Under the lights, the Vols complete their first spring scrimmage.

Vols Complete First Spring Scrimmage Under The Lights: A Look at Tennessee’s Progress and Future Prospects

As the 2025 spring football season heats up, the Tennessee Volunteers have officially wrapped up their first spring scrimmage under the lights, giving fans, coaches, and players alike their first glimpse of what promises to be an exciting season ahead. After a successful but ultimately bittersweet 2024 season, marked by both strong victories and some frustrating setbacks, the Vols are now turning their attention to 2025, aiming to continue the upward trajectory they’ve been on since head coach Kim Caldwell took the reins of the program.

The spring scrimmage, held at Neyland Stadium, was an opportunity for players to showcase their skills, shake off the offseason rust, and make a lasting impression on the coaching staff ahead of the fall. With new recruits, a handful of key returning players, and several positional battles taking place, the scrimmage allowed fans to get an early look at what Tennessee’s roster will look like in the coming year.

For the Vols, the spring practice period is about more than just evaluating talent—it’s about establishing a foundation for the season ahead. Tennessee is coming off a successful stretch under Caldwell, who has brought discipline, intensity, and a fierce competitive spirit to the program. The spring scrimmage, while not fully indicative of how the team will perform in the fall, was an important step in the preparation process.

Pre-Scrimmage Anticipation: High Hopes for Tennessee

As the Vols entered the spring football season in 2025, there were plenty of reasons for optimism. Tennessee had shown glimpses of greatness over the past couple of years, particularly on offense, but the team also had areas to improve, including on defense and special teams. The question heading into the spring scrimmage was simple: could Tennessee take the next step in 2025, building on their past success and making a legitimate run for the SEC Championship and potentially the College Football Playoff?

There were several storylines to watch as the Vols took the field for their first scrimmage under the lights:

1. Quarterback Play: The most critical position battle in the spring was at quarterback. Tennessee had a talented group of quarterbacks competing for the starting role, and this spring scrimmage was expected to give fans their first real indication of who might emerge as the leader of the offense. With Jalen Wright (returning from injury) and Tyler Stewart vying for the starting position, the spotlight was firmly on this quarterback competition.
2. Offensive Line Development: After some struggles along the offensive line in 2024, Tennessee’s offensive line became an area of focus in the offseason. The Vols had recruited several talented young linemen, and the development of this group was crucial to the team’s success in 2025. Could the offensive line protect the quarterback and open running lanes for Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright? The spring scrimmage would give coaches a good sense of how the line was progressing.
3. Defensive Identity: Tennessee’s defense had shown promise in 2024 but needed to find more consistency. Could the defensive front seven, led by returning stars like Byron Young and Juwan Mitchell, improve their ability to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks? Would the secondary, bolstered by new recruits, continue to develop into a strength for the Vols?
4. Special Teams and Depth: Special teams are often overlooked, but they can make a huge difference in the outcome of games. Tennessee had some depth issues in 2024, and how well the team’s depth would perform in the scrimmage was an important factor in determining the overall strength of the squad for 2025.

Scrimmage Overview: A Night Under the Lights

The Vols’ first spring scrimmage under the lights provided a thrilling atmosphere for both players and fans. Held on a cool, crisp evening at Neyland Stadium, the scrimmage was open to the public, and a large crowd filled the stands, eager to see how the team had progressed during the offseason. The energy in the stadium was palpable, with fans excited to see the first true action of the 2025 squad.

While the scrimmage was not a true game, it offered a valuable opportunity for the team to simulate real-game conditions. The coaching staff was able to evaluate individual performances and the overall flow of the offense, defense, and special teams.

Key Takeaways from the Scrimmage

1. Quarterback Play: A Competitive Battle Continues

One of the most closely watched aspects of the scrimmage was the quarterback battle. Tennessee had several talented quarterbacks in the mix, and the performance of each player in the scrimmage was critical for shaping the direction of the position heading into the fall.

Tyler Stewart, the redshirt freshman quarterback, had an impressive night under the lights. Stewart, known for his strong arm and poise in the pocket, had some ups and downs, but overall, he showed why he was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the class of 2024. He finished the scrimmage with 2 touchdown passes and a high completion percentage, showing his ability to read defenses and execute Tennessee’s up-tempo offense effectively. However, he also had a couple of errant throws and struggles against Tennessee’s defense, which reminded coaches that there was still work to be done before naming a starting quarterback.

Jalen Wright, the incumbent starter who had been sidelined for part of 2024 with an injury, was eager to prove himself. Wright looked strong early in the scrimmage, showcasing his mobility and ability to make plays outside the pocket. He added an element of versatility that Stewart lacks, with the ability to make plays with his legs. However, Wright also faced some pressure, and his decision-making, especially in tight situations, seemed inconsistent at times. His performances showed that he still had the tools to be a starter, but his ability to command the offense and make quick decisions under pressure will be key in the coming weeks.

Key Takeaway: While Stewart had an impressive outing, the quarterback competition is far from settled. Wright’s mobility and experience are valuable assets, but Stewart’s potential to lead the offense with his arm could make this position battle one to watch throughout the rest of the spring.

2. Offensive Line Progress: Still a Work in Progress

Another major storyline from the scrimmage was the development of Tennessee’s offensive line. The Vols struggled in 2024 with consistency in protecting their quarterbacks and opening running lanes, and they needed a strong spring performance to feel confident heading into the fall.

Overall, the offensive line showed improvement but still had some glaring weaknesses. There were moments of dominance where they were able to open up running lanes for Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright, allowing the Vols’ running backs to gain solid yardage. However, there were also moments where the offensive line struggled to maintain blocks, allowing Houston defensive lineman Byron Young to get in the backfield for pressures and sacks.

The line’s pass protection showed the most potential, with Stewart finding time to throw on several occasions. However, there were also moments when the protection broke down, especially during obvious passing downs. The battle for starting spots will continue as the Vols aim to solidify their line.

Key Takeaway: The offensive line is a work in progress. While there is clear talent in the trenches, continued development and better cohesion will be crucial for the Vols’ offensive success in 2025.

3. Defensive Standouts: A Strong Showing from the Front Seven

Tennessee’s defensive front seven had a standout performance in the scrimmage. Players like Byron Young, Juwan Mitchell, and Tyler Barron wreaked havoc in the backfield, constantly applying pressure on the quarterbacks and disrupting plays. Young, in particular, showed his dominance, tallying two sacks and several hurries. His ability to get to the quarterback could be a game-changer for the Vols in 2025, and his continued growth will be essential to Tennessee’s defensive success.

Tennessee’s linebackers also looked sharp, with Juwan Mitchell demonstrating great instincts in both pass coverage and run defense. The secondary, led by Tennessee’s top cornerbacks, played well, limiting the wide receivers’ options and forcing Stewart and Wright to make difficult throws.

Key Takeaway: The Vols’ defensive front seven looked strong, with pressure from the defensive line making life difficult for the quarterbacks. The secondary also held its own, which bodes well for the future.

4. Special Teams: Kicking Battle and Punting Issues

As is often the case in spring practices, special teams can be an afterthought. However, the scrimmage did offer some insight into Tennessee’s special teams play, especially the battle for the starting placekicker position. Chase McGrath, returning for his senior year, had a solid outing, hitting several key field goals under pressure. However, the punting game left something to be desired, with Tennessee’s punters struggling to maintain consistency on their kicks.

Key Takeaway: Special teams is a critical area for improvement. The kicking game seems stable, but punting issues could be a concern moving forward.

While the spring scrimmage under the lights is just the beginning, the excitement and anticipation surrounding Tennessee football remain high. If they can continue to develop their young talent, improve in key areas, and stay healthy, the Vols will be a team to watch come fall.