A national media has identified a Tennessee Vols player who is essential to a successful 2025 season as a breakout candidate.

As the Tennessee Volunteers football program gears up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on several key players who could make or break the team’s prospects for success. Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols have experienced an impressive resurgence in recent years, becoming one of the most exciting programs in college football. However, with rising expectations and the competitive nature of the SEC, Tennessee will need a breakout star to elevate them to the next level. National media outlets are already identifying players who could be pivotal to the team’s success in 2025.

Among those players, one name has been consistently highlighted as a breakout candidate—a player whose potential could significantly impact Tennessee’s chances of not just competing in the SEC, but also pushing for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The player in question is Jahmarian “J.J.” Johnson, a sophomore linebacker who has flashed potential in limited action during his first two seasons but is primed to take a giant leap forward in 2025.

This article will break down why J.J. Johnson has garnered national attention as a player to watch, analyzing his background, skill set, and why he is essential to Tennessee’s success in the upcoming season.

Who is Jahmarian “J.J.” Johnson?

Jahmarian Johnson, known as J.J. to most of his teammates, is a rising star in the heart of the Tennessee Vols defense. A highly-touted recruit out of Florence, Alabama, Johnson came to Tennessee as part of the 2023 recruiting class. Despite being one of the top linebacker prospects in the nation, his true freshman season was somewhat limited due to the depth of talent on Tennessee’s defense. However, flashes of his potential were evident every time he took the field, showing a rare combination of size, speed, and instincts that have Tennessee fans and coaches excited about his future.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, Johnson possesses the ideal frame for a modern linebacker—powerful enough to take on blockers in the run game but agile enough to cover the fast-paced spread offenses that dominate college football today. His athleticism, quickness, and ability to read plays are traits that have made him a favorite among analysts and have led to national attention ahead of the 2025 season.

Although he spent the 2023 season learning and developing behind veteran linebackers like Jeremy Banks and Aaron Beasley, Johnson has been positioned for a larger role in 2025. With the Vols looking to build on their recent success and bolster their defense to match the explosiveness of their offense, Johnson is expected to be one of the key players driving Tennessee’s aspirations.

Why is J.J. Johnson a Breakout Candidate for 2025?

Tennessee’s Linebacker Need

The Vols have had a solid linebacker core over the past few seasons, but heading into 2025, the unit will be undergoing some changes. The team will be losing key players to graduation and the NFL draft, including several veteran leaders who have been integral to Tennessee’s defensive schemes. Jeremy Banks, who led the team in tackles and was a disruptive force in the backfield, will be a tough act to follow. Aaron Beasley and Solomon Davis also played prominent roles in Tennessee’s defensive success.

This creates a gap for a new linebacker to step up and take the reins. Johnson, with his blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ, is the ideal candidate to fill that void. His ability to cover ground sideline-to-sideline, his leadership potential, and his improving pass-rush skills make him a natural fit to become the Vols’ defensive focal point.

In a modern SEC where fast-paced offenses and high-powered passing games are the norm, Tennessee’s linebackers must excel at both stopping the run and covering in space. This versatility is exactly what makes J.J. Johnson such a compelling breakout candidate. He is expected to emerge as the anchor of the linebacker corps, and his development could be the difference between a good defense and a great one.

Explosive Potential as a Pass Rusher

One of the aspects that has made Johnson so intriguing to national media is his ability to rush the passer. While Tennessee’s defense has traditionally relied on strong edge rushers and a stout defensive line to create pressure, Johnson’s athleticism allows him to be a factor in the pass rush from the linebacker position. His ability to rush off the edge, blitz up the middle, or cover running backs and tight ends in the passing game gives Tennessee a versatile weapon that could confuse opposing offenses.

In limited action as a freshman, Johnson flashed his pass-rush skills, registering several quarterback pressures and hurries. His ability to disrupt the pocket will be crucial for Tennessee, as SEC teams like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU often have elite quarterbacks who need to be under duress in order to keep them off balance. If Johnson can develop into a reliable pass rusher—either from the linebacker position or in blitz packages—he could be a game-changer for Tennessee’s defense.

Leadership in the Middle of the Defense

While his athleticism and skills are undeniable, what sets Johnson apart in 2025 is his leadership potential. Having spent his freshman year learning from seasoned veterans, Johnson has developed an understanding of Tennessee’s defensive schemes and culture. As he transitions into a starting role, his ability to lead will be vital.

Leadership in the linebacker corps is critical because these players are often the ones calling out adjustments and making pre-snap reads. Johnson’s intelligence and ability to communicate effectively on the field have been praised by coaches and teammates alike. As one of the key returning players in the middle of Tennessee’s defense, Johnson will be tasked with orchestrating the defense alongside senior leaders like Theo Jackson in the secondary and Tyler Baron on the defensive line.

The growth of Johnson as a leader will be a major factor in determining Tennessee’s defensive success. If he can command the defense, direct traffic, and keep his teammates in position, the Vols could see an entirely new level of defensive cohesion in 2025.

All-Around Versatility in Coverage

While his pass-rush ability has gained attention, J.J. Johnson’s versatility in coverage is another reason why he is being identified as a breakout candidate. As offenses continue to become more dynamic, linebackers must be able to cover running backs in the flat, tight ends over the middle, and even wide receivers on occasion.

Johnson’s ability to move fluidly in space and cover different types of offensive weapons gives Tennessee the flexibility to use him in various roles. In an SEC that features elite pass-catching tight ends and versatile running backs, Johnson’s coverage skills will be a major asset. His speed and quickness make him well-suited for pass coverage, and his ability to match up with different types of athletes will allow Tennessee to employ more creative defensive schemes.

The Importance of Johnson’s Development for Tennessee in 2025

While J.J. Johnson is far from a finished product, his potential for growth in 2025 makes him one of the most important players on the Tennessee roster. The Vols are coming off an exciting 2024 season where their offense, led by quarterback Joe Milton and a talented group of skill players, helped them compete in the SEC. However, Tennessee’s defensive success will ultimately determine whether they can truly contend for an SEC title and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

For Tennessee to take that next step, Johnson must develop into a game-changing linebacker who can disrupt plays, lead the defense, and create havoc in all areas of the game. His pass-rush ability, leadership, and coverage skills will be critical in Tennessee’s defense, and his development could be the key to a successful 2025 season.

A Player on the National Radar

It’s not just local or regional analysts who are taking notice of Johnson’s potential. National media outlets have identified him as one of the breakout candidates for the 2025 season. ESPN, 247Sports, and Rivals have all highlighted Johnson’s rapid growth and his potential to become one of the top linebackers in the SEC. His name is beginning to appear on several All-SEC lists, and scouts are eager to see how he progresses in the coming season.

The attention Johnson is receiving speaks to the level of expectation surrounding Tennessee’s defense and his role within it. National outlets see the physical tools, the football IQ, and the leadership qualities that make him a player to watch in 2025. If Johnson lives up to that potential, he could be one of the most impactful players in the SEC next season and help propel Tennessee to new heights.

 J.J. Johnson’s Role in Tennessee’s 2025 Success

As Tennessee continues to climb the ranks of the SEC and national college football, having breakout stars like Jahmarian “J.J.” Johnson will be crucial to their success. His combination of athleticism, versatility, leadership, and football IQ makes him an ideal candidate to step up and be the backbone of Tennessee’s defense in 2025. With an evolving role as a pass rusher, coverage linebacker, and on-field leader, Johnson’s development could be the difference-maker for a Vols team that is hoping to compete with the best in the SEC.

The national media’s attention on Johnson is well-deserved, and as the 2025 season approaches, Tennessee fans will be eager to see how he rises to the occasion. If Johnson fulfills his breakout potential, the Vols’ defense could be one of the most improved units in the country, and Tennessee’s aspirations

for a title run could become very real.