Vols Secure Key Addition to Offensive Line
Tennessee bolstered their offensive line significantly with the addition of Sam Pendleton, a transfer from Notre Dame.
The Vols had shown interest in Pendleton during his high school recruitment, and now, the experienced interior offensive lineman (IOL) is bringing his talents to Knoxville.
Pendleton, who still has three years of eligibility remaining, brings a wealth of experience after starting seven games for the Fighting Irish in 2024.
His ability to step in immediately and contribute makes him an ideal fit for Tennessee’s roster, particularly for the guard position left open by Javontez Spraggins’ graduation. This addition addresses one of the biggest questions facing the Vols’ offensive line: how to replace key players like Spraggins and Cooper Mays, as well as potential concerns regarding Andre Kuric’s eligibility status.
Pendleton’s versatility could also make him an option for the center spot, depending on how the offseason unfolds and how the coaching staff evaluates the other available players at guard.
This move not only strengthens the offensive line for the upcoming season but also offers valuable experience and depth for Tennessee in the years to come, setting the team up for success well beyond the 2025 season.
Recruiting News: A Mixed Bag for the Vols
Monday’s recruiting updates brought both positive and negative news for Tennessee. On the positive side, the Vols received a crystal ball prediction from On3 Sports’ Steve Wiltfong, who forecasted a commitment from 2026 top 100 wide receiver Joel Wyatt.
Wyatt, a standout at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, is a highly sought-after four-star prospect. At 6’4” and 192 pounds, he has an ideal physical profile for a wide receiver, with plenty of room to develop further. As the second-ranked player in Tennessee according to On3 and 247Sports, Wyatt could play a pivotal role in bolstering Tennessee’s receiving corps.
With the Vols needing to reload at wide receiver, securing Wyatt’s commitment would be a significant step forward in the team’s long-term plans.
However, the day wasn’t without its setbacks. Tennessee lost a commitment from four-star offensive lineman Brandon Anderson, who had originally pledged to the Vols in October.
Anderson, ranked as the #33 player in Georgia, has offers from a host of top-tier programs, including Florida, Miami, Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, and LSU. While Tennessee initially gained momentum with Anderson following strong performances against Florida and Alabama, the competitive nature of college football recruiting means that commitments can often be fluid.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel will now need to continue working hard to keep the Vols in the mix for other high-level offensive line prospects.
Vols’ Tough Loss to Auburn Highlights Key Moments
Tennessee’s heartbreaking loss to Auburn on Saturday night left fans with a lot to process, particularly regarding a critical decision late in the game. With the Vols trailing by one point, 52-51, and only a few seconds remaining on the clock, head coach Rick Barnes chose not to call a timeout.
Tennessee still had two timeouts available, yet Barnes opted to let the players run the offense on their own. The result was an awkward drive to the basket by Igor Milicic, Jr., who missed a contested shot as the play fell apart. It was clear from the start that the play wasn’t well-executed, and many fans, including myself, cringed as Milicic charged towards the hoop.
In that critical moment, it would have made sense for Barnes to draw up a play for a key player like Chaz Lanier, who could have been in a better position to create a higher-quality shot. However, despite the rough final possession, the last play involving Zakai Zeigler was a bit more encouraging. Zeigler had a good look at a jumper, and while it didn’t go in, it was a solid option given his shooting ability.
There was also a controversial moment when Auburn’s Johni Broome appeared to take several steps with four seconds left, a clear violation that wasn’t called.
While it was a frustrating missed call, it wasn’t the deciding factor in the game. Tennessee’s performance ultimately fell short, but the Vols can regroup and focus on upcoming matchups against Kentucky and Florida, both of which will be crucial for their tournament hopes. It’s a tough loss, but there’s still a lot of basketball left to be played. Go Vols!
