Sam Pendleton Chooses to Join Tennessee Volunteers
In a significant move for Tennessee’s football program, former Notre Dame offensive lineman Sam Pendleton has announced his commitment to the Volunteers. The addition of Pendleton marks another step in Tennessee’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its offensive line through the transfer portal.
Pendleton, who began the 2024 season as the starting left guard for Notre Dame, had a promising start to the year, playing in the first seven games. However, his position became uncertain midway through the season when Billy Schrauth returned from injury, prompting a reshuffling of the offensive line. As a result, Pendleton lost his starting role, and Rocco Splinder took over at left guard. With the emergence of other talent on the roster, Pendleton was expected to move into a backup role for the 2025 season, diminishing his chances for starting opportunities at Notre Dame.
The Tennessee Volunteers have been actively seeking to improve their offensive line, particularly at the left guard position, which has been a point of focus for the coaching staff. Despite their efforts, they encountered setbacks in their pursuit of other players. For instance, Northwestern’s Josh Thompson, who was one of Tennessee’s targets, ultimately committed to LSU after visiting Knoxville. Similarly, USC guard Emmanuel Pregnon, another option for the Vols, chose to transfer to Oregon instead.
As the 2025 offseason approaches, Tennessee’s left guard position remains a key area of uncertainty. With Pendleton now committed, there is a possibility that he could fill this gap and play an integral role in the Volunteers’ offensive line. His experience at the collegiate level, particularly in a starting role for a prominent program like Notre Dame, gives him the potential to step in and contribute immediately.
Tennessee’s search for talent in the transfer portal has been crucial in their efforts to fortify the offensive line and address depth concerns. With Pendleton now on board, he could become a vital piece of their line for the upcoming season, providing stability and leadership. As the team continues to prepare for 2025, Pendleton’s experience and versatility offer hope that Tennessee’s offensive line will be in a much stronger position moving forward.
This latest addition signals Tennessee’s commitment to building a more robust and competitive roster as they look to improve their performance in the SEC and beyond. The coaching staff is hopeful that Pendleton’s presence on the field will enhance their offensive capabilities and provide the necessary protection for their quarterback, ultimately contributing to the team’s overall success.
