Jalin Hyatt clarifies his choice to depart Tennessee for the NFL.
Jalin Hyatt, the wide receiver for the New York Giants, had a remarkable junior season at the University of Tennessee. He made history by being the school’s first recipient of the Biletnikoff Award, achieving 1,267 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns during an impressive 11-win season for the Vols. In the 2023 NFL Draft, Hyatt was chosen by the Giants as the No. 73 pick in the third round. While his decision to enter the NFL Draft was expected, Hyatt could have opted to return for another season of college football as he still had eligibility remaining. However, he chose not to do so, citing concerns about Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation.
Hyatt explained that when discussing the possibility of returning to Tennessee, negotiations about compensation were a sticking point. He felt that the university was hesitant to provide concrete figures, instead suggesting that they would discuss numbers after his return. Hyatt believed this approach was unreasonable as it didn’t allow him to compare potential offers with what he could earn in the NFL.
Despite his decision, Hyatt expressed gratitude and affection for the university and acknowledged the support he received there. In his rookie season with the Giants, he recorded 23 receptions for 373 yards.
