The 2025 season will see Tennessee football’s incoming freshmen make an immediate impression.
The 2025 Season Will See Tennessee Football’s Incoming Freshmen Make an Immediate Impression
As Tennessee football looks ahead to the 2025 season, the Volunteers are preparing for a new chapter of their journey under head coach Josh Heupel. After a strong 2023 season and continued recruitment success, the program is primed to take another step forward with a talented group of incoming freshmen. These young players, who have impressed during the recruiting process, will be expected to make an immediate impact and help Tennessee compete at a high level in the SEC and beyond.
With several key positions up for grabs, particularly in the trenches and on the defensive side of the ball, these freshmen will have plenty of opportunities to showcase their talents right out of the gate. From five-star prospects to underrated gems, the incoming class is full of playmakers who can provide immediate depth and competition at critical positions.
This article will explore the impact that Tennessee’s 2025 freshmen could have on the team, focusing on key players who are likely to make an immediate impression. From dynamic skill players to impactful defensive recruits, the freshmen coming in for the 2025 season have the potential to be key contributors from day one.
The Importance of a Strong Freshman Class
Tennessee’s rise in college football is closely tied to the success of its recruiting efforts, and the 2025 freshmen will play a crucial role in the program’s development. Heupel’s up-tempo offensive system and aggressive defensive schemes require depth and talent at all levels, especially with Tennessee continuing to compete against SEC powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU.
Incoming freshmen can immediately change the trajectory of a team, and Tennessee’s ability to develop young talent quickly will be critical in staying competitive in the nation’s toughest conference. The 2025 season will see players in key positions who have the potential to step in and contribute right away—whether it’s bolstering the offensive line, providing depth at wide receiver, or fortifying the defensive line. The success of these freshmen could ultimately determine the Volunteers’ ability to challenge for SEC titles and potentially earn a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Top Freshman Offensive Playmakers
Quarterback: Faizon Brandon
One of the most anticipated arrivals for the Tennessee football program is Faizon Brandon, the highly-ranked quarterback from California. Brandon is a prototypical Heupel quarterback—standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 220 pounds, he has the size and physical tools to thrive in the up-tempo, fast-paced offense that has defined Tennessee’s identity in recent years. His strong arm, mobility, and ability to process the game quickly make him a perfect fit for Heupel’s system.
Brandon’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time, as Tennessee will need to replace its current starting quarterback, potentially paving the way for him to see playing time as a true freshman. While the competition at the quarterback position will be fierce, Brandon’s talent and ability to command the offense will make it hard for Heupel to keep him off the field. If he takes control of the starting role early in the season, Brandon could lead Tennessee’s offense to new heights, bringing an exciting and dynamic element to the position.
Running Back: Kylan Young
Another player who is expected to make a significant impact right away is Kylan Young, a dynamic running back who hails from Georgia. Young is known for his quickness, vision, and ability to make defenders miss in space—traits that are essential in Tennessee’s high-powered offensive scheme. With Tennessee’s current backfield depth being somewhat thin, Young could emerge as a day-one contributor in both the running and passing games.
Heupel’s offense often features a committee approach to the running back position, and Young’s skill set makes him a perfect fit for this system. Whether he’s serving as a change-of-pace back or earning a starting role early, Young has the potential to add a burst of speed and explosiveness to Tennessee’s backfield. His ability to be effective in the open field, combined with his pass-catching skills, could make him a dual-threat weapon for the Volunteers in 2025.
Wide Receiver: Antonio Wright
The wide receiver position is another area where Tennessee’s freshmen are poised to make an impact. Antonio Wright, a top-tier wide receiver from Texas, is one of the most electrifying players in this recruiting class. Standing at 6-foot-4 and possessing impressive speed, Wright is a matchup nightmare for defenders. His ability to stretch the field and make plays down the sideline fits perfectly into Tennessee’s explosive passing attack.
With Tennessee losing a few key receivers from the 2023 season, Wright will have an opportunity to step in and contribute immediately. His physicality and ability to win contested catches will make him a dangerous red-zone target for whoever is at quarterback. Additionally, Wright’s agility and route-running precision make him a potential breakout player who can make an immediate impact as a freshman in Heupel’s system.
Top Freshman Defensive Playmakers
While Tennessee’s offense has drawn much of the attention in recent years, the defense will need to take significant strides if the Volunteers are to challenge for an SEC title. Incoming defensive freshmen will play a major role in bolstering the defense’s depth and playmaking ability.
Defensive Line: Charles Williams
Tennessee’s defensive line will see significant turnover heading into the 2025 season, and Charles Williams is a freshman who could make an immediate impact in the trenches. Williams is a highly-ranked defensive tackle from Mississippi, and his ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage could be a game-changer for the Volunteers. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 290 pounds, Williams possesses the size and strength to contribute immediately in a conference known for its physical play.
In Tennessee’s 3-4 defensive scheme, Williams could play an integral role in controlling the line of scrimmage, plugging running lanes, and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His presence in the middle of the defense will help free up Tennessee’s pass rushers and provide the defense with much-needed disruption against powerful SEC offenses.
Linebacker: Derrick Foster
Derrick Foster, a highly-touted linebacker from Alabama, is another freshman who will make waves in Tennessee’s defense. Foster brings a relentless motor, an instinctive feel for the game, and the ability to cover ground quickly. His athleticism and versatility make him an ideal fit for Tennessee’s linebacker corps, which will need to replace several key contributors in 2025.
Foster is capable of contributing in multiple roles, whether that’s rushing the passer on blitzes, covering tight ends or running backs in pass coverage, or stopping the run in the middle of the field. His leadership and maturity, combined with his physical attributes, make him a freshman who could start from day one and make a major impact on Tennessee’s defense.
Cornerback: Malik Johnson
The secondary is another area where Tennessee’s 2025 freshmen can make a big difference. Malik Johnson, a cornerback from Louisiana, is one of the top defensive recruits in this class and is expected to compete for significant playing time early. Johnson’s ball skills, speed, and physicality make him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s aggressive defense, which places a premium on forcing turnovers and disrupting passing lanes.
With Tennessee needing to solidify its pass coverage against elite SEC quarterbacks, Johnson’s ability to cover both man-to-man and zone assignments will be crucial. He’s capable of playing both cornerback positions and has the potential to become one of the team’s top cornerbacks as a true freshman. His impact could be felt early as he provides depth and competition in a critical area of need.
The Ripple Effect of Incoming Freshmen
The immediate contributions of Tennessee’s freshmen go beyond just filling positions—they will also help set the tone for the future of the program. The energy, talent, and competition they bring to the roster will not only help the Volunteers on the field in 2025 but also elevate the overall culture of the team.
As the 2025 season progresses, these freshmen will likely push each other to get better, creating a more competitive and well-rounded team. By entering the season with high expectations, these players will not only benefit Tennessee’s current squad but also position the Volunteers for long-term success in the SEC and nationally.
