Tennessee receiver Chris Brazzell off to the NFL, opts out of bowl game

Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell has played his last game in a Vol uniform. The redshirt junior receiver is heading to the NFL. 

Brazzell, who graduates on Friday, announced his intentions on social media Thursday

Brazzell transferred from Tulane two seasons ago and hit his stride in Josh Heupel’s offense in 2025. Brazzell had 1,017 yards receiving and nine touchdowns on 62 receptions. Brazzell averaged over 16 yards a catch as the Vols big-play wideout. Brazzell became the third 1,000 yard receiver of the Heupel era, joining Cedric Tillman (2021) and Jalin Hyatt (2022).

The recieving yards led the conference and was ninth in program history. In 2024, Brazzell had just 333 yards and two touchdowns. 

For Brazzell the difference between the two seasons was simple confidence and getting out of his own way. 

“If I don’t make a play flush it get back to the next play. If I do make a play, don’t get too high on myself, flush it, next play,” Brazzell offered.

“Last year being comfortable with the tempo at that speed (was the challenge). You can practice that, but it’s nothing like in game so having a year under my belt and coming back being more comfortable I should be better.”

Brazzell found that comfort in 2025.

“Chris has got some rare traits,” receiver coach Kelsey Pope said. “He’s got really elite ball skills. He’s 6’3 and a half, and he can run just as fast and as twitchy as a 5’11, 5’10 slot receiver. For him, it was making the game slow down and allowing him to be confident in himself and what he was doing. And I think that’s the result that you’re seeing this year. The game slowed down for him. It’s become easy, and he’s reacting while the game is going instead of thinking.”

Brazzell led a trio of receivers who all had over 700 yards receiving in the regular season. That stat had never been recorded in the history of Tennessee football as the Vols are the highest scoring offense in the SEC.