What We Are Hearing – Tennessee Football Under Heupel Has NFL Sources Raving

In the world of college football, few programs have experienced a more dramatic and exciting rise over the past few years than the Tennessee Volunteers. After years of mediocrity, the Vols have finally returned to prominence under head coach Josh Heupel, and the program’s resurgence has not gone unnoticed. In fact, NFL scouts, executives, and coaches are now closely watching Tennessee’s program, as Heupel’s innovative offensive system and the talent he’s developed are earning rave reviews throughout the NFL landscape.

Under Heupel, the Tennessee Volunteers have become one of the most dynamic and dangerous teams in college football. Known for his high-paced, explosive offense, Heupel has turned the Vols into a juggernaut on the offensive side of the ball. With a knack for developing playmakers and creating mismatches, Heupel has put Tennessee back on the map as a contender in the SEC and a program with significant NFL prospects. As we look ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, it’s clear that Tennessee football’s future under Heupel is bright, and NFL sources are taking notice.

This article explores why NFL scouts, coaches, and executives are raving about Tennessee football under Josh Heupel. From the development of players to the innovative offensive schemes, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Vols so impressive and how their success under Heupel has NFL circles buzzing.

Josh Heupel’s Impact on Tennessee Football

Josh Heupel took over as head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers in 2021, and his arrival marked the beginning of a new era for the program. Heupel, who previously turned the University of Central Florida (UCF) into a powerhouse, brought with him a high-flying, no-huddle offense that emphasizes speed, tempo, and a relentless aerial attack. The results were immediate, as Tennessee went from a middling program to one that could compete with the best teams in the SEC and beyond.

Heupel’s offensive philosophy, which includes up-tempo play and an aggressive passing game, quickly turned Tennessee into one of the most exciting teams in college football. Quarterbacks under Heupel’s system are often asked to make quick decisions, read defenses in real-time, and take advantage of mismatches. This style of offense has produced explosive plays and big numbers, drawing the attention of NFL scouts who are eager to see which players will make the jump to the next level.

But it’s not just the offense that has NFL sources raving. Heupel has also shown an ability to develop players into NFL-caliber talent. Under his guidance, several players have elevated their games and become top prospects for the next level. This includes standout quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs, and offensive linemen who have turned heads with their performances.

NFL Sources Raving About Tennessee’s Quarterbacks

One of the most obvious areas where NFL scouts are taking notice of Tennessee’s rise is at the quarterback position. Under Heupel, quarterbacks have flourished in the system, and several Vols quarterbacks have made a name for themselves on the national stage.

The most notable example in recent years has been Hendon Hooker, who transferred to Tennessee and became one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. Hooker’s ability to operate in Heupel’s system, where tempo and decision-making are paramount, has been a key factor in Tennessee’s success. Hooker’s combination of arm strength, accuracy, and mobility made him a household name, and he quickly turned into a legitimate NFL prospect.

NFL scouts were particularly impressed with Hooker’s poise in the pocket, his ability to go through his progressions quickly, and his ability to create plays with his legs when needed. Heupel’s system allowed Hooker to shine, and the quarterback’s performance in big games, including a thrilling win over Alabama in 2022, solidified his status as a top-tier quarterback prospect.

However, even with Hooker’s departure to the NFL, Tennessee has continued to develop strong quarterback prospects under Heupel. Joe Milton, who succeeded Hooker as the starter, has all the tools to be a future NFL star. Milton, a transfer from Michigan, has a cannon of an arm and the physical tools to be a prototypical NFL quarterback. While he struggled at times with consistency early in his career, Milton’s potential is undeniable, and his continued development under Heupel’s guidance has made him an intriguing prospect for NFL scouts.

Milton’s ability to throw the ball deep, combined with his athleticism, makes him a prototypical Heupel quarterback. NFL scouts are eager to see how he continues to develop, as they believe he has the raw talent to play at the next level. With a strong season in 2025, Milton could very well emerge as a high draft pick.

Wide Receivers: Tennessee Produces NFL-Caliber Talent

Another area where Tennessee has seen incredible success under Heupel is at the wide receiver position. The Volunteers’ offense places a premium on wide receivers who can make plays down the field, and Heupel has developed a number of wide receivers who have the skills to thrive in the NFL.

One of the most notable wide receivers to come out of Tennessee in recent years is Jalin Hyatt, who had a breakout season in 2022 and quickly became one of the most sought-after wide receiver prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Hyatt’s blazing speed, ability to track deep balls, and explosive playmaking ability made him a perfect fit for Heupel’s system. Hyatt’s performances against top-tier SEC competition, including a standout game against Alabama, further solidified his status as a top prospect.

NFL scouts raved about Hyatt’s ability to create separation with his speed, and his consistent production in Heupel’s offense made him a standout among college receivers. Hyatt’s transition to the NFL has been a highly anticipated one, and he is expected to make an immediate impact at the professional level.

But Hyatt isn’t the only wide receiver from Tennessee who has caught the eye of NFL scouts. Tennessee continues to churn out talented wide receivers, with players like Bru McCoy, Ramel Keyton, and Squirrel White adding to the pipeline. McCoy, a physical receiver with a great combination of size and speed, has been a standout in Tennessee’s offense, and Keyton’s route-running and ability to make contested catches make him a valuable prospect. White, one of the most electric players in the 2024 class, brings a unique blend of speed and playmaking ability to the position, and he could be the next Tennessee receiver to make an NFL impact.

Running Backs: Power and Speed in the Vols’ Backfield

While Tennessee’s offense is known for its high-powered passing attack, the Vols also boast a strong running back corps that has drawn the attention of NFL scouts. Under Heupel, Tennessee has been able to incorporate a balanced attack that utilizes a strong running game alongside the explosive passing game.

Running backs like Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson have thrived in Heupel’s system, showcasing their ability to make big plays both on the ground and in the passing game. Sampson, in particular, has shown the ability to break off long runs with his speed and vision, while Small has been a reliable and physical back who can carry the load when needed.

NFL scouts are looking closely at Tennessee’s running back prospects, especially in terms of their versatility. Heupel’s offense requires running backs to be capable receivers out of the backfield, and both Sampson and Small have demonstrated the ability to catch passes and make plays in space. As the NFL continues to favor multi-dimensional running backs who can contribute in both the run and pass game, Tennessee’s running backs are positioning themselves as legitimate NFL prospects.

Offensive Line: Heupel’s System Produces NFL-Caliber Blockers

A key to any successful offense, especially one like Heupel’s, is a strong offensive line. While Heupel’s fast-paced offense places a premium on skill players, his system also relies on offensive linemen who can move quickly, get to the second level, and create running lanes for the backs.

Tennessee’s offensive line has developed into one of the strongest in the SEC under Heupel, and several players have the potential to make it to the NFL. In particular, players like Cooper Mays and Jeremiah Crawford have shown the physical tools necessary to succeed at the next level. Both players have the size, strength, and technique that make them valuable prospects for NFL teams looking for blockers who can thrive in both the run and pass game.

Tennessee Football’s Bright Future Under Heupel

As Tennessee football enters the 2025 season, the program’s rise under Josh Heupel is only gaining momentum. With NFL scouts and executives taking notice of the talent being developed in Knoxville, the future of Tennessee football has never looked brighter. Heupel’s offensive system continues to produce exciting, dynamic players who are making an impact in the SEC and positioning themselves for successful NFL careers.

From quarterbacks like Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton to wide receivers like Jalin Hyatt and Squirrel White, Tennessee is rapidly becoming a pipeline for NFL talent. The program’s ability to develop players, particularly on offense, is something that NFL sources are raving about, and it’s clear that Tennessee is back as one of the premier programs in college football.

With continued success on the recruiting trail and a growing reputation as a program that develops NFL-caliber players, the future of Tennessee football looks incredibly promising. As the Volunteers continue to build upon their success under Heupel, it’s likely that the next generation of NFL stars will be coming from Knoxville, making Tennessee football a program to watch for years to come.