In a jaw-dropping move that has left fans, analysts, and scouts in disbelief, Tennessee Volunteers point guard Zakai Zeigler has officially withdrawn his name from the 2025 NBA Draft — only to announce he’s committing to the New Orleans Saints of the NFL.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The 5-foot-9 basketball dynamo, long celebrated for his electric speed, court vision, and relentless defense, is switching sports altogether after a brief — and apparently life-changing — visit to the Saints’ training facility earlier this week.
“I’ve always been underestimated because of my size,” Zeigler said in a surprise press conference on Friday afternoon. “But after my visit with the Saints and a quick tryout, I realized this is the challenge I’ve been waiting for. I’m built for this — mentally and physically.”
A Move Nobody Saw Coming
Zeigler had been projected as a solid second-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, praised for his leadership and toughness during his standout career at Tennessee. Scouts noted his high motor, elite playmaking skills, and defensive prowess despite his smaller frame.
But apparently, NFL scouts saw something else.
According to sources close to the Saints organization, Zeigler showed up for what was supposed to be a casual meet-and-greet — and left coaches stunned after running 4.34 in the 40-yard dash and displaying jaw-dropping agility during a private workout.
“He’s an athlete — period,” said Saints head coach Dennis Allen. “We saw what he could do with a football in his hands and knew immediately he had that rare ‘it’ factor. We’re not trying to mold him into something he’s not — we’re building a role around what makes him special.”
What’s Next?
Zeigler is expected to join the Saints for rookie minicamp next month, where insiders suggest he may be used as a hybrid slot receiver/return specialist — a role not unlike the one Dante Hall or even Devin Hester once played. Still, the transition from NCAA hoops to the brutal gridiron of the NFL will be steep.
Former Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes expressed mixed emotions.
“We’re incredibly proud of Zakai, but we’re also shocked,” Barnes said. “He’s fearless, and that’s what makes him who he is. If anyone can make this kind of leap, it’s him.”
Fans across social media have exploded with reactions ranging from disbelief to pure excitement, with many drawing parallels to Bo Jackson or Deion Sanders — though neither made the leap from basketball to football.
One thing’s for sure: Zakai Zeigler has just rewritten the script on what it means to be a dual-sport athlete.