Photo credit: Vol Football 

What happened: Midland native Chris Brazzell II is headed to the NFL. The Carolina Panthers selected the former Midland Christian and Legacy standout with the No. 83 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. At the NFL Combine, the 6-foot-5 athlete ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash.

The big picture: Brazzell began at Midland Christian before finishing at Legacy, where he earned first-team all-district honors in 2021 and helped lead the Rebels to a 10-2 season and a deep playoff run. He closed his high school career with 104 receptions, 1,596 yards, and 21 touchdowns.

Brazzell started at Tulane and made an immediate impact, earning Freshman All-American honors, before later transferring to Tennessee. In his final Volunteer season, Brazzell totaled 62 catches, 1,017 yards, and nine touchdowns, earning first-team All-SEC and All-America recognition. He led the SEC in receiving yards per game during that final season and produced against top competition with multiple 100-yard performances.

Across his college career, he finished with 136 receptions, 2,072 yards, and 16 touchdowns in 40 games. Brazzell’s father, Chris Brazzell, also played professionally after being drafted in 1998.

What they’re saying:

“You could tell from an early age that Chris was a special kind of talent,” Brazzell’s former Midland Christian coach, Chris Ryburn, said. “Making it to the NFL is such a rare accomplishment, but it does not surprise me that Chris made it there. It will be exciting for all of Midland to see him play on Sundays, and I’m really happy for Chris and his family.”

For Midland, this is what it’s about. High-level talent can grow right here.