Former University of Kentucky star and current Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, officially sidelining him for the entire 2025 NFL season. The announcement, made on July 21, 2025, marks a significant turning point in the career of the young quarterback who had hoped to bounce back and compete for playing time during his third professional season with the Titans.
The Tennessee Titans confirmed that Levis came to the decision to proceed with surgery after a series of consultations with medical professionals and his personal representatives. According to a statement released by the team, they are fully behind Levis’ decision and are optimistic about his future recovery.
“We support his decision to focus on his long-term health,” the Titans stated. “He approached the offseason with professionalism and showed clear growth as a leader. We remain confident in his full recovery.”
Levis’ surgery is scheduled for July 29, just weeks before the Titans begin their preseason slate against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 9. The team is set to kick off the regular season on September 7 in a road game against the Denver Broncos. With Levis now ruled out for the year, Tennessee’s quarterback room will likely center around rookie quarterback Cam Ward, whom the team selected with the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft.
Levis’ injury and subsequent decision come after a challenging 2024 campaign. As the Titans’ starter in 12 games, he threw for 2,091 yards and tallied 13 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. However, his season was marred by inconsistent play and poor protection up front—he was sacked 41 times. The team finished with a disappointing 3-14 record, which ultimately positioned them to secure the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
His season began to derail in earnest on September 30, 2024, when he sprained the AC joint in his right shoulder while diving for a first down against the Miami Dolphins. Though Tennessee had a bye week following that game, Levis attempted to play through the pain in their next matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite his efforts, the Titans fell short in a narrow three-point loss, with Levis throwing a costly late-game interception. After the game, he acknowledged that the shoulder injury affected his performance and decision-making on the field.
Following that loss, Levis missed the Titans’ next three games to recover from the injury. He would later return to the starting lineup but was unable to recapture his early-season form or lead the team to meaningful victories. His struggles, both physically and mentally, throughout the remainder of the season played a significant role in the Titans’ decision to invest in a new franchise quarterback through the draft.
Levis was originally selected by the Titans as the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The team, then under General Manager Ran Carthon, traded up to acquire the former Kentucky standout. However, Carthon’s tenure with the team ended after just two seasons, with his departure announced in January 2025. The team’s front office has since undergone a broader overhaul as part of a rebuilding effort.
A native of Connecticut, Levis began his collegiate career at Penn State, where he played sparingly before transferring to the University of Kentucky in 2021. With the Wildcats, he made an immediate impact, becoming the starting quarterback and leading the program to notable success. Over his two-year stint in Lexington, Levis amassed a 17-7 record as a starter and threw for 43 career touchdowns—ranking fifth all-time in UK history.
Levis’ college career was defined by his toughness, leadership, and strong arm, traits that made him a high-profile draft prospect despite some concerns about his mechanics and decision-making. His transition to the NFL, however, has been anything but smooth. While his rookie season showed glimpses of potential, the setbacks of 2024, including the shoulder injury and team-wide struggles, have slowed his development.
With this surgery, Levis is prioritizing his long-term health and ensuring that he will be fully ready for future opportunities, whether with the Titans or elsewhere. The Titans’ statement suggests that while Levis may not be in their immediate plans for 2025, they still view him as a valuable asset with room to grow once recovered.
This development also places more pressure on rookie Cam Ward, who will now likely be thrust into the spotlight far earlier than expected. Ward was drafted out of Washington State with the top pick in 2025, largely due to the Titans’ dismal finish and the front office’s desire for a fresh start at quarterback. With Levis sidelined, Ward will be the primary figure leading Tennessee into the new season, barring the signing of a veteran free agent or the emergence of another backup.
For fans of Kentucky football, the news marks a difficult chapter in the journey of one of the school’s more prominent recent alumni. Will Levis brought excitement to the program during his tenure in Lexington, elevating Kentucky football’s profile in the SEC and nationally. His hard-nosed playing style and on-field charisma earned him a loyal following, and many were hopeful he could carry that success into the NFL.
Now, with surgery looming and the 2025 season off the table, Levis enters a recovery phase that could prove pivotal in shaping the next stage of his professional journey. NFL recoveries from shoulder surgeries vary in complexity and length, but with modern advancements and proper rehab, many quarterbacks have returned from similar procedures in full form.
What’s next for Will Levis depends largely on how he heals and whether he can reestablish himself as a viable NFL starter or backup in the years to come. For now, the focus shifts to his rehabilitation, the Titans’ efforts to build around their new quarterback, and the hope that Levis can return stronger, both physically and mentally, from one of the most difficult moments of his career.
