Vols Showing Out: Five Tennessee Standouts Set for Senior Bowl Spotlight
MOBILE, Ala. - The road to the NFL continues this Saturday for five Tennessee Volunteers, as a standout group of 2025 draft hopefuls takes the field at the Panini Senior Bowl. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET at Hancock Whitney Stadium, with NFL Network carrying the broadcast - and a familiar voice in the booth, former Vol Charles Davis, on the call.
This year’s Senior Bowl marks a significant moment for the Tennessee program. With five players selected, it’s the most Vols to participate in the game since 2002 - and just two shy of the school record set back in 2000. It’s another sign of the talent pipeline that’s been steadily building under Josh Heupel.
Let’s break down who’s suiting up and what they bring to the table.
Tyre West: Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Tyre West has been on a tear lately. After a strong showing in last week’s American Bowl - where he tallied three tackles and swatted down a pass - he earned a late call-up to the Senior Bowl, joining the National Team just in time for Thursday’s practice.
West’s college résumé is rock solid. Over four seasons in Knoxville, the Tifton, Georgia native played in 48 games, racking up 65 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles.
His final season was easily his best, leading the team with 7.5 tackles for loss and adding four sacks to his name. West’s motor and physicality make him a name to watch as he transitions to the next level.
Colton Hood: Rising Stock at Corner
If you’ve been keeping tabs on Senior Bowl practices, you’ve probably heard Colton Hood’s name come up - a lot. The cornerback has been locking things down in coverage, drawing praise from scouts and analysts alike. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah even slotted him at No. 16 in his top 50 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, one of three Vols to make the cut.
Hood transferred to Tennessee from Colorado last June and wasted no time making his presence felt. In just one season in Knoxville, he started all 12 regular-season games, posted 50 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and scored two defensive touchdowns. His 83.3 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus ranked second among SEC cornerbacks - a stat that’s sure to turn heads in NFL front offices.
Bryson Eason: The Anchor in the Trenches
A mainstay on the defensive interior since 2020, Bryson Eason brings leadership, toughness, and experience to the field. Over six seasons, he played in 61 games - starting every one of the last 26 - and finished with 105 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, five pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries.
Eason’s consistency and ability to clog up lanes made him a critical piece of Tennessee’s front seven. His blend of size and savvy should give him a solid shot at carving out a role at the next level.
Jalen McMurray: Versatility in the Secondary
Jalen McMurray’s journey to the Senior Bowl took a few turns - from Temple to Tennessee - but his impact in Knoxville was immediate. In his final season, he slid into the STAR position and thrived, playing in all 13 games and recording 56 tackles, two sacks, and five pass breakups.
McMurray closed out his college career with a strong performance in the Music City Bowl, breaking up two passes, including a potential touchdown. His versatility and football IQ make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a smart, physical presence in the secondary.
Star Thomas: A Back on the Rise
Running back Star Thomas was a Friday addition to the Senior Bowl roster, giving him a chance to build on what’s already been a busy postseason. He also played in last week’s American Bowl, and now he’ll get another opportunity to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts.
Thomas was a key contributor to Tennessee’s offense this past season, finishing second on the team with 596 rushing yards on 104 carries and seven touchdowns. His ability to contribute as a runner and pass-catcher adds to his value as a potential mid-round steal in the draft.
A Program on the Rise
With seven players participating in postseason all-star games - including tight end Miles Kitselman and defensive lineman Dominic Bailey - Tennessee continues to make its presence felt on the national stage. The Vols have now produced 14 Senior Bowl participants during Heupel’s tenure, the most in any five-year stretch since 2002-06.
Next up for these draft hopefuls: the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, running from Feb. 23 through March 2. But first, it’s one more chance to put good tape in front of scouts - and for these Vols, one more chance to prove they belong at the next level.
Tennessee’s 2026 All-Star Game Participants
- Bryson Eason, DL - Senior Bowl
- Colton Hood, CB - Senior Bowl
- Jalen McMurray, DB - Senior Bowl
- Star Thomas, RB - American Bowl, Senior Bowl
- Tyre West, DL - American Bowl, Senior Bowl
- Miles Kitselman, TE - American Bowl, East-West Shrine Game
- Dominic Bailey, DL - Hula Bowl
The NFL path is never easy, but this group has already shown they’re ready for the moment. Saturday’s Senior Bowl is just the next step - and for Tennessee, another sign that the pipeline to the pros is alive and well.