Tennessee receiver Dont’e Thornton officially declared for the NFL Draft on Monday afternoon following the end of his senior season in Knoxville. Thornton is out of college eligibility after starting his career in 2021 and not redshirting in any of his four seasons.
Thornton played his first two collegiate seasons at Oregon before transferring to Tennessee ahead of the 2023 season and playing his final two years for the Vols.
“After thoughtful prayer and discussion with my family and team, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft,” Thornton wrote in a statement. “This marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, and I am excited for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“To Tennessee and Oregon, thank you for helping shape me into the man I am today. I’ll forever hold these two programs close to my heart.”
The Baltimore, Maryland native had a disappointing first season in Knoxville after transferring from Oregon. Tennessee played Thornton at the slot for most of the 2023 season and he struggled at that spot before moving outside midway through the season.
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Thornton had success after making the move in 2023 but his season ended early when he suffered an ankle injury in November.
The 6-foot-5, 214-pound pass catcher was Tennessee’s best receiver during the 2024 season catching 26 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns. Thornton became a big play weapon, recording game changing big plays in Tennessee wins over Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt.
Thornton led Tennessee in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns during the 2024 season. As the Vols’ passing attack struggled, Thornton was the one Tennessee receiver that could make big plays down the field.
Despite his success on the field, Thornton struggled to stay on the field while battling injuries throughout his final collegiate season. The senior receiver was Tennessee’s third highest graded offensive player according to PFF last season, totaling an 80.3 grade in 347 snaps.
