Former Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker left Blacksburg after the 2020 season. He looked for greener pastures in the Transfer Portal, landing at the University of Tennessee. He ended up having a good run with the Volunteers, which led to him getting drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the NFL Draft.
He ended up being let go by the Lions and hooked up with the New York Jets at the end of the 2025 season, to team up with another former Virginia Tech signal caller, Tyrod Taylor. It was a short stint with the Jets, and on Wednesday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Hooker is returning to Tennessee and signing with the Titans.
Former Virginia Tech QB Hendon Hooker signing with Tennessee Titans
Let's be honest, Hooker is expected to be Cam Ward's backup with the Titans under new coach Robert Saleh. Hooker is looking to find some stability in the NFL after suffering an injury early in his career, which hampered his development. He was never able to get into much action with the Lions before he signed with the Carolina Panthers and Jets.
In three years with Virginia Tech under Justin Fuente, Hooker played in 25 games, completing 197 passes for 2,894 yards and 22 touchdowns with seven interceptions. In Tennessee, he threw for 6,080 yards, 58 touchdowns, and just five interceptions in 24 games for the Volunteers. He finished fifth in the Heisman trophy voting in 2022.
Ward struggled in his first season with the Titans, but he is still growing and learning in the NFL. He should take a step in Year 2. Hooker will join another former Hokie, kicker Joey Slye, in Tennessee after he re-signed with the Titans after a good first season kicking in the AFC South after kicking for the New England Patriots the year before.