Jalin Hyatt expects to make decision on bowl game, NFL future next week

Jalin Hyatt has two directions he can go next year. He can return to Tennessee and try to set the program receiving record, or he can forego his eligibility to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft.

It’s, understandably, a tough decision — one he said is likely to come next week.

“[It’s] a lot to put into consideration,” Hyatt said Thursday night. “I have to talk to my family and the coaching staff. We’re still 50-50 on some things. I’ll have a decision next week for everybody. But those are two things you have to weigh in, the receiving record and just playing with the team or leaving. I’m taking into consideration hard with my family and coaches, but we’ll have a decision next week.”

Hyatt had a breakout year this season for the Volunteers, tallying 1,267 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns as he won the 2022 Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver. He emerged as a top target for Hendon Hooker — who’s also expected to get attention in draft circles despite dealing with a torn ACL — and could build off the impressive campaign if he decides to return to Rocky Top next season.

But, as he said, there are multiple factors in play, including NIL and what round he’s projected to be selected. That’s where the coaches have come in to help him with his decision.

“You have to weigh in both options,” Hyatt said. “As far as scouting wise, do you feel like you’re ready for the league or do you think you need to come back? Where does NIL push as far as leaving, what round, what is your evaluation, what do the scouts think about you? It’s a lot of things you have to take into consideration.

“We’ve been patiently doing it with my family and coaches. I just want to credit Coach [Josh] Heupel for helping me through the process and helping me make the right decision for me and my future.”

Hyatt has seen his NIL Valuation soar as the year went on, going from $248K on Oct. 4 to $818K on Dec. 6. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets the standard market NIL value for high school and college athletes. The On3 NIL Valuation calculates the optimized NIL opportunity for athletes relative to the overall NIL market and projects out to as long as 12 months into the future.