NASHVILLE – When coach Josh Heupel addressed the Tennessee football team before practice at the Music City Bowl, Jalin Hyatt wasn’t an obvious topic.
But memories of the Vols’ last trip to this bowl have Heupel turning to Hyatt, the 2022 Biletnikov Award winner, as one of his favorite examples of a player’s perseverance.
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“A lot of times in December you can see where (young players) continue to grow,” Hueppel said on Dec. 26 at Montgomery Bell Academy, where the University of Texas is conducting in-person bowl practices.
“The last time we were here, Jalin Hyatt was a great example of that. We actually talk about that story with our team almost every year. I share that story with our young men as well.”
No. 23 Tennessee (8-4) will face Illinois (8-4) in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 (5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Nissan Stadium.
Freshmen will play a key role after notable players opted out of training to prepare for the NFL draft. Hueppel told them about Hyatt’s breakout performance in the Music City Bowl and his rise to stardom the following season.
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Jalin Hyatt did things Josh Heupel is still talking about today
In 2021, Hyatt is coming off a disappointing sophomore season under Heupel, then a first-year coach at UT. Hyatt suffered a concussion, lost his position at receiver, struggled in the new offense and lost his confidence.
But Hyatt kept working and finally got a chance to play in the Music City Bowl. He caught a pass for 31 yards and a touchdown for UT. He caught a touchdown pass from Hendon Hooker with 1:35 left in the game, sending the game into overtime.
Tennessee ultimately lost to Purdue 48-45. But the Vols totaled 666 yards of offense and Hyatt proved he’s ready for the spotlight.
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In 2022, Hyatt adopted an intense workout regimen, enhanced film study and threw a school-record 15 touchdown passes to win the Biletnikoff Award, given to the top receiver in college football. He was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
It started with his performance at the Music City Bowl.
“That guy went through some ups and downs during the (2021) season,” Hueppel said. “But his focus, preparation and work habits were completely different in December (leading up to the Music City Bowl).
“When we got here, we expected him to play really well. He obviously did that and this is a springboard for his (2022) season.”
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These freshman receivers are looking for breakout performances
Hueper said Hyatt sets an example for players at any position. But his breakout certainly applies to UT’s situation at wide receiver.
SEC leading receiver Chris Brazzell opted out of the Music City Bowl to prepare for NFL Draft workouts. Freshmen Ladarius Jackson and Travis Smith will replace him against Illinois.
If they perform well, they could become starters in the 2026 season.
“(We) expect both of them to play at a very high level,” Huepel said. “Based on their performance in spring ball, their maturity and their summer preparation, we have a lot of confidence in them going into this season.
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“Both of them had injuries at different points in the season but both finished in great fashion.”
Jackson, who has seven catches for 72 yards this season, missed four games due to injury. Smith, who had three catches for 29 yards, missed six games due to injury.
Quarterback Joey Aguilar said both freshmen entered the rotation during bowl practices. They join SEC Freshman of the Year Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews.
“(Jackson and Smith) got a lot of reps in practice (during the season), but a lot of team reps and first-team reps were a little different. They adapted well,” Aguilar said. “They know what they’re doing and they’re competing for a spot.”
Nashville, TN – December 26, 2025 – Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Mike Matthews #4 and wide receiver Radarious Jackson #5 during a Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl practice at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Kate Loughman/Tennessee Athletics
Blue-chip rookies Tristen Keys, Tyreek King will play in 2026
The Music City Bowl provides an opportunity for Jackson and Smith to get a head start on the 2026 wide receiver class.
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Assuming Staley and Matthews return, a starting spot will be up for grabs. UT hopes to expand the rotation beyond three receivers.
Five-star signee Tristen Keys, arguably the No. 1 receiver in the 2026 class, will enroll at the University of Tennessee in January. Four-star signee Tyreek King of Knox Catholic will also be included.
Joakim Dodson is another option, having caught two passes this season as a freshman.
Adam Sparks is a Tennessee football reporter. e-mail adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@adamsparks. Support strong local journalism with a subscription knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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This article originally appeared in the Knoxville News-Sentinel: Jalin Hyatt is the talk of football at Tennessee’s Music City Bowl practice
