The CFB world may be going gaga over the recent transfer news with recruiters all over the nation in a frenzy. Add one big name to that saga—Tyler Baron. The former Tennessee Vols defensive end finished with the Vols with 101 total tackles and 13.5 sacks. Yep, former that’s not a typo fellas, you blink and you miss it.

Well, he is a Knoxville native, after all. Thus Baron committed to the Volunteers and played in 47 games during his impressive four-year career. It seems the defensive unit had family connections to the University of Tennessee, but his ability to get to the passer may carve out a unique legacy all his own. But hey, his parents deserve some credit, too!

Who are Tyler Baron’s Parents?

Born on October 22, 2001, Tyler was raised by his parents, Jessica Baron and Patrick Abernathy, in Nashville. His brothers, Jordan and Woody, have also played major roles in the family’s football legacy. Runs in the family, I guess. Woody Baron, in particular, has made his mark as a player at Virginia Tech and now competes in the Canadian Football League for the BC Lions. Jordan, on the other hand, recently completed his service in the National Guard in 2019.

Who knew the connection we were talking about would come in the form of his father? Patrick Abernathy was a support staff member with the Vols’ football program for eight years under coach Josh Heupel. He had an impressive football resume of his own. Abernathy was an all-state linebacker at Stratford High School in Nashville, where he also excelled in baseball and wrestling. After high school, he continued his football journey at Tennessee State University, where he played two undefeated seasons under legendary coach John Merritt and even played alongside NFL HOFer Richard Dent. Unfortunately, a knee injury cut his playing career short, eventually landing him a support role with the Vols.

However, he made sure to complete his education. He pursued a Business Administration degree with concentrations in science and math. On the flip side, not much is known about Tyler’s mother, Jessica Baron, as she tends to keep a lower profile. One thing is for sure: the family support and his athletic abilities make Tyler Barron a future NFL prospect. 

Miami defensive monster’s draft stock on raise

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Knoxville Catholic alum, rated as a four-star prospect and the nation’s fourth-ranked strong-side defensive end in 247 Composite Rankings, had quite a career. As a senior, he had 105 tackles and nine sacks and got selected to play in the 2020 Polynesian Bowl. He almost chose Ohio State over the Vols in 2020.

But if no drama, then it’s not college football. Tyler Barron has been backing off his pledge since 2023. Sounds familiar, right? Does it ring any bells? After first flipping from his commitment to Ole Miss, only to flip it again from Ole Miss to Louisville. He did it again! In May this year, he flipped from Louisville to the Miami Hurricanes. Finally, registered with the Hurricanes as a redshirt senior, he is their latest #9.

Now that the Hurricanes are on a 7-0 streak, Baron’s draft stock is also rising. Even according to NFL draft expert Matt Miller of ESPN, Tyler Baron is a player with first-round pick potential for the 2025 NFL draft, seen as the potential difference-maker for the Hurricanes. And let’s face it—2025 isn’t that far away. Let’s soon see how the future turns out for this rising star.