Sam Pendleton has announced his commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers, strengthening their recruiting class with a key addition.

The Tennessee Volunteers recently added a well-known player to their list of players they are beginning to move through the transfer portal. Sam Pendleton, a former offensive lineman for Notre Dame, has declared his intention to join the Tennessee Volunteers.

Pendleton was the starting left guard for Notre Dame at the beginning of the 2024 season and started the first seven games. However, after Billy Schrauth returned from injury in October, Rocco Splinder took over at left guard, so Pendleton was left without a starting position. Tennessee has been actively looking through the transfer portal this offseason to strengthen its left guard position, but the Vols haven’t been successful in landing some of their targets. Josh Thompson, a guard from Northwestern, visited the Vols before committing to LSU, and Emmanuel Pregnon, a guard from USC, also considered Tennessee before choosing Oregon.

Tennessee’s left guard position is still up in the air going into the 2025 summer. This makes it possible for Pendleton to establish himself as a vital member of Tennessee’s offensive line.

Sam Pendleton Announces Commitment to Tennessee Volunteers: A Key Addition to Their Recruiting Class

In a significant move for the Tennessee Volunteers, Sam Pendleton has announced his commitment to join the team as part of their 2025 recruiting class. Pendleton, a highly regarded offensive lineman, brings both size and skill to a Tennessee program that has been building momentum under head coach Josh Heupel. His commitment strengthens the Volunteers’ already impressive recruiting efforts, further solidifying their place as one of the rising programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

A Vital Addition to Tennessee’s Offensive Line

Sam Pendleton’s commitment is particularly important for Tennessee as the Volunteers continue to bolster their offensive line—a critical position in their offensive system. The Volunteers have made great strides in recent seasons, becoming a high-powered, fast-paced offense under Heupel. However, to remain competitive in the SEC and beyond, building a strong offensive line capable of executing the up-tempo, high-scoring offense that Tennessee is known for is essential. Pendleton’s addition addresses this need and gives the Volunteers a talented player who can contribute right away.

At 6’5” and around 310 pounds, Pendleton brings an impressive physical presence to the offensive line. His size, combined with his agility and technical ability, makes him an ideal fit for Tennessee’s style of play, which requires offensive linemen who can move quickly and create space in both the running game and pass protection. Pendleton’s versatility also allows him to play multiple positions on the line, making him a valuable asset for the Volunteers’ future depth chart.

Pendleton’s Recruiting Journey

Pendleton, who hails from the state of North Carolina, was a standout at his high school, earning recognition as one of the top offensive linemen in his class. He had a number of offers from high-profile programs across the country, including several from the SEC. His decision to commit to Tennessee is a testament to the Volunteers’ recruiting efforts and the confidence that Pendleton has in their coaching staff and program.

Tennessee’s rise in recruiting rankings in recent years has been a major factor in attracting top-tier talent like Pendleton. Under Heupel, the Volunteers have significantly improved their recruiting efforts, bringing in top-notch players at various positions. Pendleton’s commitment further cements Tennessee’s status as one of the top recruiting destinations in the SEC. With other high-profile commitments already in place, Pendleton’s decision helps to elevate the overall class and sends a message about Tennessee’s continued growth and ambition.

A Fit in Tennessee’s Offensive System

Pendleton’s decision to commit to Tennessee is also a strategic one when considering the program’s offensive system. Heupel’s offense is known for its fast tempo, wide-open schemes, and a commitment to both the pass and the run game. As the Volunteers continue to recruit players who can thrive in this system, Pendleton’s blend of size and mobility will serve him well in both facets of Tennessee’s offensive attack.

In the running game, Pendleton’s strength and physicality will allow him to open up lanes for running backs, while his ability to pass block will give quarterbacks the time they need to execute Tennessee’s explosive passing game. As Tennessee looks to continue its upward trajectory in the SEC and national rankings, having an offensive lineman like Pendleton, who can step into the system and excel, is crucial.

The Future for Pendleton and Tennessee

Looking ahead, Pendleton’s commitment to Tennessee provides a strong foundation for the Volunteers’ offensive line in the coming years. As Heupel continues to build his program and develop the players he recruits, Pendleton will likely play a key role in the evolution of the offense. His potential to make an immediate impact, combined with the program’s upward momentum, makes his commitment an exciting development for Tennessee fans.

For Pendleton, the move to Tennessee offers the chance to be a part of a program on the rise in one of the most competitive conferences in college football. With a strong coaching staff, an up-tempo offense, and a growing fan base, Pendleton is well-positioned to further develop his skills and contribute to Tennessee’s quest for championships in the near future.