The field is narrowing, and the stakes are rising. After a weekend of hard-hitting action in the Divisional Round, the 2026 NFL Playoffs are down to four teams. The Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, and Los Angeles Rams each punched their ticket to Championship Sunday, setting up a pair of high-stakes matchups with a trip to Super Bowl LX on the line.
Let’s start with what went down: The Broncos outlasted the Bills, the Seahawks rolled past the 49ers, the Patriots took care of business against the Texans, and the Rams survived a gritty battle with the Bears. Now, it’s Broncos vs.
Patriots in the AFC, and Seahawks vs. Rams in an all-NFC West clash.
The winners will meet in Santa Clara, California, on February 8 for the biggest game in football.
But zoom in a little, and there’s another storyline worth tracking-Tennessee ties. Several former Volunteers are still alive in the postseason, representing their alma mater on the biggest stage in pro football.
Tennessee Alums Still in the Hunt
- Byron Young, OLB - Los Angeles Rams Young made his presence felt in Sunday night’s win over Chicago, racking up five tackles and registering a QB hit. He continues to be an active disruptor off the edge for a Rams defense that thrives on pressure.
- Jaylen McCollough, S - Los Angeles Rams McCollough chipped in with a tackle of his own, contributing to a defensive effort that stifled the Bears when it mattered most.
- Joshua Dobbs, QB - New England Patriots Dobbs didn’t see the field in the Patriots’ win over Houston, but he’s one play away from being called into action. As the backup to rookie Drake Maye, Dobbs is in a critical support role-and with how unpredictable playoff football can be, his number could come up at any moment.
- Darrell Taylor, DE - New England Patriots (Practice Squad) Taylor is currently on the practice squad, but his presence adds depth to a Patriots front that’s been playing with physicality and purpose.
- Velus Jones Jr., RB - Seattle Seahawks (Practice Squad) Jones is part of a Seahawks squad that just put together one of the most convincing performances of the weekend. While he’s not on the active roster, he’s in the mix and ready if needed.
Vols Whose Playoff Runs Ended
Several former Tennessee standouts saw their postseason journeys come to a close last weekend:
- Derek Barnett (Texans, DE)
- Jauan Jennings (49ers, WR)
- Jakob Johnson (Texans, FB - Practice Squad)
- Joshua Palmer (Bills, WR)
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Bears, LB)
- Darnell Wright (Bears, OT)
These players gave it everything they had, but only four teams remain-and with them, a handful of Tennessee products still chasing the ultimate prize.
Championship Sunday Schedule
- AFC Championship: Broncos host the Patriots - 3:00 p.m. ET
- NFC Championship: Seahawks host the Rams - 6:30 p.m. ET
With Super Bowl LX in sight, every snap, every play, every decision carries weight. And for the former Vols still in the hunt, this is a chance to etch their names into postseason lore. Whether they’re starters, backups, or on the practice squad, their journey from Knoxville to the NFL’s biggest stage is a testament to talent, perseverance, and the unpredictable beauty of playoff football.