Chris Brazzell II gave Tennessee fans plenty to cheer about this season-and now he’s got the national recognition to prove it. The standout wide receiver has been named to the Associated Press All-America third team, capping off a breakout year that solidified him as one of the top playmakers in college football.
Brazzell wasn’t just Tennessee’s lone representative on the AP All-America list-he was also the only wide receiver from the SEC to land on any of the three teams. That’s a testament to just how impactful he was in a conference known for elite defensive backs and physical play on the perimeter.
Let’s talk numbers. Brazzell finished the season with 62 catches for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns-all team highs.
He was the Vols’ go-to guy in the passing game, and his consistency week after week made him a nightmare for opposing secondaries. Whether it was stretching the field on deep routes or finding soft spots in zone coverage, Brazzell delivered in just about every way a receiver can.
His signature moment came against Georgia back on September 13, when he torched the Bulldogs for 177 yards and three touchdowns on just six catches. That kind of performance doesn’t just happen-it’s the result of sharp route running, elite athleticism, and a quarterback who trusts his guy to make plays.
It was one of the most dominant single-game efforts we’ve seen from a Tennessee receiver since Jalin Hyatt lit up Alabama for five scores in 2022. And if a late field goal had gone through, Brazzell’s night might already be etched in Vols lore.
Earlier this season, Brazzell was named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the nation’s top receiver. While he didn’t make the final cut, his inclusion in that conversation-and now on the All-America team-makes it clear: he’s one of the best in the country.
And now, he’s off to the NFL. Brazzell announced his decision last week, and it’s hard to argue with the timing. He’s got the size, speed, and production that scouts love, and he’s coming off a year that put him firmly on the radar of pro teams.
As for Tennessee, the Vols will look to reload with some promising talent. Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews are expected to return, though in today’s transfer portal era, nothing is guaranteed until the season kicks off. Add in five-star recruit Tristen Keys, and there’s reason to believe the receiving corps will be in good hands moving forward.
Still, replacing Brazzell won’t be easy. He was more than just a stat sheet filler-he was the engine of Tennessee’s passing game, the player defenses had to account for on every snap.
His presence will be missed, but his legacy is secure. He gave the Vols a true No. 1 receiver this season-and now he’s got the All-American nod to show for it.