The College Football Playoff conversation this year includes many of the usual suspects, but one team stands out: Tennessee.
Less than two years after Josh Heupel took over a broken program that was staring at NCAA violations and coming off a stretch of seven losing seasons in 11 years, the Vols have arguably the nation's most prolific offense led by an unexpected star.
Hendon Hooker has become one of the nation's elite quarterbacks under Heupel's tutelage. Hooker's numbers since the start of last season will grab anyone's attention, but in 2022, the wins have started to roll in, as well.
Hooker matched reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young throw for throw in October, leading Tennessee to a momentous win over Alabama. Now, he has his sights set on even greater goals.
MORE: Craziest stats behind Volunteers' upset of Crimson Tide
Hooker's Heisman stock has surged as the season has progressed. Hooker and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud are the consensus favorites for the award, which sets up a terrific race down the stretch between two quarterbacks who could meet in the Playoff.
MORE: Heisman Trophy watch: Updated odds favor Hooker to win 2022 award
Here's all you need to know about the Tennessee quarterback.
Who is Hendon Hooker? Did he transfer to Tennessee?
Hooker began his career at Virginia Tech after committing to the Hokies in March 2016. A four-star prospect in the Class of 2017, Hooker redshirted in 2017 and didn't become Virginia Tech's starter until 2019.
After a losing season in 2020, Hooker entered the transfer portal and committed to Tennessee. Hooker transferred there one month before the school fired coach Jeremy Pruitt for cause amid evidence of multiple NCAA violations. Despite the turmoil, Hooker stuck with the program and has blossomed into a star.
After taking over as Tennessee's starter early in the 2021 season, Hooker used his "COVID year" of extra eligibility to return for 2022.
How old is Hendon Hooker?
Hooker is 25. He will turn 26 in January, four days after the College Football Playoff championship game.
He enrolled at Virginia Tech in the spring of 2017, so he was on the older side by the time he began his football career in the fall. With the redshirt year and an extra year of eligibility as a result of the pandemic, Hooker is now one of the oldest quarterbacks in college football.
Georgia's Stetson Bennett is also 25, though he is nine months younger than Hooker.
Hendon Hooker stats
Hooker's numbers since he arrived at Tennessee have been impeccable. The sixth-year senior has thrown 52 touchdowns and just four interceptions over 21 games with the Volunteers, while also rushing for 954 yards and nine touchdowns.
Through eight games in 2022, Hooker has completed 71.2 percent of passes for 2,338 yards with 21 touchdowns and one interception.
MORE: Playoff scenarios for Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama
Hooker also avoided turnovers at Virginia Tech, but his touchdown rate of 10.0 percent at Tennessee is considerably higher than his 7.1 percent figure with the Hokies.
In just two seasons, Hooker has moved to sixth all time in touchdown passes by a Tennessee quarterback. He's on track to pass Joshua Dobbs and could rise even higher on the list if the Volunteers make a Playoff run.
