How Tennessee football will replace these ten key players in the 2025 campaign
Before the year ends, Tennessee football will look to the 2025 campaign, and there will be significant roster changes.
It was quite an accomplishment for the Vols (10-3) to qualify for the 12-team College Football Playoff. However, their 42–17 loss to Ohio State brought to light the gap that needs to be filled in order to move forward.
UT now has to rebuild through player development, recruitment, and the transfer portal after losing a sizable senior class.
These ten standout players are lost by the Vols, and their replacements may give them a shot to qualify for the CFP again in 2025.
1. William Satterwhite to Cooper Mays
Cooper Mays has long been a mainstay on the offensive line and was named an All-SEC center. Among the current players, William Satterwhite, a freshman in 2024, is the front-runner to succeed Mays. Another choice would be to transfer, but it’s difficult to locate a reputable facility through the portal.
2. Wendell Moe to Javontez Spraggins
Javontez Spraggins was an All-SEC player and seasoned guard. Wendell Moe, a transfer from Arizona, joined the Vols last week as a top portal addition. He can play either guard position and was named to the 2023 All-Pac-12 team.
3. John Campbell to David Sanders
Right tackle John Campbell has struggled through injuries, penalties and inconsistent play during his seventh college season. Five-star signee David Sanders, the No. 1 tackle in the 2025 class, will be put on the fast track to start immediately. If he’s not ready, another young tackle already on the roster must step into that role. Either way, the Vols have a good chance to upgrade at right tackle compared to the 2024 season.
4. Bru McCoy to Mike Matthews
Wide receiver Bru McCoy was a five-star recruit in 2019. Mike Matthews was a five-star recruit in the 2024 class. It’s time for the latter to step forward and become a go-to receiver. Matthews showed promise as a freshman, but he must make a sizable leap next season. Expect Matthews and quarterback Nico Iamaleava to spend a lot of time together this offseason.
5. Thornton won’t be transferring till later.
In 2024, Dont’e Thornton was UT’s top receiver. Next season, Matthews or Chris Brazzell might replace that output at outside receiver. However, the portal is likely the only place to get a dynamic receiver who can intimidate opponents, which is something the team desperately needs.
6. Dylan Sampson to Sampson, Dylan
Alright, this might seem excessive. However, bringing the SEC Offensive Player of the Year back for another season is the simplest method to replicate his output. Dylan Sampson will probably join the NFL. However, he might think about staying for one more season if UT offers him an extremely big NIL deal.
7. Bryson Eason to Omari Thomas and others
Six defensive tackles for UT played at least 180 snaps in 2024. The most experienced member of the group was Omari Thomas, who played 61 games in his career. However, Elijah Simmons and Omarr Norman-Lott were as important. Due to a COVID-exempt year, two-year starter Bryson Eason might return next season and take the lead in the interior line. However, as UT looks to keep a deep rotation, Daevin Hobbs and Jaxson Moi will also be key players. If another defensive lineman gets added from the portal, don’t be shocked.
8. Young edge rushers James Pearce to Joshua Josephs
James Pearce will be selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Joshua Josephs might return as the team’s top edge rusher or try his hand at the NFL. However, the position is well-stocked with Jordan Ross and Caleb Herring, two previous blue-chip prospects who will reach adulthood in 2025.
9. Edwin Spillman to Keenan Pili
After suffering a season-ending injury, Keenan Pili was never fully replaced by UT’s linebackers. He was a good coverage linebacker, a smart defender, and a formidable run-stopper. Edwin Spillman, a freshman in 2024, has the opportunity to become that kind of versatile middle linebacker. However, he missed too much of the 2024 season due to injury. Next season, he will have his shot.
10. TBD Safety Will Brooks Transfer?
With four interceptions, Will Brooks shared the team lead. It’s possible that Jourdan Thomas may transition from nickelback to safety after recovering from his 2024 injury. Christian Charles or Jakobe Thomas might be selected to start. To continue the reclamation project that started at cornerback in 2024, the Vols might search the portal for a safety upgrade.
