As a senior in 2016, he was selected Tennessee Mr. Football and played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

[1] He was a semifinalist for the 2016 Butkus Award, which is given to the nation's top high school linebacker.

Following a junior season where he led the team in tackles, Phillips announced that he would forgo his senior year and declared for the 2020 NFL draft.

He started the next four games before being placed on injured reserve on October 26, 2022, after suffering a pectoral injury in Week 7.

[17] On April 23, 2024, Phillips signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans for $1.15 million.