Tennessee Football 2025 Prospects: Dylan Sampson’s replacement

Tennessee football has established itself as one of the most potent offenses in the Southeastern Conference, thanks in part to the stellar contributions from running backs like Dylan Sampson. Sampson, a standout back for the Volunteers, has played a critical role in the offense, adding explosiveness and reliability in both the run game and as a receiving threat out of the backfield. As the 2025 season looms, the question remains: who will step up and fill the void left by Dylan Sampson when he moves on from the program? Replacing a dynamic playmaker like Sampson is no easy task, but Tennessee has a talented pipeline of prospects that could take over the role and continue the success of the Vols’ ground attack.

In this article, we will examine the current state of Tennessee’s running back depth chart, identify key prospects in the 2025 class who could replace Sampson, and look ahead to the potential impact of these players on the program’s future.

1. Dylan Sampson: A Look Back at His Impact

Before we dive into the prospects that could potentially replace Dylan Sampson, it’s essential to understand just how much he contributed to the Tennessee offense. Sampson’s versatility made him a key weapon for the Volunteers, with his ability to contribute both in the run game and in the passing game creating mismatches for opposing defenses.

During his time at Tennessee, Sampson established himself as a dynamic running back who could take over games with his speed, vision, and ability to hit the home run on any given play. As a running back, he averaged a solid yards-per-carry and showed the ability to break tackles in the open field. His ability to turn short runs into big gains was one of his defining characteristics, and he was often a focal point of Tennessee’s up-tempo offense.

What truly set Sampson apart was his ability as a receiving threat. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel’s system emphasized spreading the field and creating opportunities for running backs to catch passes out of the backfield, and Sampson was able to take full advantage of that. He displayed excellent hands and the ability to create yards after the catch, giving the offense a multi-dimensional threat.

As Tennessee moves forward, the Vols will need someone who can replicate Sampson’s versatility and big-play ability. Fortunately, the team has some promising options already on the roster and in the 2025 recruiting class that could fill the void.

2. Current Depth Chart: Who Is in the Mix?

Before considering the incoming freshmen, it’s important to take a look at the current players already on the roster who could step up and compete for the starting role in 2025.

Jabari Small

As a veteran running back on the Tennessee roster, Jabari Small has been a reliable contributor over the past few seasons. Known for his downhill running style and physicality, Small has established himself as a key cog in the Vols’ backfield. While he might not have the same top-end speed as some of Tennessee’s other backs, he is an exceptional hard-nosed runner who can grind out tough yards between the tackles.

Small’s experience in Tennessee’s system makes him a potential leader in the backfield moving forward. He has good vision and a strong understanding of the offense’s tempo, which could make him a trusted option to replace Sampson in certain situations. While he may not have the same explosiveness, Small’s balance, power, and leadership qualities would make him a strong candidate to take on a bigger role in 2025.

Jaylen Wright

Jaylen Wright is another name to keep an eye on as Tennessee looks for a replacement for Dylan Sampson. As a young, explosive back, Wright has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action. His burst and quickness are elite, and his ability to hit the hole and make defenders miss in the open field makes him a natural fit for the Vols’ fast-paced offensive system. Wright has the potential to become a dynamic player for Tennessee, and his ability to develop his skills over the next couple of years will be crucial as the team looks to maintain its offensive success.

If Wright can continue to refine his technique, particularly in terms of pass protection and catching the ball out of the backfield, he could be a viable replacement for Sampson’s dual-threat capabilities. His speed and vision are strong assets that make him a candidate to carry the load in 2025, and his development in the coming seasons will be a storyline to watch.

Dylan Sampson’s Backup: A Quick Assessment

While Tennessee’s current depth at running back is promising, no one on the roster has yet fully replaced the multi-dimensional style that Sampson brought to the offense. The search for a successor who can balance explosive runs with consistent pass-catching duties will likely need to focus on the incoming 2025 recruiting class and potential transfers who may fit the mold of a dynamic all-around back.

3. 2025 Recruiting Class: Potential Replacements for Dylan Sampson

As the 2025 season draws closer, Tennessee’s coaching staff has been hard at work identifying running back prospects who can step into the backfield and contribute right away. With a recruiting class loaded with talent, several players stand out as potential replacements for Dylan Sampson in the Vols’ high-powered offense.

2025 Commit: James Franklin

One of the top running back recruits in the 2025 class is James Franklin, a highly-touted 5-star prospect out of Georgia. Franklin is an all-purpose back who can impact the game in multiple ways, both as a runner and a receiver. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, Franklin has ideal size for the position, but it’s his quickness and vision that make him an especially dangerous weapon in Heupel’s offensive system.

Franklin’s ability to accelerate through the line of scrimmage, coupled with his ability to make defenders miss in the open field, makes him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s offensive scheme. As a pass-catcher, he has soft hands and the ability to make plays in space, similar to what Sampson provided in the passing game. Given his skill set, Franklin could come in and make an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2025, offering Tennessee another explosive playmaker out of the backfield.

2025 Commit: Cameron Moore

Cameron Moore, a 4-star recruit from Florida, is another prospect to keep an eye on in 2025. Known for his vision and balance, Moore has a style that mirrors some of the top running backs in college football. While not as explosive as Franklin, Moore is a well-rounded back who is difficult to bring down. His ability to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact could make him an ideal fit for Tennessee, especially in short-yardage situations.

Moore’s ability to pick up blitzes and contribute as a pass protector will be crucial in Heupel’s system, which often relies on the running back to block for the quarterback and create passing lanes. Moore has shown the ability to be a workhorse back, capable of handling a heavy workload and being a primary contributor in the run game.

2025 Commit: Elijah Parks

Elijah Parks, a 3-star running back from Texas, is another name to watch in the 2025 class. While Parks may not be as highly rated as Franklin or Moore, his upside is significant. Parks is an explosive, shifty back who can make defenders miss in tight spaces. He has the ability to hit the hole quickly and gain chunks of yardage on designed runs or sweeps.

What stands out about Parks is his ability to contribute in the passing game. He has strong hands and has proven to be a reliable target for his high school quarterback. Parks could provide Tennessee with a versatile back who can contribute as both a runner and a receiver, taking on the role of a third-down back or someone who can spell the starting running back while still making an impact on offense.

4. Transfer Portal: An Additional Avenue for Talent

While Tennessee’s incoming 2025 recruits are certainly intriguing, the transfer portal may also provide an avenue for the Vols to add a seasoned running back who could immediately step into the starting role. With the increasing number of players transferring from other programs, Tennessee could look to bolster its backfield by adding a veteran player who has proven himself at the college level.

A transfer running back could offer the immediate experience and skill set that Tennessee is looking for in a potential replacement for Sampson. The transfer portal has become an important resource for programs like Tennessee, who are looking to fill immediate needs with high-quality players who are ready to contribute from day one.