability to send players to the NFL is a testament to the strength of the program, and as Tennessee’s reputation continues to grow, so too will its ability to attract high-level recruits.