Projecting Tennessee Football’s 2025 Depth Chart As Winter Workouts Begin

As Tennessee Football embarks on the 2025 offseason with winter workouts officially underway, the Volunteers are focused on refining their roster and preparing for the upcoming season. With significant changes in terms of personnel and coaching staff, the 2025 depth chart is in a state of flux. However, the Vols are poised to be competitive in the SEC once again, with a mixture of experienced talent and promising new additions.

This year’s depth chart will hinge on the development of returning players, the integration of new recruits, and the strategic adjustments made by head coach Josh Heupel’s staff. As winter workouts serve as the foundation for spring practices, let’s break down the projected depth chart for the 2025 Tennessee Volunteers football team, position by position.

Quarterback: Joe Milton III vs. Nico Iamaleava

The quarterback position will be one of the most closely watched battles of the 2025 offseason. Joe Milton III, who took over as the starter for the Vols during the 2024 season, will enter 2025 as the incumbent. Milton has shown flashes of brilliance with his powerful arm, but his consistency has been questioned. With the offseason ahead of him, Milton will have an opportunity to continue improving under Heupel’s high-octane offense.

Despite Milton’s experience, the presence of Nico Iamaleava—one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in recent recruiting classes—makes the quarterback situation intriguing. Iamaleava, a five-star freshman, is expected to compete for playing time right away. His exceptional poise, accuracy, and leadership could make him the future of Tennessee’s offense.

However, with Milton having more experience, it’s likely that he’ll begin the 2025 season as the starter, with Iamaleava being groomed for a larger role as the season progresses. This battle will be closely scrutinized throughout winter workouts and spring practices, as both players have unique strengths that could make them effective in Heupel’s fast-paced offense.

Projected Starter: Joe Milton III
Projected Backup: Nico Iamaleava

Running Back: Jaylen Wright, Jabari Small, and Freshman Depth

Tennessee has one of the most dynamic and versatile backfields in the SEC, and in 2025, the running back group will continue to be a focal point of the offense. Jaylen Wright, who has emerged as a key contributor over the last two seasons, will likely enter the 2025 season as the top option. Wright’s explosiveness and vision make him a game-changing player, and he has shown the ability to break big runs at any time.

Jabari Small, who has been a reliable and physical back for the Vols, will also compete for the starting spot and is a candidate for heavy usage in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Small’s ability to grind out tough yards and his leadership will make him an important asset in 2025.

Additionally, Tennessee’s running back room is bolstered by incoming freshman Dylan Sampson, a speedster who brings an added dimension to the Vols’ offense. Sampson’s acceleration and ability to catch passes out of the backfield will give Heupel more options in both the run and passing games.

Projected Starter: Jaylen Wright
Projected Backup: Jabari Small
Freshman Contributor: Dylan Sampson

Wide Receiver: Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, and Incoming Freshmen

Tennessee’s wide receiver corps remains one of the strongest in the SEC, and 2025 will be no different. The Vols return a number of talented players, and the position group will feature a mix of experience and youth.

Bru McCoy, who has been a consistent weapon for Tennessee, is expected to once again play a pivotal role in the Vols’ passing attack. McCoy’s combination of size, speed, and hands makes him a dangerous threat on the outside. His leadership and ability to make plays in critical situations will be key to Tennessee’s success.

Squirrel White, one of Tennessee’s most explosive playmakers, will continue to be an important weapon in the slot. White’s ability to break free in space and take short passes for big gains makes him a major asset in Heupel’s high-tempo offense. The Vols will look to utilize him in a variety of ways, including as a deep threat and a quick hitter in the middle of the field.

The incoming freshmen will also make an impact. Caleb Webb, a highly regarded recruit, is expected to contribute immediately, providing another option on the outside. His length and ability to go up and make contested catches should help fill the gap left by previous departures. Additionally, freshmen like Amari Jefferson and Cameron Seldon bring athleticism and depth to the position, giving Tennessee the potential to field a diverse and dynamic receiving group.

Projected Starters: Bru McCoy (X), Squirrel White (Slot)
Projected Backup: Caleb Webb (Z)
Freshman Contributor: Amari Jefferson, Cameron Seldon

Offensive Line: A Mix of Veterans and Young Talent

Tennessee’s offensive line will be critical to the success of the offense in 2025. With a new quarterback and a talented group of skill players, the offensive line must step up to create running lanes and protect the passer in Heupel’s up-tempo system.

The line will be anchored by returning senior Cade Mays, who is expected to play one of the guard positions. Mays has been a consistent starter for the Vols and is one of the best interior linemen in the conference. Beside him, Cooper Mays will play center, bringing leadership and experience to the offensive front. Cooper is the brother of Cade Mays and has been a reliable performer in the middle of the line.

At tackle, the Vols will look to young players like Gerald Mincey and Dayne Davis to take on larger roles. Mincey has shown flashes of potential as a pass protector and run blocker, while Davis brings solid fundamentals and strength to the position.

Freshmen like Addison Nichols, a highly rated offensive lineman, will also have an opportunity to earn significant playing time in 2025. Nichols’ size and technique should help provide immediate depth and competition across the offensive line.

Projected Starters: Cade Mays (G), Cooper Mays (C), Gerald Mincey (T), Dayne Davis (T)
Projected Backup: Addison Nichols (G), James Robinson (T)

Defensive Line: Omari Thomas, Tyler Baron, and Freshman Talent

Tennessee’s defensive line in 2025 will be one of the most experienced and talented units on the roster. The defensive line has been a focal point in Heupel’s defensive scheme, and with players like Omari Thomas and Tyler Baron returning, the Vols have the foundation for a formidable front.

Omari Thomas, a disruptive force in the interior, will be a key piece for the Vols. Thomas’ strength, quickness, and ability to collapse the pocket will help Tennessee control the line of scrimmage. Tyler Baron, a strong edge rusher, will continue to be a pass-rushing threat off the edge. Baron has developed into one of the SEC’s most feared edge defenders, and his ability to create havoc in opposing backfields will be crucial to Tennessee’s defense.

Additionally, Tennessee’s incoming defensive line recruits, including prospects like Nathan Robinson and Elijah Herring, will look to contribute right away. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, Tennessee’s defensive line has the potential to be a major strength in 2025.

Projected Starters: Omari Thomas (DT), Tyler Baron (DE)
Projected Backup: Elijah Herring (DT), Nathan Robinson (DE)

Linebackers: Juwan Mitchell and Sophomore Standouts

Linebacker play will be an area to watch for the Vols as they enter the 2025 season. With Juwan Mitchell leading the way as the senior captain, Tennessee will look for continued production from its linebacking corps. Mitchell, a transfer from Texas, has been a rock in the middle of the Vols’ defense and will be expected to anchor the unit once again in 2025.

Sophomore standout Aaron Beasley, who has shown flashes of brilliance, will look to take on a more prominent role in the linebacker corps. Beasley’s athleticism and ability to cover ground quickly make him a potential breakout player for the Vols.

With depth coming from players like Jalen Smith and newcomers such as Tyrese Brown, Tennessee’s linebacker group is one of its deepest positions. The competition for starting spots will be fierce during spring practices, but Mitchell’s leadership will continue to set the tone for this group.

Projected Starters: Juwan Mitchell (MIKE), Aaron Beasley (WILL)
Projected Backup: Jalen Smith (SAM), Tyrese Brown (WILL)

Secondary: Kamal Hadden, Trevon Flowers, and Young Talent

Tennessee’s secondary will need to continue its development as a key part of the defense in 2025. The Vols return several key contributors in the secondary, but they will also need to integrate young players into critical roles.

Kamal Hadden, one of the Vols’ most reliable cornerbacks, will continue to be a leader in the secondary. His ability to cover wide receivers in man-to-man situations will be crucial to Tennessee’s pass defense. Trevon Flowers, a veteran safety, will continue to anchor the back end of the defense, bringing leadership and playmaking ability.

Freshman corners like Jordan Matthews and freshman safeties such as Jack Luttrell will also have a chance to earn playing time. Tennessee’s defense is counting on these younger players to develop quickly and step up to help solidify the secondary.

Projected Starters: Kamal Hadden (CB), Trevon Flowers (S)
Projected Backup: Jordan Matthews (CB), Jack Luttrell (S)