Ten Vols recognized as Athlon Sports Preseason All-SEC selections!

The Tennessee Volunteers’ football team has garnered a great deal of attention heading into the new season, and the recognition of ten players on Athlon Sports’ Preseason All-SEC team is a testament to the program’s continued growth and the high level of talent that’s currently thriving in Knoxville. As head coach Josh Heupel’s squad prepares for another challenging season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the high number of preseason selections reflects both the depth and individual skill within the team. These honors are not only a signal of personal achievement for these athletes but also an indication that Tennessee is once again a force to be reckoned with in college football.

For a program like Tennessee, which has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the past decade, these kinds of preseason accolades are monumental. They demonstrate that the Vols are returning to national relevance, and the strength of the roster is being recognized by those in the know across college football. The ten players selected for the All-SEC preseason teams were chosen based on their standout performances from previous seasons, their continued development, and their projected impact in the upcoming campaign.

In the competitive landscape of the SEC, landing even one player on the Preseason All-SEC team is an accomplishment, but having ten players make the cut speaks volumes about the overall talent on the Tennessee roster. It’s a signal that Heupel and his coaching staff have assembled a squad with the potential to compete at the highest level, especially when considering the powerhouse programs in the conference, such as Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.

Let’s take a closer look at the players who earned this prestigious recognition, examining their individual performances, what they bring to the team, and how they will play a pivotal role in Tennessee’s pursuit of both SEC and national success.

The Players Recognized

The ten Vols named to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-SEC Team span multiple positions, underscoring the well-rounded nature of Tennessee’s roster. These athletes are set to be cornerstones for the Vols as they take on one of the toughest schedules in college football, and each one of them will have an important role to play throughout the season.

1. Joe Milton III – Quarterback

Joe Milton’s inclusion as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC is a recognition of the significant strides he made last season. After taking over as the starter for Tennessee, Milton showed flashes of brilliance, with his big arm and ability to stretch the field. While there are areas of his game that still need refinement, there’s no question that he has the physical tools to be a dominant force in the conference. His ability to make deep throws and create plays with his legs gives Tennessee one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the SEC, and his leadership will be key as he guides the Vols through a competitive schedule.

2. Jalin Hyatt – Wide Receiver

Jalin Hyatt is one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football, and his inclusion on the Preseason All-SEC team was expected. Hyatt is known for his blazing speed and ability to take over games with his big-play potential. After an outstanding previous season where he became a key target in Heupel’s high-octane offense, Hyatt is poised for another standout year. His ability to stretch defenses and make big catches in critical moments makes him a game-changer, and Tennessee will lean heavily on his playmaking ability to create explosive offensive plays.

3. Darnell Wright – Offensive Tackle

The Vols’ offensive line has become one of the strongest units on the team, and Darnell Wright is at the center of it all. Wright, an imposing force on the offensive line, is widely regarded as one of the top tackles in the SEC. His combination of size, strength, and technique makes him a nightmare for opposing defenders, and his leadership along the offensive line will be crucial to keeping Milton protected and ensuring the Vols can consistently move the ball on the ground.

4. Byron Young – Defensive End

Byron Young’s recognition as one of the top defensive players in the SEC is a testament to his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. As one of Tennessee’s top pass rushers, Young’s quickness off the edge and relentless motor make him a constant threat in opposing backfields. His ability to create pressure on quarterbacks and disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage will be a key factor in Tennessee’s defensive strategy, and he’s expected to be a game-changer throughout the season.

5. Jeremy Banks – Linebacker

Jeremy Banks is another player who earned well-deserved preseason recognition after an outstanding performance last year. As one of Tennessee’s defensive leaders, Banks has the ability to impact games in numerous ways, whether it’s through tackling, pass rushing, or covering in space. His versatility and ability to take control of the middle of the field make him an indispensable asset to Tennessee’s defense. As a leader in the locker room and on the field, Banks will be expected to anchor the Vols’ defense and keep opponents in check throughout the season.

6. Terry Phillips – Defensive Tackle

Terry Phillips is a force in the middle of Tennessee’s defensive line. His ability to clog running lanes and his knack for getting pressure up the middle makes him one of the most disruptive players in the SEC. Phillips has the size and strength to overpower blockers and the agility to make plays in the backfield. His presence will be essential to Tennessee’s run defense, and his ability to push the pocket will create opportunities for other pass rushers to get to the quarterback.

7. Tennessee Secondary – Trevon Flowers (Safety) and Kamal Hadden (Cornerback)

Tennessee’s secondary has been bolstered by two key players, Trevon Flowers and Kamal Hadden. Flowers, a veteran safety, has been a consistent playmaker in the backfield for Tennessee, while Hadden’s emergence as a lockdown cornerback has made the Vols’ defensive backfield one of the more formidable units in the SEC. The duo is critical to Tennessee’s ability to defend the pass and shut down explosive offenses. Flowers is known for his instincts and physicality, while Hadden’s ability to shut down receivers on the perimeter gives the Vols a dynamic one-two punch in their secondary.

8. Jahmir Johnson – Offensive Guard

Jahmir Johnson is another key piece of the Tennessee offensive line, earning recognition as one of the top guards in the SEC. His ability to move defenders off the ball and create running lanes for the Vols’ running backs will be crucial to the success of the offense. Johnson’s strength and ability to play with good leverage in both pass protection and the running game give the Vols a reliable option in the interior of the line.

9. Cedric Tillman – Wide Receiver

Cedric Tillman’s recognition on the preseason All-SEC team adds another dimension to Tennessee’s high-powered offense. Tillman is a physically gifted receiver who possesses a unique combination of size, strength, and route-running ability. He’s proven to be one of the most consistent and reliable targets for the Vols, and with defenses focusing on Hyatt, Tillman has the chance to step up and make big plays. His ability to win contested catches and his understanding of the game will be important for Tennessee’s offensive success.

10. Jacob Warren – Tight End

Jacob Warren is a key piece of Tennessee’s offense, providing a versatile threat in the passing game and a strong presence in the running game. His ability to block effectively at the line of scrimmage and make crucial catches over the middle gives the Vols a balanced attack. Warren’s role as a safety valve for Milton and his ability to make plays in the red zone will make him a crucial weapon for Tennessee this season.

The recognition of ten players from Tennessee on the Athlon Sports Preseason All-SEC Team is not only an honor for the individuals selected, but it’s also a significant marker of the Vols’ overall team strength. This level of recognition underscores the program’s progress under Josh Heupel, who has transformed Tennessee into one of the most exciting teams in the SEC. With a mix of returning veterans and new stars on the rise, Tennessee’s roster is in a position to challenge for the top spots in the conference and beyond.

Having so many players on the preseason All-SEC list is a testament to the depth of talent on the roster, and it indicates that Tennessee is poised to make noise in a conference that is often dominated by programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The fact that the Vols are being recognized for their overall team strength speaks volumes about the direction in which the program is headed.

For the players, these honors will provide additional motivation to continue their hard work and aim for even greater success. For the coaches, it reflects the success of the program’s recruiting and player development systems. Most importantly, for Tennessee fans, it’s a reminder that their beloved Vols are on the rise—and this could very well be a season to remember.