Tennessee’s 2025 Offensive Overhaul: New Faces, Big Expectations
As the first transfer portal window draws to a close, Tennessee’s football roster is starting to take shape for the 2025 season. While some minor changes may still occur, the foundation of the team is mostly set, particularly on the offensive side, which has experienced significant turnover.
With notable departures such as a top wide receiver, the loss of Dylan Sampson, and up to four starting spots potentially open on the offensive line, the Volunteers are poised to feature a number of fresh faces in head coach Josh Heupel’s system next fall. Spring practices, just a few weeks away, will provide the first glimpse into how this new-look offense will come together.
Quarterback
Nico Iamaleava
Jake Merklinger
George MacIntyre
The quarterback depth chart for Tennessee is relatively clear at this point. With Gaston Moore’s departure, the Vols will focus on developing their two backup quarterbacks, Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre, while relying on returning starter Nico Iamaleava. Iamaleava, entering his second season as the starter, will be expected to show significant growth and lead the offense with more confidence.
Both Merklinger and MacIntyre, though relatively untested, will be crucial to the quarterback room’s depth. Merklinger showcased some potential during last season’s Orange and White Game, offering a glimpse of his athleticism and ability to adapt within the offense. As for MacIntyre, the key for him will be getting up to speed and making the most of the spring practices. His development over the next few months will be one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the 2025 season.
Running Back
Peyton Lewis
DeSean Bishop
Star Thomas
Duane Morris
Justin Baker
With Dylan Sampson’s departure, Tennessee enters a new era in its backfield. Sampson’s exceptional performance in 2024 has set a high bar, but now it’s up to a fresh group of running backs to take over.
Peyton Lewis, a former four-star recruit, is the favorite to emerge as the lead back. However, given the nature of Heupel’s offense and the depth available, it’s likely that Tennessee will employ a running back-by-committee approach, much like the successful trio of Jabari Small, Jaylen Wright, and Dylan Sampson from 2023.
Lewis, along with DeSean Bishop and Star Thomas, will share the workload, ensuring that the team keeps its backs fresh throughout the season. This depth should give the offense flexibility, and the hope is that all three backs take another step forward after gaining valuable experience in the previous season.
Wide Receiver
Outside: Chris Brazzell, Mike Matthews, Amari Jefferson
Slot: Braylon Staley, Boo Carter
Depth: Travis Smith, Radarious Jackson, Joakim Dodson
The wide receiver position is one that will likely continue to evolve throughout the offseason. As of now, Tennessee’s receiving corps appears thin, and it’s reasonable to expect that the Vols will be aggressive in adding more depth during the spring transfer portal period.
The team is relying heavily on Chris Brazzell and Mike Matthews, who will likely be the primary outside receivers. Brazzell, who gained valuable experience as a redshirt sophomore last season, will need to take on a more prominent role, while Matthews, a highly touted recruit, will likely see more playing time after impressing during his freshman campaign.
With Dylan Sampson gone, the passing game could become more of a focus for Tennessee this year.
At the slot position, Braylon Staley has emerged as the favorite to start after being thrust into action during the College Football Playoff. His development will be critical to the offense, but the possibility of Boo Carter contributing in the slot remains intriguing. Carter, a multi-talented player, has expressed interest in playing both sides of the ball, which could provide Tennessee with some versatility in the receiver room.
Outside of the top options, there’s a mix of uncertainty and potential. Amari Jefferson, coming off an injury, could be a wildcard, while three true freshmen – Travis Smith, Radarious Jackson, and Joakim Dodson – may need to step up quickly. Injuries are inevitable in college football, so building depth here is an urgent priority for the coaching staff.
Tight End
Miles Kitselman
Ethan Davis
Da’Saahn Brame
Jack VanDorselaer
Cole Harrison
The tight end position remains relatively stable, with Miles Kitselman set to return for his final season as the top option. He will be joined by rising sophomore Ethan Davis, who is expected to see more action this season, especially in two-tight end sets. The biggest change here comes from the loss of Holden Staes, who entered the transfer portal. In terms of depth, Da’Saahn Brame and Jack VanDorselaer are names to watch, as both could offer valuable contributions in different roles. Brame, in particular, could potentially help out in the receiving game, providing flexibility to the offense as Tennessee continues to navigate some uncertainty at wide receiver.
Offensive Line
LT: Lance Heard
LG: Wendell Moe
C: William Satterwhite
RG: Sam Pendleton, Andrej Karic (?)
RT: David Sanders
Potential Rotational: OT Larry Johnson, OT Jesse Perry, OT Bennett Warren, OG Sham Umarov, OG Max Anderson, OG Ayden Bussell
The offensive line is one area where Tennessee faces the most change heading into 2025. With key players like Cooper Mays and Vysen Lang departing, there are several positions still up for grabs. Lance Heard is expected to return as the starting left tackle, but the arrival of true freshman David Sanders – who brings impressive athleticism – will make things interesting, especially at the tackle positions.
It’s likely the coaching staff will experiment with different combinations to find the best fit for the line. Tennessee is also hoping that Andrej Karic can gain an additional year of eligibility through an NCAA appeal, providing further depth and experience. In the meantime, William Satterwhite looks to have the inside track at center, though Sam Pendleton could also see time in that role. Pendleton and Wendell Moe were important additions from the transfer portal and will likely be immediate starters.
As the offseason progresses, a number of other linemen, such as Larry Johnson, Jesse Perry, Bennett Warren, and several freshmen, will be vying for key roles along the line.
Conclusion
With significant turnover across multiple positions, Tennessee’s offensive depth chart is taking shape for the 2025 season. The quarterback position is relatively settled, but running back and wide receiver will be positions to watch, with new faces and potential spring portal additions expected to make an impact. The tight end room is mostly unchanged, but the offensive line will undergo significant adjustments as the team looks to rebuild after the loss of key veterans. As spring practices approach, all eyes will be on how these positions develop, with depth and versatility key to Tennessee’s success in the upcoming season.
