In KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Braylon Staley, a wide receiver for Tennessee, has been honored as the SEC Freshman of the Year, as voted by the conference’s coaches. Staley is only the third player in the history of the program to achieve this distinction.

Joining the ranks of Jamal Lewis (1997) and Peyton Manning (1994), Staley stands out as one of the few Volunteers to earn this accolade. Hailing from South Carolina, Staley led SEC freshmen in total receiving yards and average yards per game. His impressive tally of 806 receiving yards placed him sixth overall among all SEC players.

Under Josh Heupel’s coaching regime, Staley becomes the fourth player to secure an individual SEC postseason award. Previously, Dylan Sampson and Hendon Hooker were recognized as SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 and 2022, respectively, and Velus Jones Jr. earned the title of Co-Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021.

Staley’s remarkable performances against Kentucky and Oklahoma earned him consecutive SEC Freshman of the Week titles. Against the Wildcats, he recorded six receptions for 105 yards, and in the clash with the No. 18-ranked Sooners, he scored two touchdowns.

Further demonstrating his prowess, Staley is in the running as a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. This news follows the announcement of several Tennessee players being selected for the Coaches’ All-SEC teams, notably including fellow wide receiver Chris Brazzell, who was named to the First Team All-SEC.