Dylan Sampson and Bru McCoy disagreed about who would win between the 2022 and 2024 Vols.

The Tennessee Volunteers football program has seen a resurgence over the past few years, with promising seasons in both 2022 and 2024 that have had fans buzzing with excitement about the future of the program. The 2022 season marked the return of Tennessee to national relevance, with head coach Josh Heupel leading the team to an 11-win season and a spot in the College Football Playoff rankings, while the 2024 Vols seemed poised to reach even greater heights with a young, talented roster filled with stars like Dylan Sampson and Bru McCoy.

However, as the team continued to build momentum into 2024, an interesting debate emerged between two of Tennessee’s star players: running back Dylan Sampson and wide receiver Bru McCoy. Both players had been crucial contributors to the team’s success, but when asked who would win in a head-to-head matchup between the 2022 and 2024 Vols, their opinions were far from aligned. Sampson, known for his hard-charging running style and leadership in the backfield, argued passionately that the 2024 squad was the superior team, while McCoy, with his dynamic playmaking ability and explosive presence on the field, stood by the achievements of the 2022 team.

This debate quickly turned into a lighthearted but intense discussion between the two teammates, one that would soon capture the attention of fans and media alike. Their differing perspectives, rooted in their own experiences with the two squads, not only sparked debate about the relative strength of these two teams but also offered a fascinating look at the evolution of the Tennessee football program under Josh Heupel’s leadership.

The 2022 Vols: A Breakthrough Season

Before delving into the disagreement between Sampson and McCoy, it’s important to understand the context of the 2022 season. That year, the Tennessee Vols made a dramatic return to prominence, marking the beginning of their ascent back to national relevance after several years of mediocrity. Under second-year head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols were propelled by one of the most potent offenses in the country, led by quarterback Hendon Hooker, who was a Heisman Trophy contender throughout the year.

The 2022 Vols made waves with their high-powered, fast-paced offense, often referred to as the “Hendon Hooker show” due to the quarterback’s ability to throw deep passes and make plays with his legs. Tennessee finished the regular season with a remarkable 10-2 record and earned a spot in the Orange Bowl, where they faced off against the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Vols’ offensive firepower, led by Hooker, wide receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman, and a solid offensive line, helped them become one of the most dangerous teams in the nation.

On the defensive side of the ball, Tennessee’s defense was still a work in progress. While there were glimpses of brilliance from players like linebacker Jeremy Banks and defensive lineman Byron Young, the defense wasn’t as polished or dominant as the offense. Nonetheless, the 2022 Vols were a high-flying, fast-paced squad that turned heads all season long.

Dylan Sampson, who was a freshman in 2022, played a supporting role in the backfield behind star running back Jabari Small. While Sampson showed flashes of his potential, particularly with his speed and elusiveness, the 2022 team was largely defined by the offensive brilliance of Hooker and the wide receiver duo of Hyatt and Tillman. The 2022 Vols exceeded expectations and were a force to be reckoned with, but there were still areas in which they could improve, particularly on defense and in consistency.

The 2024 Vols: Building Upon a Foundation

By 2024, Tennessee was a more complete team, having built upon the momentum from 2022. After another strong recruiting class and the maturation of key players, the 2024 squad was poised to make a deeper run into the postseason and contend for the SEC title. Under Heupel’s leadership, the team was starting to reach new levels of play, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

One of the biggest differences between the 2024 Vols and the 2022 team was the evolution of the defense. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks had brought in a number of high-impact recruits and developed a defense that was both aggressive and opportunistic. Players like linebacker Aaron Beasley, cornerback Kamal Hadden, and defensive lineman Tyree Weatherspoon had become key contributors, and the defense had taken on a more dominant role than it had in 2022.

Offensively, the 2024 Vols still operated with the same high-speed, up-tempo offense that had defined Heupel’s tenure, but with an even more balanced attack. Quarterback Joe Milton, who had been a backup to Hooker in 2022, had matured into a strong starter, showcasing a cannon arm and improved decision-making. The receiving corps, which included standouts like McCoy and Ramel Keyton, was even more explosive than it had been in 2022. The running game, too, was more dynamic, with Dylan Sampson taking on a much more significant role as a lead back, along with true freshman talent.

Sampson’s development was one of the biggest stories of the 2024 season. After being a secondary option in 2022, he had blossomed into one of the top running backs in the SEC. His quickness, vision, and ability to break tackles made him a constant threat, both on the ground and in the passing game. By 2024, Sampson had firmly established himself as the centerpiece of Tennessee’s offense, often drawing comparisons to the great Tennessee running backs of the past.

The Debate: Sampson vs. McCoy

The disagreement between Dylan Sampson and Bru McCoy came about during a team discussion that began as a casual conversation about which Vols team from recent years would emerge victorious if the two squads were to face off. Sampson, with his own growth and development over the course of the 2024 season, was quick to advocate for the 2024 Vols. He believed that Tennessee’s combination of offensive depth, defensive improvements, and overall team chemistry made the 2024 squad the better team.

“I’m taking 2024, no question,” Sampson said with a grin. “We’ve got everything we need to beat anyone. The offense is more balanced now, we’ve got a defense that can actually stop people, and I’m running harder than I ever have. Plus, Joe Milton’s arm is ridiculous. You can’t stop that.”

McCoy, on the other hand, was staunch in his defense of the 2022 team. As one of the key offensive weapons for the 2024 Vols, McCoy’s point of view was undoubtedly colored by his own experience playing on the current team, but he felt strongly that the 2022 squad, led by Hendon Hooker, was the more dangerous and cohesive unit.

“No way,” McCoy responded. “The 2022 team was the most explosive offense I’ve ever seen. Hendon Hooker was playing at a Heisman level, and Jalin Hyatt was a monster. That offense was on a different level. You’re telling me we’re more dangerous than that? I don’t buy it.”

This disagreement, while friendly in nature, was rooted in each player’s deep sense of pride for their respective teams. Sampson, who had watched the 2022 team from the sidelines and then made an impact in 2024, saw how the current team had evolved. McCoy, a key figure in 2024, couldn’t help but feel that the 2022 team had been something truly special, a squad capable of putting up points in a way that few teams in college football could match.

Key Differences: Offense, Defense, and Leadership

One of the major points of contention in the debate was the difference in offensive style between the two teams. The 2022 Vols were known for their high-flying, pass-heavy offense, led by Hooker’s efficient decision-making and Hyatt’s ability to stretch the field with his speed. The 2024 offense, while still fast-paced, was much more balanced, with Sampson emerging as a dominant force in the running game.

On the defensive side, the 2024 Vols had the advantage. While the 2022 squad showed promise, their defense was often the weak link that limited their ceiling, particularly in big games against teams like Georgia and Alabama. The 2024 Vols, however, had made substantial improvements, with a more physical and aggressive defensive line and a secondary capable of shutting down top receivers.

Another factor that McCoy pointed out was leadership. While the 2022 team had its fair share of leaders, such as Hooker and linebacker Jeremy Banks, McCoy argued that the 2024 team had a deeper pool of leadership, with veterans like Milton, Sampson, and defensive standouts stepping up to take on more responsibility.

 A Friendly Rivalry with a Deeper Meaning

In the end, Dylan Sampson and Bru McCoy’s debate about which team would win between the 2022 and 2024 Vols was more than just a fun conversation. It was a reflection of the pride and competitive spirit that both players held for their teams, as well as a testament to the growth of the Tennessee football program under Josh Heupel.

For Sampson, the 2024 team represented the culmination of years of hard work, evolution, and a more balanced roster. For McCoy, the 2022 team would forever hold a special place in his heart due to the explosive nature of the offense and the breakout performances of players like Hooker and Hyatt. Both teams were great in their own right, and while the debate may never be definitively settled, it underscored the bright future of Tennessee football, where the past and present come together to create something special.

Ultimately, it was a debate rooted in respect, admiration, and a shared commitment to the success of the program. Whether the 2022 or 2024 team was better is a matter of opinion, but one thing is clear: the Vols have emerged as a powerhouse in college football, and with players like Sampson and McCoy leading the way, Tennessee’s future is as bright as ever.