Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt became the first player in program history to win the Biletnikoff Award Thursday night. Hyatt beat out Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and Iowa State’s Xavier Hutchinson.
The junior receiver had a breakout season where he caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and a nation-best 15 touchdowns. Hyatt tallied just 226 yards as a sophomore before breaking on the scene this season including a 207 yard and five touchdown performance against Alabama.
Hyatt is approaching a decision about whether he will declare for the NFL Draft or return for his senior season at Tennessee. The Biletnikoff winner said he expects to make a decision last week.
“I’m having discussions with our NIL partners up here, with Spyre and Volunteer Club,” Hyatt said. “We’re (looking at) options, just as far as what we can do next year. It’s a long process. I want to make sure I take my time just to make the right step for me and for my future and for my family’s future as well.”
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Hyatt said he was still undecided on whether he would play in Tennessee’s bowl game or opt out if he does decide to declare for the NFL Draft.
The South Carolina native has signed a number of NIL deals in recent weeks and said NIL will play a factor in whether or not he decides to return to school.
“I’m having discussions with our NIL partners up here, with Spyre and Volunteer Club,” Hyatt said. “We’re coming to options, just as far as what we can do next year. It’s a long process. I want to make sure I take my time just to make the right step for me and for my future and for my family’s future as well.”
Hyatt also discussed his favorite play of the season, when he started gaining confidence and much more.
