Breaking News: Tennessee Volunteer Quarterbacks Make Waves in NFL Starting Lineups
As the NFL season heats up, Tennessee Volunteers fans have found another reason to tune in on Sundays. Three former Volunteers quarterbacks—Joshua Dobbs, Hendon Hooker, and Jarrett Guarantano—have recently earned opportunities to step into starting or high-profile roles across different NFL teams. This rare feat of having multiple quarterbacks from a single college program find their way into starting NFL lineups speaks volumes about the talent and preparation they received in Knoxville. Here’s a look at each of their journeys, the impact they’re making, and what this means for the Tennessee football legacy.
Joshua Dobbs: The Proving Ground Journey
Joshua Dobbs has had perhaps the most winding road to his current role as an NFL starter. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Dobbs initially served as a backup and bounced between the Steelers, Jaguars, and Titans before finally landing with the Arizona Cardinals. His time in Arizona has been particularly significant, as injuries to other players opened the door for him to take on a starting role this season. Dobbs quickly won over the Cardinals’ fan base with his poised leadership and dynamic play, using both his arm and legs to keep the offense moving.
Dobbs’ intelligence, often a talking point due to his aerospace engineering degree from Tennessee, has translated into quick decision-making on the field. Analysts and fans alike have been impressed by his football IQ, ability to read defenses, and knack for finding open receivers. His quick adaptability and professionalism have even caught the attention of other teams; he was recently traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he will have a chance to show his potential in a new setting. As the Vikings navigate injuries at quarterback, Dobbs may see even more playing time, giving Tennessee fans another reason to watch.
Hendon Hooker: Rising Star in Detroit
Hendon Hooker, the standout quarterback for Tennessee from 2021 to 2022, found himself at the center of attention when he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hooker’s senior season with the Volunteers was electric, as he led one of the nation’s most explosive offenses and earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Known for his strong arm, pinpoint accuracy, and mobility, Hooker showed incredible growth during his time at Tennessee and was considered one of the most pro-ready quarterbacks in his draft class.
Hooker’s transition to the NFL, however, has not been without obstacles. A knee injury during his final season delayed his immediate availability, causing him to start his rookie season on the sidelines while he focused on rehabilitation. However, as he has continued to make progress, there has been growing excitement within the Lions organization about his potential impact once he fully recovers. Lions head coach Dan Campbell has openly praised Hooker’s work ethic, leadership qualities, and football smarts, fueling speculation that Hooker could soon be called upon to take a more prominent role, potentially as Detroit’s future starting quarterback.
Jarrett Guarantano: Perseverance in the Pros
Although Jarrett Guarantano may not be a starting quarterback yet, his journey to the NFL exemplifies determination and resilience. Guarantano had a turbulent career at Tennessee, where he experienced highs and lows amid changing coaching staffs and a fluctuating roster. Nevertheless, he showed glimpses of his talent and secured a path to the NFL after going undrafted. Guarantano has spent time on practice squads with several NFL teams, including the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals.
Guarantano’s commitment and patience have paid off as he’s had opportunities to learn under various NFL coaches and experienced players. While he has yet to secure a full-time starting position, Guarantano’s presence on NFL rosters and his ability to stay ready when called upon demonstrate his persistence. Many young quarterbacks struggle to find consistent opportunities in the NFL, but Guarantano’s story continues to evolve, and he remains an intriguing talent for teams looking for depth at the position.
Tennessee’s Legacy: Quarterback Factory or Anomaly?
For Tennessee fans, the rise of Dobbs, Hooker, and Guarantano represents a rare era of quarterback success that could signify a resurgence for the program in terms of developing pro-level talent. While Tennessee has produced some legendary players, including Peyton Manning, it hasn’t traditionally been seen as a quarterback “factory” compared to schools like USC, Alabama, or Oklahoma
. However, with these recent successes, the narrative may be shifting. The Volunteers’ offensive system under Josh Heupel has also drawn praise for preparing players to adapt quickly to the complexities of the NFL.
The “quarterback pipeline” phenomenon is not new in college football, but for Tennessee, this recent surge of NFL-level talent at the quarterback position may signal the start of a new era. With Tennessee’s improved recruiting and modernized offensive schemes, Volunteer quarterbacks may start to become regular fixtures in the NFL. Tennessee’s recent performances on the college field and high-scoring offensive play have helped position players for a successful transition to the NFL, as seen with Dobbs, Hooker, and even the often-overlooked Guarantano.
NFL Impact: The Vol Quarterbacks Making a Difference
The presence of former Volunteers quarterbacks in NFL starting lineups goes beyond just individual success; it impacts NFL teams as well. Dobbs’ reliability and quick adaptation to various offensive schemes provide his teams with a unique dual-threat weapon, especially critical for a Cardinals team in transition and now a Vikings team looking to stabilize its offense. For the Lions, Hooker’s development presents an opportunity for the team to continue its rebuild with a high-upside quarterback who fits Detroit’s offensive vision. Even Guarantano’s dedication, despite not securing a starting role, embodies the hard-nosed work ethic and resilience that NFL teams look for in backup players who are ready to step up at a moment’s notice.
In an era where NFL teams often seek fresh talent at quarterback, former Volunteers have filled various needs—whether through athleticism, game intelligence, or adaptability. Fans who followed these players at Tennessee are now watching them step into the limelight on football’s biggest stage, demonstrating that with persistence, even a rocky path can lead to significant opportunities.
The Road Ahead: Bright Futures and New Opportunities
As the NFL season progresses, all three quarterbacks will have unique opportunities to prove themselves further. Dobbs’ immediate challenge will be adjusting to a new team and a new offensive scheme in Minnesota, but his previous experience and adaptability should serve him well. For Hooker, every week brings him closer to full recovery, and once he’s cleared to play, the Lions are expected to give him a chance to show he can be their quarterback of the future. Guarantano’s journey, while less predictable, continues to inspire as he remains committed to his NFL dream.
This moment in time, with three former Tennessee quarterbacks finding their way to the NFL, represents a beacon of pride for Volunteers fans. It’s a testament to the skill, discipline, and determination these players developed at Tennessee and carried with them to the professional level. For Tennessee’s football program, it’s also a statement that they can produce players ready to contribute in the NFL, helping to attract top-tier recruits eager to follow in the footsteps of Dobbs, Hooker, and Guarantano.
Conclusion: Tennessee’s Impact on the NFL is Growing
As the NFL season continues, Tennessee fans have an exciting storyline to follow with Dobbs, Hooker, and Guarantano on NFL rosters. These three quarterbacks embody the resilience, adaptability, and football intelligence honed during their time at Tennessee, demonstrating that the Volunteers can produce NFL-ready talent capable of competing at the highest levels. For Tennessee and its fans, this season is more than just a collection of games—it’s the start of a legacy that could inspire future Volunteer quarterbacks to reach for NFL dreams.
Stay tuned as these former Vols continue their NFL journeys, each contributing in their own way to the rich legacy of Tennessee football and its growing reputation in the professional ranks.
