Braylon Staley came to Knoxville with big expectations-and he’s already delivering in a big way.
The redshirt freshman wide receiver from South Carolina etched his name into Tennessee’s record book on Tuesday during the Music City Bowl against Illinois, catching three passes for 23 yards in the first half. Those grabs weren’t just routine-they were history-making. With 67 receptions on the season, Staley now holds the program record for most catches by a Tennessee freshman.
And he’s not done yet.
That mark puts him within reach of the top 10 single-season reception totals in Tennessee history, a remarkable feat for a first-year player. But what’s been even more impressive is how he’s done it-not just piling up numbers, but becoming a consistent, go-to weapon in one of the SEC’s most competitive offenses.
Staley has emerged as a major piece of the puzzle for the Vols, forming a dynamic one-two punch with fellow receiver Chris Brazzell. Together, they’ve given quarterback Joey Aguilar a reliable pair of targets all season long. Staley entered the bowl game with 806 receiving yards-good for sixth in the SEC and second on the team-and six touchdowns to his name.
His breakout campaign didn’t go unnoticed. The SEC named Staley its 2025 Freshman of the Year, placing him in elite company alongside Tennessee legends Jamal Lewis and Peyton Manning. That’s not a list you stumble onto by accident-you earn your way there.
Staley’s season highlights speak for themselves. He posted his highest yardage total on October 11 with a six-catch, 109-yard performance against Arkansas. A week later, he followed it up with a career-high 10 receptions against Alabama-showing that his production isn’t just consistent, it scales against top-tier competition.
For Tennessee, Staley represents more than just a standout season-he’s a glimpse into the future. With his blend of route-running polish, reliable hands, and next-level poise, the Vols have found a cornerstone in their passing game. And if his freshman year is any indication, Braylon Staley isn’t just breaking records-he’s just getting started.