Will Levis has quickly become a name to watch in professional football. Known for his arm strength, accuracy, and leadership abilities, this young quarterback has showcased immense potential since entering the NFL. Selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 2023 NFL draft, Will Levis has proven his ability to adapt and excel at the high-pressure quarterback position. This biography dives into the life of Will Levis, exploring his upbringing, education, career highlights, and challenges that have shaped the athlete and person he is today.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on June 27, 1999, in Newton, Massachusetts, Will Donovan Levis grew up in a sports-centric family in Madison, Connecticut. His parents, Michael Levis and Beth Kelley Levis, were both accomplished athletes. Michael played football at Denison University, while Beth was a two-time All-American soccer player at Yale University and an inductee of the Connecticut Girls’ Soccer Association Hall of Fame. Additionally, his great-grandfather, Alva Kelley, was an All-American football player at Cornell who later became a collegiate head coach.
Will Levis was surrounded by athleticism and mentorship, which instilled in him a deep respect for discipline and commitment. Growing up, he inherited a competitive spirit and a drive for excellence from his family.
Educational Journey
Will Levis attended Xavier High School in Middletown, Connecticut, where he excelled on the football field. As senior team captain, he broke school records with 2,793 passing yards and 27 touchdowns in a single season. His academic achievements were equally noteworthy, graduating with a 4.0 GPA, earning the Brother Celestine Academic Award, and gaining National Honor Society membership.
After high school, Will Levis pursued a degree in finance at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, graduating in just three years in 2021. He later earned a master’s degree from Kentucky’s Gatton School of Business and Economics. His academic background remains a reflection of his commitment to balancing sports and education.
Collegiate Career
Penn State
Will Levis began his college career at Pennsylvania State University in 2018. He redshirted his first year and served as a backup quarterback in the next two seasons for starter Sean Clifford. While playing for Penn State, Will Levis showcased his dual-threat abilities, contributing 644 passing yards, 473 rushing yards, and a combined 9 touchdowns across his appearances. Despite limited starts, his performance hinted at the talent that lay ahead.
Transfer to Kentucky
Seeking more playing time and opportunities to lead, Will Levis transferred to the University of Kentucky in 2021. There, he flourished as the Wildcats’ starting quarterback. His inaugural season at Kentucky was nothing short of exceptional, throwing for 2,826 yards, 24 touchdowns, and adding 9 rushing touchdowns in 13 games. He helped lead Kentucky to 10 wins, their fourth such achievement in school history, capped off by a Citrus Bowl victory.
During his senior year in 2022, Will Levis threw for 2,406 yards, 19 touchdowns, and maintained a solid completion rate of 65.4%. By the end of his collegiate career, Levis had accumulated 5,876 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, and 17 rushing touchdowns.
NFL Career and Breakthrough
Entry into the NFL
Despite initial projections as a first-round pick, Will Levis experienced an unexpected slide to the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Tennessee Titans as the 33rd overall pick. This apparent setback only fueled his drive to succeed. His college performance, combined with his 6’4” height, 229-pound frame, and strong arm, made him an exciting prospect for the Titans.
2023 Rookie Season
Will Levis made his NFL debut in Week 8 of the 2023 season. Filling in for an injured starter, he passed for 238 yards and four touchdowns in a victory against the Atlanta Falcons. This performance made him only the third quarterback in NFL history to throw four touchdown passes in their debut.
Rising to the occasion, Will Levis earned multiple starts and finished his rookie season with 1,808 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and an 84.2 passer rating—the second-best by a rookie in franchise history.
2024 Season
Establishing himself as the Titans’ starting quarterback in 2024, Will Levis endured ups and downs, including a shoulder injury that caused a brief setback. Despite the challenges, he had standout moments, such as:
- Throwing a 98-yard touchdown, the longest in franchise history, during Week 11.
- Leading a calculated upset victory against the Houston Texans with 278 passing yards and two touchdowns.
He finished the 2024 season with 2,091 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Personal Life and Interests
A Family of Athletes
Coming from an athletic lineage, the influence of Will Levis’ family cannot be understated. His mother, Beth, and great-grandfather, Alva Kelley, served as role models and sources of inspiration. His grandfather frequently reminded him to “never give up,” a message Levis now carries as a personal mantra and even has tattooed on his arm as “2nd Chronicles 15:7.”
Off-the-Field Contributions
Will Levis is known for his charitable works, including raising money for natural disaster victims in Kentucky and volunteering for organizations such as Amachi, which supports children affected by parental incarceration. His commitment to community reflects his belief in using his platform to inspire and uplift.
Challenges and Resilience
Will Levis has faced adversity throughout his young career. Falling to the second round in the draft tested his confidence, but he used this experience as motivation to prove his value. NFL critics also questioned his performance consistency during the early part of his professional tenure. Injuries, including a shoulder strain in 2024, challenged him physically, but he consistently demonstrated resilience and determination to recover.
Summary Table of Key Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Will Donovan Levis |
| Birthdate | June 27, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Newton, Massachusetts |
| Height | 6’4″ |
| Weight | 229 lbs |
| Education | Penn State, University of Kentucky |
| NFL Draft | 2nd Round, 33rd Overall (2023) |
| Team | Tennessee Titans |
| Notable Stats | 3,899 Passing Yards, 21 TDs, 16 INTs |
| Awards | NFL Week 8 Rookie of the Week |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4 million |
| Charitable Work | Flood and Tornado Relief in Kentucky |
Legacy and Future Outlook
At just 25 years old, Will Levis continues to build a promising NFL career. From his meteoric rise as a rookie to refining his game in 2024, Will Levis demonstrates the determination to overcome setbacks and improve as a leader and quarterback. Fans and analysts alike anticipate further growth and success in the coming seasons.
