Chris Brazzell II Selected No. 83 by Carolina panthers in 2026 NFL Draft

Image: Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

PITTSBURGH – Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II was selected with the No. 83 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers on Friday night in Pittsburgh, becoming the third Vol to come off the board on Night 2.

Brazzell arrived at Tennessee by way of Tulane, where he spent two seasons before transferring to Knoxville. His first year on Rocky Top was quiet statistically, finishing with 29 catches for 333 yards and 2 touchdowns across 12 games, but still played a role in helping the Vols reach their first College Football Playoff appearance in 2024.

Everything changed in his junior season. The Midland (TX) native went nuclear for Josh Heupel and Co., posting 1,017 yards on 62 receptions and hauling in 9 touchdowns. He became the league’s only 1,000 yard receiver during the regular season and led the SEC with 84.8 yards per game. His breakout year earned him First-Team All-SEC honors and a spot as a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award.

Now he heads to BLANK joining former Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood as Vols selected on Friday night.