Tennessee's Hooker sidelined with torn ACL

Tennessee senior quarterback Hendon Hooker sustained a torn ACL in Saturday's 63-38 loss to South Carolina, ending his college career.

Hooker suffered a non-contact injury after attempting to change direction in the backfield on a play in the fourth quarter. The star passer exited to the medical tent before limping to the locker room.

He passed for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns to two interceptions in 11 games this year, emerging as a Heisman candidate while boosting his stock ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Hooker began his college career at Virginia Tech and joined Tennessee in 2021. He amassed 6,080 yards and 58 touchdowns against just five interceptions across 24 career appearances with the Volunteers.

Saturday's loss was Tennessee's second of the season and is a big blow to its College Football Playoff chances.

Joe Milton, who finished Saturday's game in relief of Hooker, is expected to quarterback the Volunteers for the remainder of the season.