When the Senior Bowl kicks off this Saturday in Mobile, Alabama, Tennessee football will be making its presence felt - and in a big way. Five former Vols will suit up at Hancock Whitney Stadium, showcasing their skills in front of NFL scouts, general managers, and coaches.
It’s the most Tennessee players invited to the Senior Bowl since 2002, and that’s no small feat. For a program that’s been steadily rebuilding its national profile, this is a statement - and these five are looking to turn heads.
Let’s break down who’s representing the orange and white, and why each of them could be a name to watch come draft season.
CB - Colton Hood
R-Sophomore | 6-0, 195 lbs | McDonough, GA
Colton Hood’s journey to Tennessee included stops at Colorado and Auburn, but he found his groove in Knoxville. A rangy, athletic corner with a nose for the ball, Hood played in all 12 games this season, racking up 50 tackles - 34 of them solo - and making plays all over the field.
His 4.5 tackles for loss show his willingness to get physical in run support, while his 9 passes defended and 1 interception speak to his coverage chops. Add in a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two defensive touchdowns, and you’ve got a playmaker who can flip the game in an instant.
Hood is still young, but he’s already showing the instincts and versatility that NFL teams covet on the back end.
DE - Tyre West
Senior | 6-3, 290 lbs | Tifton, GA
Tyre West is a late addition to the Senior Bowl roster, but don’t let the timing fool you - he belongs. A disruptive force off the edge, West brings a blend of size, strength, and twitch that makes him a handful for offensive linemen.
In 12 games this past season, he tallied 23 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. He also forced a fumble and knocked down a pass, showing he’s not just a pass-rusher but a complete defensive end who can impact the game in multiple ways.
West’s ability to collapse the pocket and set the edge will be under the microscope in Mobile, and it’s a golden opportunity for him to boost his draft stock.
RB - Star Thomas
Senior | 6-0, 210 lbs | Homer, LA
Star Thomas was added to the Senior Bowl roster just a day before the game, but his play this season more than earned him the invite. A well-traveled back who’s made stops at Duke, New Mexico State, and Coffeyville (Kan.), Thomas put together a productive 2025 campaign with 596 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on 104 carries.
He also caught 11 passes for 116 yards and 2 more scores, showing off his dual-threat ability. He’s a compact, physical runner with good vision and soft hands out of the backfield - traits that translate well to the next level.
In a league where versatility is king, Thomas has a chance to prove he can be a reliable piece in an NFL offense.
DT - Bryson Eason
Redshirt Senior | 6-3, 315 lbs | Memphis, TN
Bryson Eason is the kind of interior lineman who does the dirty work - and does it well. Anchoring the defensive front, Eason appeared in all 13 games this season, finishing with 31 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss.
He also batted down three passes at the line and recovered a fumble, showing his awareness and ability to affect the game beyond just clogging running lanes. At 6-3 and 315 pounds, he’s a load to handle inside, and his strength at the point of attack will be on full display in Mobile.
Eason may not rack up flashy stats, but his tape tells the story of a reliable, gap-eating presence who can control the line of scrimmage.
STAR/CB - Jalen McMurray
Redshirt Senior | 6-0, 187 lbs | Upper Marlboro, MD
A transfer from Temple, Jalen McMurray brought experience and versatility to Tennessee’s secondary, and he made the most of his final college season. Playing in all 13 games, McMurray posted 56 tackles - 32 of them solo - and notched 6 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.
He also broke up 5 passes, showing he can hold up in coverage as well as make plays near the line of scrimmage. Whether lined up at corner or in the STAR role, McMurray plays with a physical edge and a high football IQ.
He’s the kind of defensive back who can wear multiple hats, and that kind of versatility is exactly what NFL teams are looking for in today’s hybrid-heavy defenses.
What It All Means
For Tennessee, having five players in the Senior Bowl isn’t just a feather in the cap - it’s a sign that the program is developing NFL-caliber talent across the board. For the players, it’s a chance to shine on one of the biggest pre-draft stages. Every rep in Mobile is a job interview, and these former Vols have the tools to leave a lasting impression.
Whether it’s Hood’s ball skills, West’s edge pressure, Thomas’ versatility, Eason’s trench dominance, or McMurray’s all-around game, each of these guys has something to prove - and the Senior Bowl is the perfect place to do it.