Following a recent NCAA decision, Miles Kitselman will return to Tennessee for his fifth season.
Miles Kitselman returns to Tennessee football for the 2025 campaign, which is a significant victory for the Vols' roster.
Miles Kitselman returns to Tennessee football for the 2025 campaign, which is a significant victory for the Vols’ roster.
Miles Kitselman, the tight end for Tennessee, will use an unannounced eligibility extension to return to Knoxville for the 2025 campaign. On Monday, Kitselman made the revelation on Instagram, writing, “I have some unresolved business.” Let’s run it back.
At first, Kitselman’s eligibility was supposed to end after the 2024 campaign. But a historic NCAA ruling came from a lawsuit that Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia won. Players whose junior college years were previously counted against them were given an additional year of eligibility as a result of the verdict. Kitselman, who started playing football in college at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, benefited from this decision.
Kitselman transferred to Tennessee prior to the 2024 season after spending two years at Alabama following his season at Hutchinson. Kitselman became a vital offensive contributor, therefore the trade paid out for the Vols. He started all 12 of Tennessee’s regular-season games, contributing both size and skill to the attack. Against Georgia, Kitselman had a remarkable rushing touchdown on a fullback dive and 21 receptions for 296 yards and four touchdowns.
In 2025, Kitselman will be in charge of Tennessee’s tight end room. The Vols recruited two blue-chip recruits, Da’Saahn Brame and Jack Van Dorselaer, and kept promising pass-catcher Ethan Davis, despite losing backup Holden Staes to the transfer portal. As Tennessee replaces valuable pass catchers who have left the organization, Kitselman’s experience and track record of success will be essential.
Miles Kitselman will return to the University of Tennessee for his fifth season, following a recent decision made by the NCAA. This announcement comes as a significant development for both Kitselman and the Tennessee football program, as it allows the experienced player to continue contributing to the Vols’ efforts in the upcoming season.
The NCAA’s ruling, which permits Kitselman to extend his college career for another season, is a result of the extra year of eligibility granted to players during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the NCAA allowed all athletes to have their eligibility clock paused, giving them the opportunity to compete for an additional season. As a result, many players, including Kitselman, have taken advantage of this rule to prolong their college careers.
Kitselman, a key player for the Tennessee Vols, has been a reliable presence on the field throughout his previous seasons. His return for a fifth season brings valuable experience and leadership to the team, particularly in a time when the Vols are focused on building upon their recent successes. The added depth and continuity that Kitselman provides will be crucial for Tennessee, as they look to maintain their competitiveness in the highly demanding SEC.
For Kitselman, this opportunity to return for another season represents a chance to further develop his skills and make a lasting impact before transitioning to the next phase of his football career. The decision to return also allows him to play a key role in Tennessee’s continued efforts to build a championship-caliber team under head coach Josh Heupel.
