Ex-Vols Invade NFL Preseason: Aguilar & Stars to Watch Saturday
Saturday NFL Preseason: Former Tennessee Stars to Watch
What’s Happening This Saturday?
Think of the NFL preseason like practice games before the real season starts. Teams play these games to figure out which players make the final team. This Saturday, there are seven games happening, and a bunch of former University of Tennessee (Volunteers) football players will be on the field trying to earn their spots.
Important Note: All times are Eastern Time (ET). Some games are on regular TV channels, others need special streaming apps.
Early Afternoon Games (1:00 PM ET)
Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills
TV: Local channels / Streaming
| Team | Former Vols Playing | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Panthers | Chris Brazzell (Wide Receiver) | INJURED – Won’t Play |
| Bills | None listed | — |
ELI5: A Wide Receiver catches passes from the quarterback. Chris Brazzell is a rookie (first-year player) but got hurt, so he’s sitting this one out.
Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears
TV: NFL Network
| Team | Former Vols Playing | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Browns | Dylan Sampson | Running Back |
| Cedric Tillman | Wide Receiver | |
| Bears | Darnell Wright | Right Tackle |
| William Wright | Cornerback |
ELI5:
- Running Back = runs with the ball
- Right Tackle = protects the quarterback (big, strong blocker)
- Cornerback = covers the other team’s receivers (fast, sticky defense)
Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
TV: ESPN Unlimited (streaming)
| Team | Former Vols Playing | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Vikings | Theo Jackson | Safety |
| Jauan Jennings | Wide Receiver | |
| Giants | Colton Hood | Cornerback |
| Jalin Hyatt | Wide Receiver |
ELI5: A Safety is like the last line of defense—deep in the backfield, stopping big plays.
Late Afternoon Games (4:00 PM ET)
Los Angeles Rams at Kansas City Chiefs
TV: NFL Network
| Team | Former Vols Playing | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Rams | Jaylen McCollough | Safety |
| Jaxson Moi | Defensive Lineman | |
| Bryon Young | Outside Linebacker | |
| Chiefs | Omarr Norman-Lott | Defensive Tackle |
| Trey Smith | Offensive Guard |
ELI5:
- Defensive Lineman/Tackle = big guys in the middle who stop runs and rush the passer
- Outside Linebacker = versatile defender on the edge
- Offensive Guard = blocker right next to the center (protects the QB)
Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints
TV: ESPN Unlimited (streaming)
| Team | Former Vols Playing | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Jaguars | Joey Aguilar | Quarterback |
| Jerome Carvin | Interior Offensive Lineman | |
| Saints | None listed | — |
BIG STORY ALERT: Joey Aguilar is a ROOKIE QUARTERBACK trying to make the Jaguars roster! The QB is the "captain" who throws the ball and runs the offense. This is his first NFL game action.
Evening Games
Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens (7:00 PM ET)
TV: ESPN Unlimited (streaming)
| Team | Former Vols Playing |
|---|---|
| Eagles | None listed |
| Ravens | None listed |
Note: No former Vols listed for this game, but still a fun preseason matchup!
Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET)
TV: NFL Network
| Team | Former Vols Playing | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | Princeton Fant | Tight End | INJURED |
| Joe Milton III | Quarterback | Expected to Play Lots | |
| Seahawks | None listed | — | — |
BIG STORY ALERT: Joe Milton III is the backup QB for the Cowboys! He has a rocket arm (throws really far/fast) and could get major playing time Saturday night as the #2 quarterback.
Key Players to Watch (Your Cheat Sheet)
| Player | Team | Position | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joey Aguilar | Jaguars | QB | Rookie fighting for a roster spot |
| Joe Milton III | Cowboys | QB | Backup QB with huge arm talent |
| Darnell Wright | Bears | RT | Starter protecting the blind side |
| Trey Smith | Chiefs | OG | Super Bowl champ, elite blocker |
| Jauan Jennings | Vikings | WR | Reliable receiver, playoff performer |
| Bryon Young | Rams | OLB | Pass rusher, defensive playmaker |
Important Reminders
CALL OUT BOX – READ THIS!
- INJURED = NO PLAY: Chris Brazzell (Panthers) and Princeton Fant (Cowboys) are hurt and won’t suit up.
- ROOKIE = FIRST YEAR: Joey Aguilar, William Wright, Colton Hood, Jaxson Moi, Dylan Sampson, Omarr Norman-Lott, and Jaylen McCollough are all rookies—this is their first NFL action!
- STREAMING GAMES: "ESPN Unlimited" and "NFL Network" games need cable login or streaming subscriptions (YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Fubo, etc.).
- PRESEASON ≠ REGULAR SEASON: Starters play limited snaps. Backups and rookies get most of the time. Don’t overreact to results!
Summary
Saturday is packed with NFL preseason football starting at 1:00 PM ET and running until late night. Seven games total, featuring 14+ former Tennessee Volunteers across the league.
The headliners:
- Joey Aguilar (Jaguars QB) – Rookie audition
- Joe Milton III (Cowboys QB) – Backup showcase
- Darnell Wright (Bears RT) – Established starter
- Trey Smith (Chiefs OG) – Super Bowl winner
Two injured Vols sitting out: Chris Brazzell (Panthers WR) and Princeton Fant (Cowboys TE).
Grab your snacks, check your TV guide for channels, and enjoy watching the next generation of Vols chase their NFL dreams!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What time do the games start?
First kickoff is 1:00 PM ET (three games at once). Last game starts 8:00 PM ET (Cowboys at Seahawks).
2. Do I need cable to watch?
NFL Network games need cable or a live-TV streaming service (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling). ESPN Unlimited games stream on ESPN+ or the ESPN app with a subscription.
3. Why are some players "injured" and not playing?
Preseason games don’t count for standings. Teams protect injured players from further risk. Brazzell and Fant are recovering—smart to sit them.
4. What’s the difference between a rookie and a veteran?
Rookie = first NFL season (just drafted or signed). Veteran = played at least one full season. Rookies use preseason to prove they belong.
5. Does preseason performance matter for making the team?
YES—especially for rookies and backups! Starters barely play. Coaches watch the "bubble guys" (like Aguilar and Milton) closely. Good games = roster spot. Bad games = cut or practice squad.
6. Who is the most famous former Vol in these games?
Trey Smith (Chiefs) – He’s a Super Bowl champion and one of the best guards in the NFL. Darnell Wright (Bears) is also a full-time starter entering year 2.
Enjoy the games, Vol fans! Go Big Orange!