Xavier Restrepo Eyes Redemption After Quiet Rookie Season with Titans
Xavier Restrepo’s rookie year didn’t unfold the way many expected, especially for a guy who once lit up college football Saturdays with highlight-reel catches and relentless production. But now, after a year spent mostly on the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad, the former Miami Hurricanes standout is already grinding to flip the script in 2026.
Restrepo’s college résumé speaks for itself - 200 catches, nearly 2,900 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns over 51 games. He was the go-to guy in Coral Gables, a technician in the slot with reliable hands and a knack for finding soft spots in coverage.
But when the NFL Draft came around, he didn’t hear his name called. The measurables - size, speed, and athletic testing - didn’t wow scouts, and in a league obsessed with traits, that was enough to push him into undrafted territory.
Still, the Titans saw something in him and brought him in as a rookie free agent. While he didn’t crack the 53-man roster out of camp, Restrepo stuck around on the practice squad - a sign the team valued his potential.
And when he did get his shot in two regular-season games, he made the most of his limited opportunities, flashing the same sure-handed, savvy play that made him a star in college. Unfortunately, an ankle injury cut that momentum short.
Now comes the hard part: climbing the depth chart in a wide receiver room that’s expected to get crowded this offseason. Tennessee is likely to add multiple pass-catchers through the draft and free agency, meaning Restrepo will be right back in the thick of competition. But here’s the thing - everyone will be learning a new system, and that levels the playing field, at least a little.
For Restrepo, the formula is simple: stay healthy, keep grinding, and make every rep count. He’s already putting in the offseason work, knowing full well that nothing will be handed to him.
But that’s never been his story. He’s used to being overlooked, and he’s used to proving people wrong.
The road to a roster spot in 2026 won’t be easy, but don’t count him out. Restrepo’s game has always been about more than numbers or measurables - it’s about heart, precision, and finding ways to contribute. If he can stay on the field and continue building trust with the coaching staff, he just might carve out a role in Tennessee’s offense next season.