The 2025 season will see Tennessee football’s incoming freshmen make an immediate impression.
As college football programs prepare for each new season, the excitement surrounding incoming freshmen is always palpable. These young athletes, fresh out of high school, are expected to not only adjust to the demands of college life but also step onto the field and contribute right away. For Tennessee Volunteers football, the 2025 season presents an opportunity to showcase the remarkable talent of their incoming freshman class, a group that has been widely anticipated to make an immediate impact.
Head coach Josh Heupel and his staff have been hard at work building a program that is both competitive and dynamic, and the infusion of young talent is a key part of that vision. With an emphasis on both offensive innovation and defensive improvement, the 2025 freshman class looks set to be a transformative force for Tennessee football. These players are expected to bring a new level of energy, skill, and depth to a team that is already on the rise in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the standout incoming freshmen for Tennessee football, why they are expected to make an immediate impression, and how they could contribute to the team’s success in the 2025 season. We will also explore the broader context of Tennessee’s recruiting strategy under Heupel and what these young players’ early contributions could mean for the future of the program.
Tennessee’s Recruiting Strategy Under Josh Heupel
Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Josh Heupel has quickly established himself as one of the most innovative and dynamic minds in college football. Known for his high-tempo offense and ability to develop talented quarterbacks, Heupel has made Tennessee football an exciting program to watch. However, he also recognizes that building a sustainable winner requires a strong foundation of talent across all positions.
Under Heupel, Tennessee has made significant strides in recruiting, particularly in the areas of offensive skill positions, quarterback development, and bolstering the defensive front. The 2025 recruiting class is a testament to the program’s growing national reputation, with Tennessee bringing in a mix of elite prospects who are ready to make their mark on the field.
Heupel’s high-octane offensive system has been particularly appealing to offensive recruits, while his emphasis on developing players for the NFL has made Tennessee an attractive destination for many top-tier prospects. The 2025 freshmen represent a blend of players who fit seamlessly into this system, whether they’re wide receivers, running backs, defensive linemen, or linebackers. Tennessee is well-positioned to continue its rise in the SEC, and the contributions of these freshmen will be critical in that effort.
Key Incoming Freshmen Expected to Make an Immediate Impact
With the 2025 season on the horizon, a number of freshmen have the potential to make an immediate impact for Tennessee. From skilled playmakers to versatile defenders, this class is loaded with talent. Here’s a closer look at some of the top incoming freshmen who could play key roles for the Volunteers in the upcoming season:
1. Quarterback: Noah McAuliffe
The quarterback position is always under the microscope, and in 2025, Tennessee is bringing in a highly-touted quarterback in Noah McAuliffe. McAuliffe, a dual-threat quarterback from Texas, is one of the top recruits in the country and is expected to compete for the starting job immediately. Known for his impressive arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability, McAuliffe could be a perfect fit for Heupel’s fast-paced offense.
McAuliffe’s ability to make throws on the run and extend plays with his legs will make him a dangerous weapon in the Tennessee offense. He has shown the ability to read defenses quickly, and his poise in high-pressure situations is a trait that stands out. While Tennessee currently has an experienced starter, the competition at quarterback will be fierce, and McAuliffe’s arrival will undoubtedly raise the level of play in the position group. Whether as a starter or a key backup, McAuliffe is poised to have a significant role in the offense.
2. Wide Receiver: Jacob Brown
Heupel’s offense is known for its ability to stretch the field vertically, and incoming freshman Jacob Brown has all the tools to be a breakout star. A five-star recruit from Georgia, Brown possesses exceptional speed, agility, and route-running ability. At 6’3” with great hands and the ability to separate from defenders, Brown has the type of physical profile that fits perfectly into the Vols’ offensive scheme.
The wide receiver position will be critical for Tennessee in 2025, with several key players leaving after the previous season. Brown’s skill set and his ability to make plays downfield will allow him to contribute immediately. His chemistry with the quarterback—whether it’s McAuliffe or another starter—could form the foundation of a lethal passing attack. Expect Brown to be one of the primary targets in the receiving corps and an immediate contributor for the Vols.
3. Running Back: Trey Green
Tennessee’s offense has often been predicated on a balanced attack, mixing the passing game with a strong ground game. Incoming running back Trey Green, a highly-rated prospect from Alabama, brings a blend of power, speed, and vision that could make him an instant contributor. Green’s ability to hit the hole with authority while maintaining the speed to break off long runs will be invaluable for Tennessee in 2025.
Green has the potential to step in and be a lead back in a committee system. His skills as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and his ability to find creases in opposing defenses make him an ideal fit for the up-tempo offense that Heupel employs. With Tennessee’s offensive line returning several key pieces, Green could have a breakout season and help solidify the ground game as a consistent threat.
4. Defensive Lineman: Markel Johnson
On the defensive side of the ball, Tennessee has made it a priority to strengthen its front seven. Markel Johnson, a four-star defensive lineman from North Carolina, is one of the most highly-anticipated recruits in this class. Known for his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Johnson could make an immediate impact on the defensive line.
In Heupel’s system, where tempo and pressure on the quarterback are key components, Johnson’s pass-rushing ability will be invaluable. His quickness, combined with his strength, will allow him to compete for significant playing time right away. Tennessee’s defensive line is a unit in need of depth, and Johnson’s arrival provides an immediate upgrade to the group. He could become a cornerstone of the defense as he continues to develop throughout the season.
5. Linebacker: Caleb Matthews
Tennessee’s linebacker corps is expected to undergo some changes in the 2025 season, and incoming freshman Caleb Matthews is poised to be a key part of the transition. Matthews, a physical and athletic linebacker from Florida, brings the versatility and instincts that Tennessee needs to bolster its defense. Known for his sideline-to-sideline range and ability to cover both the run and the pass, Matthews has the potential to step in as a starter.
His ability to diagnose plays quickly and his knack for making tackles in critical situations will allow him to contribute immediately. The linebacker position, often a key part of Heupel’s defense, will rely on Matthews to provide stability and leadership, especially in a conference as competitive as the SEC. Expect Matthews to play a significant role in the defense and make an impact in his freshman season.
6. Defensive Back: Jalen Cook
The secondary is always an area of focus for a Tennessee team looking to compete in the high-scoring SEC. Incoming defensive back Jalen Cook, a top recruit from Louisiana, brings excellent coverage skills and a high football IQ. At 6’0” with solid speed, Cook is well-equipped to handle the challenges of SEC wide receivers.
With Tennessee’s secondary needing to improve after some growing pains in previous seasons, Cook has the chance to step in and make a difference right away. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and break on the ball makes him a threat to create turnovers. Whether he plays cornerback or safety, Cook is expected to have an immediate role in the defensive backfield.
How These Freshmen Fit into Tennessee’s 2025 Season
As Tennessee prepares for the 2025 season, these freshmen are not just coming to provide depth—they are expected to contribute right away. The competition in the SEC is fierce, and for Tennessee to remain competitive in the conference and nationally, the freshmen must step up and make their presence felt.
These players bring different skill sets to the table, but their collective impact could be the key to Tennessee’s success in 2025. Whether it’s in the high-flying offense or the improved defense, these incoming freshmen will be crucial to Tennessee’s championship aspirations.
The addition of these players will also provide Heupel with the flexibility to rotate and develop depth across both sides of the ball, a critical factor in a grueling SEC schedule. With top-tier talent across the roster, Tennessee is poised to compete at a high level and make a run for an SEC title, with the 2025 freshmen playing a key role in that pursuit.
