Four former Tennessee Volunteers are hoping to punch their tickets to Super Bowl LX during conference championship games on Sunday. The AFC Championship game will consist of the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos, while the NFC Championship game will see the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams square off.
Tennessee’s four former Vols are all active after a specific elevation this week. The Rams have Pro Bowl outside linebacker Byron Young and safety Jaylen McCollough, who both see plenty of snaps on the Los Angeles defense, while VFL Joshua Dobbs is the backup quarterback to New England starter Drake Maye. Former Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. is now an active running back with the Seahawks after being elevated from the practice squad this week.
Byron Young had five tackles and one QB hit in the Rams’ win over the Bears in Chicago last Sunday night, while Jaylen McCollough added one total tackle. Joshua Dobbs did not play in the Patriots’ win over the Texans.
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Dobbs has been the backup quarterback to New England starter Drake Maye during the 2025 season. He’s seen action in four games, throwing for 65 yards on 7-of-10 passing throughout the season. He’s also racked up 10 rushing yards on four attempts. Dobbs’ services haven’t been called upon all too often this season, but the Broncos’ current quarterback situation and the injury to Bo Nix are a reminder that anyone’s number could be called at any moment.
Young has played in 17 games for the Rams this season, with career-highs in tackles (82) and sacks (12). He’s also added in one forced fumble. McCollough, meanwhile, has also put up career-high numbers this season with 51 tackles and two sacks in 17 games on the field.
Jones signed with the New Orleans Saints for the beginning of the season and bounced back and forth between the active roster and the practice squad. He was eventually waived in late October. Jones was then picked up the following day by the Seahawks, who designated him to the practice squad with a few regular-season appearances. He carried the ball six times for 10 yards in Seattle’s 41-6 playoff win over San Francisco.
Each of Tennessee’s four players will be looking for their first trip to the Super Bowl with a win on Sunday.
The Denver Broncos will host the New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET on CBS. The Seattle Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
