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

Tennessee Vols Player Identified as Breakout Candidate for the 2025 Season: The Key to Success

As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes are on the Tennessee Volunteers as they look to build upon their recent success and push for a College Football Playoff appearance. Under the leadership of head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols have emerged as one of the most electrifying teams in college football, combining a potent offense with a steadily improving defense. However, as with any team aspiring for greatness, there are always certain players who are expected to step up and become key contributors to the team’s success. In the case of the 2025 Tennessee Vols, one player has caught the attention of national media as a breakout candidate—Tennessee’s dynamic linebacker, Elijah Herring.

Herring, a young but talented linebacker who has flown somewhat under the radar during his first few years in Knoxville, has the skill set, physical tools, and work ethic to become one of the most impactful players on Tennessee’s defense in the coming season. National media outlets have begun to highlight Herring as one of the key players to watch for the Vols, and his development could be critical to Tennessee’s hopes for a successful 2025 season.

Elijah Herring’s Journey to Tennessee: A Promising Start

A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Elijah Herring had a standout high school career that drew the attention of college scouts across the nation. Known for his speed, football IQ, and versatility, Herring was highly regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects in the state. His ability to play sideline-to-sideline, cover ground quickly, and read offenses made him a sought-after recruit, and ultimately, Herring chose to stay close to home and commit to the Tennessee Volunteers.

Herring’s recruitment was a testament to his potential, and once he joined the Vols, he quickly began to make an impact. While he didn’t immediately earn a starting spot, Herring showed flashes of his talent in limited playing time, impressing coaches with his ability to contribute both in run defense and pass coverage. By his sophomore season, it became evident that Herring had the potential to develop into a key player for Tennessee’s defense. His combination of athleticism, football intelligence, and passion for the game made him one of the team’s most promising young defensive players.

During the 2024 season, Herring played a critical role as a rotational linebacker, contributing to Tennessee’s defensive success. He showed improvement over the course of the season, making crucial stops in key games, and demonstrated a high football IQ by reading plays and making adjustments on the fly. Though he wasn’t the primary starter at linebacker, Herring’s contributions were invaluable to the overall success of the defense.

What Makes Elijah Herring the Breakout Candidate for 2025?

As the Vols head into the 2025 season, many analysts believe that Elijah Herring has the chance to break out and become one of the most dominant linebackers in the SEC. His combination of physical gifts and football IQ makes him a prime candidate for a larger role within Tennessee’s defense, and his development could be the key to the team’s success in 2025.

Here are several reasons why Elijah Herring is viewed as a breakout candidate for the Vols in the upcoming season:

1. Natural Athleticism and Versatility

One of Herring’s most impressive attributes is his natural athleticism. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, he has the size and strength to play inside linebacker, but he also possesses the speed and agility to cover ground and excel in coverage. His combination of physical traits makes him a versatile player capable of excelling in various situations. Whether it’s dropping back in coverage to defend against the pass, rushing the quarterback, or tracking down running backs in space, Herring has the tools to be a well-rounded linebacker who can do it all.

Tennessee’s defense has become increasingly more complex under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, and Herring’s ability to play multiple roles will be crucial to the Vols’ success. The more versatile a linebacker is, the more opportunities they have to be involved in different aspects of the defense, and Herring’s ability to adapt to different situations on the field will give him a major advantage as the season progresses.

2. Strong Football IQ and Ability to Read Plays

Another standout trait of Herring’s game is his football IQ. He has shown a remarkable ability to read offenses, anticipate plays, and adjust quickly. This trait is particularly important for linebackers, who must often make split-second decisions to either drop back in coverage, rush the passer, or fill running lanes. Herring’s ability to read offensive linemen, running backs, and quarterbacks, as well as his ability to process information quickly, allows him to put himself in the right position to make plays.

In 2024, we saw Herring grow in his understanding of defensive schemes, and his ability to recognize plays as they unfolded helped him make a number of key tackles. As Herring gains more experience, his football IQ will continue to improve, making him even more of an asset to Tennessee’s defense. A linebacker who can quickly diagnose plays and react accordingly is invaluable, and Herring has shown the potential to develop into one of the most cerebral players on the Vols’ defense.

3. Explosive Playmaking Ability

When Herring is on the field, he has a knack for making explosive plays that can change the course of a game. Whether it’s a crucial sack, a key tackle for loss, or a big interception, Herring has demonstrated the ability to be a game-changer. His closing speed and relentless pursuit of the ball carrier allow him to make plays in the backfield, and his ability to disrupt plays in the passing game has added an extra layer of versatility to his skill set.

Tennessee’s defense has needed more playmakers to help turn the tide in close games, and Herring could be the player who emerges as the team’s defensive leader. As the Vols look to challenge elite SEC teams and ultimately make a run for a national championship, having players like Herring who can create turnovers and change momentum will be a key factor in the team’s success.

4. Need for Leadership on Tennessee’s Defense

As Tennessee looks to build a defense capable of competing with some of the most powerful offenses in the SEC, it’s crucial that they develop strong leadership within their defensive unit. Herring, who will be entering his junior season in 2025, has had time to grow within the program, and he is now in a position to take on a leadership role. Having learned from experienced players in the previous seasons, Herring is well-positioned to step up and lead by example.

Tennessee has several young defensive players who are expected to make contributions in 2025, and Herring’s experience and leadership will be essential in helping to mentor and guide them. He will be expected to not only make plays on the field but also to bring energy, focus, and accountability to the defensive unit as a whole. Leaders like Herring help set the tone for the team, and his presence in the locker room and on the field will be crucial for the Vols’ defense to reach its full potential.

The Importance of Elijah Herring’s Breakout in 2025

As the Tennessee Volunteers look to build a balanced and formidable football team for 2025, the success of their defense will play a pivotal role in achieving their goals. Elijah Herring could be the key player who elevates Tennessee’s defense to the next level, and his breakout season could propel the Vols into the upper echelons of college football.

With Tennessee’s offense under the direction of Heupel continuing to be one of the most explosive in the nation, the defense needs to step up and provide balance. Herring’s development into a star linebacker will be essential for Tennessee to compete at the highest level in the SEC, where elite offenses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU regularly challenge defensive units. Having a player like Herring, who can cover ground quickly, make plays in both the running and passing game, and be a leader on the field, will give the Vols a significant advantage in those critical matchups.

Moreover, Herring’s breakout would also elevate Tennessee’s defensive recruiting efforts. As the Vols continue to build a program capable of competing at the national level, the emergence of players like Herring will attract top defensive recruits who want to play for a program that develops elite talent.