Vols in the Playoffs: Tennessee Alumni Making Noise in the NFL Divisional Round
The NFL Divisional Round is here, and once again, Tennessee football is well represented. Ten former Vols (VFLs) are on active rosters, practice squads, or injured reserve heading into this weekend’s slate of games, and seven of them are suiting up with a shot to help their teams reach the conference championship stage.
What’s especially notable? Every single Divisional Round matchup will feature at least one active Tennessee alum on the field. That’s not just a nod to the program’s NFL pipeline-it’s a testament to the kind of talent Tennessee continues to produce.
Let’s break down where these VFLs are lining up and what to watch for as the postseason heats up.
Saturday Spotlight: Palmer and Jennings in the Mix
The weekend kicks off Saturday afternoon when Joshua Palmer and the Buffalo Bills head to Denver to take on the AFC’s top seed. Palmer, a reliable target with a knack for finding soft spots in coverage, adds depth and explosiveness to a Buffalo receiving corps that’s looking to stretch the field and keep pace with a potent Denver squad.
In the nightcap, it’s Jauan Jennings and the San Francisco 49ers squaring off against the Seattle Seahawks. Jennings is coming off a wild card performance that reminded everyone why he’s one of the most versatile and clutch role players in the league.
Against the Eagles, Jennings didn’t just catch passes-he threw one. The former high school quarterback turned wide receiver dialed up a double-reverse trick play and connected with Christian McCaffrey on a 29-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, helping the Niners seal a 23-19 win. That wasn’t his first time pulling off that kind of magic either-he and McCaffrey linked up for a similar score in Super Bowl LVIII.
With that touchdown pass, Jennings etched his name into the record books, becoming the first player in NFL history to post a perfect 158.3 passer rating in multiple playoff games for the same team. Oh, and he also hauled in a 45-yard reception to go along with it. Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games-and Jennings is proving he’s one of them.
Sunday Showdowns: Four More Vols Take the Stage
Sunday’s action starts in Foxborough, where the New England Patriots host the Houston Texans. Two VFLs will be active in that one: Joshua Dobbs is backing up under center for the Patriots, while Derek Barnett is bringing heat off the edge for Houston. Barnett’s presence on the Texans’ defensive front has been a steadying force, and with playoff games often coming down to who can win in the trenches, his impact could be felt early and often.
Later that evening, the Rams and Bears clash in what’s expected to be a brutally cold game at Soldier Field-temperatures are forecasted to be in the single digits. But that won’t stop three more Tennessee products from making their mark.
Darnell Wright, the Bears’ starting right tackle and a 2026 All-Pro selection, will be tasked with keeping the pocket clean and opening up lanes in the run game. On the other side of the ball, Rams defenders Byron Young and Jaylen McCollough are coming off strong wild card performances. Each recorded a tackle in the Rams’ win over Carolina, and both will be looking to build on that momentum in the frigid conditions.
Vols Guaranteed a Spot in the Conference Championship
With active Tennessee players spread across all four games, one thing is already certain: at least one VFL will be playing in each of the conference championship games on January 25. That’s a proud moment for the Tennessee program and a reminder of the kind of NFL-ready talent that’s come through Knoxville in recent years.
Here’s a full look at the Tennessee alumni still in the playoff hunt:
Active Players
- Derek Barnett, DE - Houston Texans
- Joshua Dobbs, QB - New England Patriots
- Jauan Jennings, WR - San Francisco 49ers
- Jaylen McCollough, S - Los Angeles Rams
- Joshua Palmer, WR - Buffalo Bills
- Darnell Wright, OT - Chicago Bears
- Byron Young, OLB - Los Angeles Rams
Practice Squad/Injured Reserve
- Jakob Johnson, FB - Houston Texans (practice squad)
- **Velus Jones Jr. **, RB - Seattle Seahawks (practice squad)
- Darrell Taylor, DE - New England Patriots (injured reserve)
As the postseason intensity ramps up, Tennessee fans have plenty of reasons to tune in. Whether it’s a highlight-reel catch, a crucial block, or a game-changing sack, the VFLs are making their presence felt-and they’re not done yet.