Tennessee has quickly become one of the most intriguing stories in college football. Hendon Hooker is certainly responsible for much of that notoriety.

Since taking over as Vols’ starting quarterback, Hooker has led Tennessee to lopsided wins over Missouri and South Carolina by a combined score of 107-44.

The Vols host Ole Miss tonight. If UT can beat its former coach, Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin, Hooker will likely be a big part of the reason why.

Here are 5 things to know about Tennessee’s quarterback:

Hendon Hooker had plenty of options when he transferred from Virginia Tech

Hooker was contacted by several schools when he announced he was entering the transfer portal. North Carolina State, Colorado, Ohio State and Northwestern were some of the most notables. However, Hooker stuck with Tennessee partly because they had just hired Josh Heupel as head coach.

“Being coached by another Heisman finalist with coach Heupel, the second In line to win the Heisman behind (former Florida State quarterback and Tennessee quarterback coach) Chris Weinke. I am really blessed by the Lord who really paved the way and laid out everything for me to be successful,” Hooker told Sons of Saturday. “I am excited to start my journey here and make some plays on the field.”

Hendon Hooker is one of the most prominent rising stars in the nation

Yes, you read that correctly. Hooker has not only shocked Tennessee and SEC fans with his play; he’s also one of the best quarterbacks in the entire NCAA. Hooker didn’t start in the season-opener but is now one of the most surprising stars in any program. Just look at the stats. Hooker’s quarterback ranking of 185.87 is the fifth highest rating in the nation. Ole Miss’s Matt Corral is sixth with a 182.23 rating. Hooker and Corral are first and second in the SEC in passer rating, respectively.

Hendon Hooker isn’t the first good quarterback in his family

Hooker’s father, Alan Hooker, was enshrined in the North Carolina A&T Hall of Fame after a decorated career as a quarterback that is often described as “legendary” by media that have covered the team. The elder Hooker signed a free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys and is now a motivational speaker. Hooker’s younger son, Alston Hooker, is now a quarterback at North Carolina A&T.

COVID-19 might have saved Hooker’s life

In September 2020, Hooker underwent a routine screening for COVID-19. Doctors discovered an unrelated heart issue. Surviving suddenly became much more important than just continuing as Virginia Tech’s starting quarterback.

“We were told that they found something in Hendon’s heart, and that we needed to come up for an emergency procedure,” Alan Hooker said in a report by the Knoxville News Sentinel. “They said he wasn’t going to play football ever again.

“But, honestly, I was scared for my son’s life.”

Hooker was not a highly regarded high school prospect – depending on who you ask

Hooker was only a three-star prospect by some recruiting services when he was a senior at Dudley High School in Greensboro, N.C. However, he reportedly had scholarship offers from some big-name schools like Oregon and Clemson before he signed with Virginia Tech. It’s unclear how serious those scholarship offers were.