From National Championship to Rocky Top: Sam Pendleton Commits to Tennessee
In a move that was widely anticipated following his entry into the transfer portal with a non-contact designation, Sam Pendleton, the former Notre Dame offensive lineman, has officially committed to Tennessee. His decision to join the Volunteers comes just days after his appearance in the National Championship game with the Fighting Irish, marking a quick and decisive shift in his collegiate career.
Pendleton wasted little time in making his decision. After entering the transfer portal, he was on Tennessee’s campus by Thursday, signaling that his commitment to the Vols was moving forward rapidly. The timing of his commitment is important as he brings with him three years of eligibility, which gives Tennessee’s coaching staff—led by head coach Josh Heupel—ample opportunity to develop him as a key player on their offensive line for the foreseeable future.
At Notre Dame, Pendleton started the first seven games of the season, but his playing time diminished after a previous starter returned to full health. Despite that, Pendleton’s experience and potential were clear. A highly-rated recruit in the 2023 class, Pendleton was a four-star prospect out of North Carolina, and Tennessee was among the programs that had previously shown interest in him. Now, after a season of experience at Notre Dame, Pendleton finds himself in a position to contribute to a Tennessee team in need of depth and talent along the offensive line.
Tennessee’s offensive line, a unit that had been in flux due to the departures of key players like Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins, and John Campbell, now looks to be retooled and ready for the upcoming season. Pendleton’s addition is part of that reconstruction, as he joins fellow transfer Wendell Moe as key pieces in the new-look offensive front. In addition, returning tackle Lance Heard and incoming five-star recruit David Sanders give the Vols a promising mix of experienced players and young talent. It’s likely that William Satterwhite, another notable name in the mix, will step up to take over at center, solidifying the line’s cohesion.
The competition for starting spots on the offensive line will be fierce during the spring practice sessions. Tennessee’s coaching staff will focus on developing depth and finding the right combination of players to protect quarterback Joe Milton and establish a strong running game. Key players like Satterwhite, Shamurad Umarov, Bennett Warren, Larry Johnson, Max Perry, and others will all have opportunities to prove themselves and compete for starting roles. The Vols have a history of rotating players along the offensive line, so it’s expected that multiple players will see significant playing time throughout the season, regardless of who secures the starting spots.
While the offensive line appears to be on track, Tennessee still has some areas to address before the start of the season. The Vols are still in need of reinforcements at wide receiver, where they will likely continue to search for talent to bolster their depth. Additionally, cornerback is another position that may require attention, but any further moves in those areas may have to wait until the spring period. For now, the focus will remain on the development of the offensive line, where Pendleton’s commitment has brought renewed optimism and a sense of stability to a unit that has undergone significant changes.
Pendleton’s addition is an exciting development for Tennessee, offering them an experienced, versatile lineman who has already proven himself at the highest level of college football. As the Vols look ahead to the 2025 season, Pendleton’s presence will be a key factor in their efforts to maintain competitiveness in the SEC.
