KNOXVILLE, TN – The anticipation in Rocky Top is palpable. With the 2025 college football season rapidly approaching, the Tennessee Volunteers are garnering significant preseason buzz, and Athlon Sports has amplified that excitement by naming ten Vols to their Preseason All-SEC teams. This widespread recognition is a clear testament to the talent accumulating under Head Coach Josh Heupel and the growing belief that Tennessee is poised to make a significant run in the expanded Southeastern Conference.
The sheer number of Vols appearing on Athlon's various All-SEC lists (First, Second, Third, and Fourth Teams) underscores the depth and quality across the roster. While the full, official breakdown from Athlon's publication would provide the precise team for each player, the early indications from snippets and discussions paint a vivid picture of a Tennessee squad brimming with "smarts & strength" on both sides of the ball.
The Defensive Anchors: Where Dominance Begins
Perhaps the most significant strength of the 2025 Volunteers is projected to be on the defensive side of the ball, and Athlon's selections reflect that. This unit, under the continued guidance of Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks, is expected to be one of the SEC's stingiest, building on the strides made in previous seasons.
DE James Pearce Jr.: Without a doubt, the undisputed king of Tennessee's defensive recognition. Pearce Jr. is a consensus All-American candidate and a likely First-Team Athlon selection. His explosive pass-rushing ability, combining elite speed with surprising power, makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. His presence alone elevates the entire defense, forcing quick throws and disrupting offensive schemes. He's widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the entire nation, and his inclusion is a given.
LB Arion Carter: Expected to be a high-ranking selection (likely Second or Third Team), Carter is the heart of the Vols' linebacker corps. As Tennessee's top returning tackler (68 tackles in 2024), Carter brings sideline-to-sideline range, keen diagnostic skills, and punishing tackling ability. He embodies the "smarts" of the defense, consistently putting himself in position to make plays. His leadership at SEC Media Days further solidifies his standing.
DT Bryson Eason: A seasoned veteran, Eason is a crucial piece of the defensive line, expected to land on one of the Athlon teams. Entering his sixth and final season, Eason's experience and ability to control the line of scrimmage against the run will be invaluable. He finished 2024 with 25 total tackles and seven tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt backfields. His "strength" is evident in his ability to occupy blockers and free up players like Pearce Jr.
DB Jermod McCoy: The transfer from Oregon State has quickly established himself as a premier defensive back. McCoy is a "no-brainer pick" for Athlon, having notched four interceptions last season (tied for second-most in the SEC) along with 44 tackles and seven pass deflections. His ball-hawking instincts and cover skills make him a legitimate shutdown corner, adding significant "smarts" to the secondary.
DL Daevin Hobbs: While he might not have the long track record of some veterans, Hobbs is a rising star on the defensive line. His raw talent and disruptive ability were evident in flashes, and Athlon is clearly projecting a breakout season for the powerful defensive lineman. His "strength" and versatility to play inside and out will be critical.
The sheer number of defensive players recognized speaks to the foundation Josh Heupel and Tim Banks have built. This unit is expected to be fierce, physical, and opportunistic, a far cry from some of the defensive struggles seen in prior years.
Offensive Firepower: Consistency and Explosiveness
While the defense is getting significant love, the Tennessee offense, even with new faces in key roles, is still expected to be one of the nation's most potent, particularly with Nico Iamaleava at the helm. Athlon's selections acknowledge the talent surrounding the young quarterback.
QB Nico Iamaleava: While not explicitly listed as an All-SEC selection in the snippets, Iamaleava's immense talent and high expectations are evident in his being named to the Maxwell Award and Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch Lists. His performance will dictate the ceiling of this team, and his inclusion among the top players in the league is assumed by his presence on national watch lists. His "smarts" in grasping Heupel's complex offense and his "strength" as a passer and runner will be key.
WR Chris Brazzell II: The transfer receiver from Tulane is expected to be a major factor in the Vols' passing game. Brazzell had shining moments last year, including a game-winning touchdown catch against Alabama. His size (6-foot-5) and ability to make contested catches will be invaluable, making him a strong candidate for a Third or Fourth-Team All-SEC nod. He represents the potential "strength" and red zone threat in the receiver room.
WR Mike Matthews: A highly touted five-star prospect, Matthews is projected to have a breakout year despite not having huge production as a freshman. He's a "blue-chip" talent who will command attention from opposing defenses, allowing others to flourish. His athleticism and "smarts" in routes are expected to be on full display.
OL David Sanders Jr.: The five-star freshman offensive tackle is already making waves, being named to Athlon's All-America team as a true freshman. This is a rare feat and speaks volumes about his immediate impact. He's expected to be a Day 1 starter and, while he'll face challenges, his talent is undeniable. His physical "strength" and potential are off the charts.
C Cooper Mays: A veteran presence and a leader on the offensive line, Mays is a multi-year starter at center. He's consistently recognized as one of the best at his position in the SEC and is a reliable "smart" anchor for the offensive front, responsible for line calls and protection adjustments.
RB Dylan Sampson: As Tennessee's returning leader in rushing yards (604 in 2023) and tied for team lead in rushing touchdowns (7), Sampson is a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield. He's been recognized on preseason watch lists and is expected to be a key component of the Vols' balanced attack, providing both "strength" in his runs and "smarts" as a receiver.
The Heupel Standard: Building a Contender
This extensive list of Athlon Sports Preseason All-SEC selections reflects the overall progress of the Tennessee football program under Josh Heupel. The roster is deeper, more talented, and increasingly aligned with Heupel's fast-paced, high-octane offensive philosophy, complemented by an aggressive, attacking defense.
The 2025 schedule presents significant challenges, including a season opener against Syracuse in Atlanta, followed by home games against SEC powerhouses Georgia and Oklahoma, and crucial road trips to Alabama and Florida. Having ten players recognized for their individual talent provides a strong foundation for navigating this gauntlet.
The "smarts and strength" displayed by these players, and by extension the entire Volunteers team, is a clear indicator of their readiness to compete at the highest level in the SEC. As fall camp approaches, the excitement surrounding this highly-touted Tennessee squad will only continue to build, with expectations soaring for a season that could etch their names into the program's history books.
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