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It’s way too early to accurately predict who will even be on the roster for Tennessee football, let alone what the depth chart will look like. Nonetheless, it’s a fun exercise to go through and project what things will look like.
In this projection, I’m taking into account likely departures for the NFL draft, but not the transfer portal. Obviously, UT will lose contributors and then take advantage of the portal itself, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
Here are my way-too-early predictions.
This is easily the toughest one to project. There’s a chance Tennessee could get all three quarterbacks back next year for another competition, or maybe either Brandon or MacIntyre decides to transfer for a fresh start elsewhere. We’ll have to see what happens, but if there is another competition, my truly way-too-early prediction is Brandon resecures the job. There’s no way to have much of any degree of confidence on this one, though.
I’m operating under the assumption that DeSean Bishop is gone to the NFL. As one of the best backs in the country right now, he definitely should start his NFL clock, too. Five-star freshman David Gabriel Georges is talented enough to be the instant starter, with Daune Morris and Javin Gordon also getting a bunch of snaps.
Outside
Slot
Outside
There’s a chance Mike Matthews could try his hand at the NFL now that he’ll be draft-eligible, but I think there’s a good chance he looks to return to college to boost his stock. Braylon Staley is obviously in the same boat, too. If they both return, they’re sure-fire starters. The other option would still be up in the air, but I’d expect TK Keys to take the step into the starting role.
This one feels like the transfer portal could be really impactful. A guy like Matthews could try his hand, and you’d think some depth pieces would also look for a place to get more snaps. Tennessee could look for an impact guy, as well, especially if Matthews or someone else is on the move for one reason or another.
Tennessee is in a really good spot at tight end. Ethan Davis announced he is returning already and will slide right back into a starting role. Trent Thomas and Dasaahn Brame will also both play a bunch with how often the Vols have gone to 12 personnel.
Left Tackle
Left Guard
Center
Right Guard
Right Tackle
The offensive line could be seriously shaken up, so don’t put too much stock into some of these positions. Assuming they return, David Sanders Jr. will definitely be at left tackle and Sam Pendleton should be at center. Jesse Perry will start at either right guard or tackle, but a potential portal addition could decide that. At left guard, Nic Moore has played well there and could continue to hold it down until he slides into center once Pendleton’s eligibility expires. The right guard spot seems completely up in the air, though.
The toughest one to hold onto in this group will be Tyree Weathersby. He’s having an incredible season and could be a threat to leave for the NFL. If he returns, he’ll be right back in position to start, though. Getting returns from Mariyon Dye and Jordan Norman would also be a big deal, along with expected next steps from Carson Gentle, Kedric Golston and Christian Gass.
It would be a shocking development if Xavier Gilliam decided to return and not go pro as a projected first-round pick. Without him, it’d make for a clear starting duo of Daevin Hobbs and Nathan Robinson. Behind them, a rotation of JJ Finch, Ethan Utley and Isaiah Campbell isn’t a bad depth wave. This is a spot Tennessee may look to the portal to supplement, as well, especially if there are any transfer departures at the backup spots.
Arion Carter has the chance to return, but he’s likely gone to the draft. It should just be a next-man-up, though. Jeremiah Telander would continue to play a bunch in his hybrid role, with Edwin Spillman being the guy to take Carter’s true linebacker snaps. The young guys could also see some increase in time. The big deal would be getting Amare Campbell back for his final year.
Cornerback
Nickelback
Safety
The secondary could get shaken up, as well, if some players start their NFL careers. Kayin Lee and Dejuan Lane have both played well enough that they could get some buzz. If they return, they’d both definitely be starters, though. With the play of TJ Metcalf and Edrees Farooq returning from injury, a return from Lane would make a crowded but stacked safety room. The nickelback spot is also in a good position if Qua Moss returns, but Tevis Metcalf has played well in relief when needed, too.
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