In 2022, the Tennessee Volunteers were among the top contenders for the national championship, ranked No. 5 in the country with a 9-1 record before their November 19 game. Their only loss until then was a road defeat to No. 1 Georgia. Their title hopes were dashed when quarterback Hendon Hooker suffered an ACL tear during a 63-38 loss to South Carolina. It was later revealed that Hooker had been playing with a meniscus tear prior to that game, a fact unknown at the time.
Hooker’s Grit and Injury Details Revealed
Hooker, a fifth-year senior and Heisman Trophy candidate, disclosed that he tore his meniscus in the game against Missouri just a week before facing South Carolina. Despite the injury, he played through the meniscus damage during the South Carolina matchup until the ACL tear ended his season. Speaking on 3HL on 104-5 The Zone, Hooker shared,
“What’s really crazy is… I tore my meniscus the game before against Missouri,
Essentially, I’m playing the entire South Carolina game on a torn meniscus. Third play of the game, I take off… I’m like, ‘I’m good to go, I don’t gotta worry about this knee thing.’ Next time I tried to run, I put my foot in the ground… [and I] tear my ACL.”
Performance Despite Injuries and Impact on Volunteers’ Season
Before exiting the game, Hooker completed 25 of 42 passes for 247 yards, threw 3 touchdowns, and had no interceptions—a remarkable effort given his condition. The Volunteers believed the 2022 season had the potential for an extraordinary finish, but the injury setbacks to their star quarterback ultimately prevented that outcome.
Significance of Hooker’s Injury and Future Implications
Hooker’s determination to compete despite a torn meniscus highlights the physical and mental toll elite athletes endure. The injury not only cut short a promising season for Tennessee but also underscored the fragility of championship aspirations tied closely to a key player’s health. Moving forward, Hooker’s experience serves as a reminder of the high stakes in college football and the resilience required to face adversity.
“I played that game on a torn meniscus”🤯
Former Tennessee QBs Hendon Hooker (@henhook2) and Joe Milton III (@Qbjayy7 ) tell the story of Hooker’s ACL tear vs South Carolina in 2022👀🍊
📺 FULL INTERVIEW: https://t.co/exr6WFdNTW pic.twitter.com/hIXpL2zZig
— 3HL (@3HL1045) February 7, 2026
