National Media Outlet Highlights the Key Challenge for the Tennessee Vols in 2025
This week, 247Sports sparked discussions across the college football landscape by identifying the most pressing question each of the top 25 teams will face in the 2025 season.
For the Tennessee Volunteers, who have secured the No. 9 spot in 247Sports’ early preseason rankings, the spotlight is firmly on quarterback Nico Iamaleava and whether he can elevate his game to meet heightened expectations in the upcoming season.
Iamaleava, who has already shown flashes of brilliance, is expected to make significant strides in his development in 2025. However, the question isn’t solely about his ability to throw the ball more frequently.
While some might assume that the departure of star running back Dylan Sampson to the NFL will force the Volunteers to rely more heavily on their passing game, head coach Josh Heupel is unlikely to abandon his commitment to a balanced offensive approach.
The run game has always been a cornerstone of Heupel’s strategy, and 2024 was no exception. Tennessee’s increased reliance on the ground game last season wasn’t just a reflection of Sampson’s elite talent; it was also a response to opposing defenses prioritizing the containment of explosive plays in the passing game.
This dynamic is likely to continue in 2025, meaning Iamaleava’s role may not shift dramatically in terms of volume but will undoubtedly demand greater precision and leadership.
While Iamaleava’s progression is a critical storyline, another equally significant question looms for the Volunteers: how will they replace Cooper Mays, their stalwart center? Mays, who anchored the offensive line for the first four years of the Heupel era, has exhausted his eligibility, leaving a substantial void in the heart of Tennessee’s offensive front.
The center position is pivotal in Heupel’s up-tempo offense, requiring not only technical skill but also the ability to make quick decisions and communicate effectively under pressure.
The competition to fill Mays’ shoes is already heating up. Notre Dame transfer Sam Pendleton, an experienced offensive lineman, is one candidate vying for the role.
Another contender is William Satterwhite, a rising redshirt freshman and former four-star recruit from Ohio, who brings youth and potential to the table. This positional battle will likely intensify during spring practices, with the winner facing the daunting task of living up to Mays’ legacy. The stakes are high, as any instability at center could disrupt the rhythm of the offense and hinder Iamaleava’s ability to thrive.
Beyond the quarterback and center positions, the Volunteers must also address other areas to ensure a successful 2025 campaign. The defense, which showed signs of improvement in 2024, will need to maintain its upward trajectory, particularly in generating turnovers and limiting big plays.
Additionally, the coaching staff must continue to recruit and develop talent to sustain the program’s momentum in a highly competitive SEC.
In summary, while all eyes are on Nico Iamaleava and his potential to lead the Volunteers to new heights, the team’s success in 2025 will hinge on multiple factors. Replacing Cooper Mays at center is just as critical as Iamaleava’s development, and the outcome of these challenges will shape Tennessee’s trajectory in the upcoming season.
As spring practices unfold, the Volunteers will begin to answer these questions, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and pivotal year for the program.
