How Tennessee football replaces these 10 valuable players for 2025 season

Posted by Admin December 23, 2024 Football

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Tennessee football is turning to the 2025 season before the calendar changes, and it’s got major roster moves ahead.

The Vols (10-3) made the 12-team College Football Playoff, which was quite a feat. But they lost 42-17 to Ohio State, which highlighted the gap that must be closed to advance any further.

Now UT loses a large senior class and must reload through recruiting, player development and the transfer portal.

Here are 10 notable players the Vols lose and who could replace them for a chance to return to the CFP in the 2025 season.

1. Cooper Mays to William Satterwhite

Cooper Mays, an All-SEC center, has been a longtime anchor on the offensive line. William Satterwhite, a 2024 freshman, is the leading candidate among current players to replace Mays. A transfer could be another option, but finding a top-notch center in the portal is a tall order.

2. Javontez Spraggins to Wendell Moe

Javontez Spraggins was a veteran guard and All-SEC performer. Arizona transfer Wendell Moe signed with the Vols last week as a premier portal addition. He was a 2023 All-Pac-12 performer, and he can play either guard spot.

3. John Campbell to David Sanders

Right tackle John Campbell has struggled through injuries, penalties and inconsistent play during his seventh college season. Five-star signee David Sanders, the No. 1 tackle in the 2025 class, will be put on the fast track to start immediately. If he’s not ready, another young tackle already on the roster must step into that role. Either way, the Vols have a good chance to upgrade at right tackle compared to the 2024 season.

4. Bru McCoy to Mike Matthews

Wide receiver Bru McCoy was a five-star recruit in 2019. Mike Matthews was a five-star recruit in the 2024 class. It’s time for the latter to step forward and become a go-to receiver. Matthews showed promise as a freshman, but he must make a sizable leap next season. Expect Matthews and quarterback Nico Iamaleava to spend a lot of time together this offseason.

5. Dont’e Thornton to Transfer TBD

Dont’e Thornton was UT’s leading receiver in 2024. Perhaps Matthews or Chris Brazzell take over that production at outside receiver next season. But the unit definitely needs a dynamic receiver that scares opponents, and the portal is probably the only place to find one.

6. Dylan Sampson to Dylan Sampson

OK, this may seem like a stretch. But the easiest way to repeat the production of the SEC Offensive Player of the Year is to bring him back for another season. Dylan Sampson likely will go to the NFL. But if UT offers him a very lucrative NIL deal, perhaps he considers staying for one more season.

7. Omari Thomas to Bryson Eason, others

In 2024, UT had six defensive tackles log at least 180 snaps. Omari Thomas, who played 61 career games, was the most seasoned of the group. But Omarr Norman-Lott and Elijah Simmons were just as valuable. Two-year starter Bryson Eason has the option to return next season because of a COVID-exempt year, becoming the leader of the interior line. But Daevin Hobbs and Jaxson Moi also will play prominent roles as UT tries to maintain a deep rotation. Don’t be surprised if another defensive lineman is added from the portal.

8. James Pearce to Joshua Josephs, young edge rushers

James Pearce will be an NFL first-round draft pick. Joshua Josephs could test the NFL waters or return as the team’s premier edge rusher. But the position is well-stocked with former blue-chip recruits Caleb Herring and Jordan Ross coming of age in 2025.

9. Keenan Pili to Edwin Spillman

UT’s linebackers never fully replaced Keenan Pili after he suffered a season-ending injury. He was a savvy defender, strong run-stopper and a solid coverage linebacker. Edwin Spillman, a 2024 freshman, has a chance to develop into that type of well-rounded middle linebacker. But he was injured too much of the 2024 season to show it. He’ll get his chance next season.

10. Will Brooks to Transfer TBD

Safety Will Brooks shared the team lead with four interceptions. Maybe Jourdan Thomas returns from his 2024 injury and moves from nickelback to safety. Maybe Jakobe Thomas or Christian Charles win the starting job. But perhaps the Vols will look in the portal for an upgrade at safety to continue the reclamation project that began successfully at cornerback in 2024.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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