Former Tennessee Vols player named by ESPN as a 'player to watch' in the Big 10 in 2025
A former Tennessee Vols wide receiver who left the program after the 2024 season was named by ESPN as a "player to watch" in the Big 10 in 2025. Wide receiver Nathan Leacock, a former four-star recruit, signed with Tennessee during the 2023 recruiting cycle. Leacock transferred from Tennessee to Purdue following the 2024 season. […]
A former Tennessee Vols wide receiver who left the program after the 2024 season was named by ESPN as a "player to watch" in the Big 10 in 2025.
Wide receiver Nathan Leacock, a former four-star recruit, signed with Tennessee during the 2023 recruiting cycle. Leacock transferred from Tennessee to Purdue following the 2024 season.
Jake Trotter pointed out Leacock as a "player to watch" for Purdue in spring practice in ESPN's Big 10 spring preview.
From ESPN: Tennessee transfer Nathan Leacock was a four-star recruit two years ago. He played sparingly in Knoxville, but will have ample opportunity now, with virtually Purdue's entire receiving corps from last year gone.
Leacock was rated as the No. 13 wide receiver in the nation in the 2023 recruiting class, but he wasn't able to crack the wide receiver rotation at Tennessee during his two seasons in Knoxville.
The Raleigh, NC native caught one pass for 13 yards during his time at Tennessee (the one reception came in the Vols' season-opening win against Chattanooga in 2024).
Leacock didn't see a lot of action at Tennessee, but he had a nice moment against Chattanooga last season when he kept seven points off the board by chasing down a defender and preventing a pick-six.
The Vols were up 55-3 at the time, which made Leacock's effort on the play even more impressive.
"That was an awesome play," said Tennessee wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope last fall of Leacock's effort play against Chattanooga. "That was really good by him. That's who Nate is. He is a fighter, and he is going to keep swinging until the very last second. That was awesome to see."
Leacock obviously has talent, he just needs to find a way to put it all together at Purdue.
