Ex-Vols Invade Saturday NFL Preseason: Aguilar Leads Charge
NFL Preseason Saturday: Former Tennessee Volunteers Ready to Shine
Mark Your Calendar: Saturday is packed with NFL preseason action! Several former University of Tennessee football stars will be on the field trying to earn their spots on NFL teams.
What Is the NFL Preseason? (ELI5 Explanation)
Think of the preseason like practice games before the real season starts. NFL teams play 3 practice games to:
- Test new players (especially rookies just drafted or signed)
- Decide who makes the final 53-player roster (the official team)
- Practice plays and strategies in real game situations
Roster = The official list of players on the team. Making the roster means you have a job in the NFL!
Players to Watch: The Big Names
IMPORTANT CALLOUT: KEY PLAYERS THIS SATURDAY
Joey Aguilar (QB) – Jacksonville Jaguars
- Rookie quarterback trying to make the team
- QB (Quarterback) = The leader who throws the ball and runs the offense
Joe Milton III (QB) – Dallas Cowboys
- Second-string quarterback (backup to the starter)
- Could get lots of playing time to show what he can do
Other Rookies to Watch:
- Chris Brazzell (WR) – Carolina Panthers (injured, won’t play)
- William Wright (CB) – Chicago Bears
- Colton Hood (CB) – New York Giants
- Jaxson Moi (DL) – Los Angeles Rams
Quick Position Guide:
- WR (Wide Receiver) = Catches passes
- CB (Cornerback) = Defends against receivers
- DL (Defensive Line) = Stops the run and rushes the quarterback
Complete Saturday Game Schedule
1. Carolina Panthers @ Buffalo Bills
| 1:00 PM ET | No TV listed | Team | Former Tennessee Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | WR Chris Brazzell (injured – won’t play) | ||
| Bills | None listed |
2. Cleveland Browns @ Chicago Bears
| 1:00 PM ET | NFL Network | Team | Former Tennessee Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | • RB Dylan Sampson • WR Cedric Tillman |
||
| Bears | • RT Darnell Wright • CB William Wright |
Position Note: RB (Running Back) = Runs with the ball. RT (Right Tackle) = Protects the quarterback on the right side.
3. Minnesota Vikings @ New York Giants
| 1:00 PM ET | ESPN Unlimited | Team | Former Tennessee Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | • S Theo Jackson • WR Jauan Jennings |
||
| Giants | • CB Colton Hood • WR Jalin Hyatt |
Position Note: S (Safety) = Last line of defense, stops deep passes.
4. Los Angeles Rams @ Kansas City Chiefs
| 4:00 PM ET | NFL Network | Team | Former Tennessee Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rams | • S Jaylen McCollough • DL Jaxson Moi • OLB Bryon Young |
||
| Chiefs | • DT Omarr Norman-Lott • OG Trey Smith |
Position Note: OLB (Outside Linebacker) = Rushes the QB and covers receivers. DT (Defensive Tackle) = Plugs the middle. OG (Offensive Guard) = Blocks for the QB and RB.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars @ New Orleans Saints
| 4:00 PM ET | ESPN Unlimited | Team | Former Tennessee Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguars | • QB Joey Aguilar • IOL Jerome Carvin |
||
| Saints | None listed |
Position Note: IOL (Interior Offensive Lineman) = Blocks in the middle of the line (guard or center).
6. Philadelphia Eagles @ Baltimore Ravens
| 7:00 PM ET | ESPN Unlimited | Team | Former Tennessee Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagles | None listed | ||
| Ravens | None listed |
7. Dallas Cowboys @ Seattle Seahawks
| 8:00 PM ET | NFL Network | Team | Former Tennessee Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | • TE Princeton Fant (injured) • QB Joe Milton III |
||
| Seahawks | None listed |
Position Note: TE (Tight End) = Hybrid player who blocks AND catches passes.
How to Follow Along: Step-by-Step
- Pick your game(s) – Check the times above (all Eastern Time)
- Find the channel – NFL Network, ESPN Unlimited, or check local listings
- Watch for Tennessee orange – Look for the players listed under each team
- Track playing time – Rookies and bubble players often play the entire 2nd half
- Check stats after – Look for completions, tackles, catches, and snaps played
Summary
Saturday is a huge day for former Tennessee Volunteers in the NFL!
- 2 Quarterbacks get their chance: Joey Aguilar (Jaguars) and Joe Milton III (Cowboys)
- 10+ former Vols spread across 6 different games
- Games run from 1:00 PM to late night (8:00 PM ET)
- NFL Network has 3 games, ESPN Unlimited has 3 games
- Several players are rookies fighting for roster spots – every snap counts!
Pro Tip: The 4:00 PM ET games (Jaguars/Saints and Rams/Chiefs) feature the most Tennessee players!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What does "ESPN Unlimited" mean?
A: It’s ESPN’s streaming service (often called ESPN+). You need a subscription to watch those games. NFL Network games are on regular cable/satellite TV.
Q: Why are some players listed as "injured"?
A: They have a minor injury and the team is being careful. In preseason, teams protect players rather than risk making injuries worse in games that don’t count.
Q: What’s the difference between 1st string, 2nd string, and rookies?
A:
- 1st string = Starters (best players)
- 2nd string = Backups (next best)
- Rookies = First-year players trying to prove they belong
Q: Do preseason games count for standings?
A: No! They’re exhibition games. Wins/losses don’t matter. Only player evaluation matters.
Q: How many Tennessee players are in the NFL total?
A: This article only shows players active for Saturday’s games. Many more former Vols are on NFL rosters but their teams play on different days (Thursday/Friday) or they’re veterans resting this week.
Enjoy the games! Keep an eye out for that Tennessee orange making plays at the next level!