Tennessee football defensive end Tyre West has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on his Instagram. He just rounded out his senior season, marking the end of his college eligibility.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for the opportunity to play football and the doors He has opened for me,” West wrote. “This journey has meant more to me than I can put into words. Since committing in December of 2021, and then arriving on campus in January of 2022, I’ve grown through adversity, competition, and the pride of wearing a Tennessee jersey.
“I am grateful for my family, teammates, and coaches who believed in me. This program and fanbase helped shape me both as a player and a man.
“I am excited to announce the next chapter of my life, as I will be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. I will carry with me every lesson, every challenge, and every moment from my time here, and I am grateful for the opportunity to chase this dream.”
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West played all four of his collegiate seasons at Tennessee. As a senior, he played in 12 games while posting 23 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. For his game at Mississippi State, in which he posted two sacks and a forced fumble, he was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week.
As a junior, West played in 12 games and recorded 16 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks. He was a rotational piece on the edge for one of the best defensive lines in the country. The team finished 10-2 (6-2 SEC) in the regular season and went to the College Football Playoffs.
In 2023, West had 17 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. As a freshman in 2022, he had nine tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks.
He is from Tifton, Georgia, and was considered a consensus four-star recruit.
