Tennessee football star wide receiver Chris Brazzell was picked in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday night. With the 83rd overall pick, the Carolina Panthers selected him, coming off a playoff appearance.
Despite being from Midland, Texas, this is a full-circle moment for Brazzell. As he told the franchise when they called him to let him know he was drafted, he grew up rooting for the Panthers.
This choice stems from a youth football team he played for, also named the Panthers. With Carolina playing well at the time, it was a perfect match for a young Brazzell, who also loved watching Cam Newton.
“Y’all are my favorite team, coach!”#NFLVols | #NFLDraft | @Panthers pic.twitter.com/rYyuvtwIbx
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) April 25, 2026
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Brazzell proved to be one of the most reliable options and big-play threats in the SEC this past season. He totalled 1,017 yards on 62 receptions for a total of nine touchdowns. This included an incredible showing in the narrow home loss to Georgia, featuring 177 yards and three touchdowns on six receptions.
This was his second year at Tennessee. In his first, he was typically the first off the bench, coming up with the game-winning reception against Alabama at home. He started his career at Tulane.
Now, he joins a Panthers team where he could make an immediate impact. He’ll join an outside receivers room featuring Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette and John Metchie III.
