Tennessee Volunteers 2025: Offense Remains a Big Question
As the Tennessee Volunteers gear up for the 2025 college football season, one glaring issue continues to hover over the program—offensive uncertainty. With the departures of key playmakers like star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, explosive running back Dylan Sampson, and a host of top receivers from the 2024 squad, the Volunteers face an uphill battle in maintaining the offensive firepower that once defined them. Former ESPN analyst David Pollack weighed in, calling Tennessee’s offense the team’s biggest red flag heading into the new season. His concerns reflect what many fans and analysts are already thinking: who will step up to fill the massive shoes left behind?
Iamaleava’s exit is particularly troubling. The young quarterback had emerged as a face of the program, showcasing a unique blend of athleticism, poise, and arm strength that made Tennessee a perennial offensive threat in the SEC. With him gone, the Vols are left searching for answers under center. Redshirt sophomore Jake Merklinger and incoming freshman QB Marcus Thompson are the frontrunners for the starting role, but neither has taken meaningful snaps at the collegiate level. The lack of experience at the quarterback position raises significant questions about leadership and execution in high-pressure situations.
The situation in the backfield isn’t much better. Dylan Sampson, who rushed for over 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024, was a dynamic playmaker capable of breaking games open. His departure leaves a void in both production and energy. Junior Kaleb Webb is expected to see more carries, but he’s yet to prove himself as a consistent bell-cow back. Depth at the position is also thin, which may force Tennessee to lean more heavily on an untested passing game.
Perhaps the most unsettling development for Tennessee is the complete overhaul of its receiving corps. Three of the top five wide receivers from last season have either declared for the NFL Draft or transferred out, leaving offensive coordinator Joey Halzle scrambling to retool the passing attack. Sophomore Ethan Davis, who showed flashes of potential in limited action last season, could become the new go-to target. Still, there’s a steep learning curve ahead, especially in a conference where defensive secondaries are among the nation’s best.
Adding to the pressure is the Volunteers’ 2025 schedule, which includes matchups against defensive juggernauts like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas A&M. Without proven offensive weapons and a reliable quarterback, Tennessee risks falling into mediocrity in a highly competitive SEC landscape. While head coach Josh Heupel has built a reputation as an offensive mind, even his creativity may not be enough to overcome the current talent and experience gaps.
In summary, Tennessee’s offensive identity is very much in flux. The loss of core talent, coupled with untested replacements, presents a major challenge for the program. If the Volunteers hope to remain relevant in the SEC and beyond, they’ll need rapid development from young players and smart adjustments from the coaching staff. Otherwise, 2025 may be a rebuilding year marked more by what was lost than what could be gained.
