**According to Pro Football Focus, the Top Five Returning Tennessee Vols on Offense Are the Highest-Rated Players**
The Tennessee Volunteers are entering the 2024 college football season with high expectations, thanks in large part to a strong core of returning offensive talent. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the Vols’ top five highest-rated returning players on offense provide a solid foundation for success. These players have not only demonstrated elite performance in previous seasons but also possess the potential to elevate Tennessee’s offense to new heights under head coach Josh Heupel’s high-octane system.
At the top of PFF’s list is sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the former five-star recruit who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action during his freshman year. Though he served as Joe Milton III’s backup for much of the 2023 season, Iamaleava’s performance in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa was a glimpse into the future. Completing 12 of 19 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown while adding three rushing touchdowns, he displayed the dual-threat ability that makes him a perfect fit for Heupel’s offense.
PFF’s grading system highlights Iamaleava’s poise, arm talent, and athleticism as key factors in his high rating. With a full offseason as the presumed starter, he has the opportunity to develop chemistry with his receivers and refine his decision-making. If he lives up to the hype, Tennessee’s offense could be one of the most explosive in the SEC.
Wide receiver Squirrel White has been one of the most electrifying players in Tennessee’s offense since his arrival. Despite his smaller stature (5’10”, 165 lbs), White’s speed, route-running, and ability to create separation make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. In 2023, he led the Vols in receptions (67) and receiving yards (803), proving to be a reliable target in both short and intermediate routes.
PFF’s metrics favor White’s ability to generate yards after the catch (YAC), a critical component of Heupel’s offensive scheme. His quickness in the slot allows him to exploit mismatches against linebackers and safeties, making him a key piece in Tennessee’s passing attack. With another year of development and a budding connection with Iamaleava, White could be in store for an All-SEC caliber season.
A veteran presence on the offensive line, center Cooper Mays returns for his final season as one of the most experienced and reliable players on the roster. Mays has been a mainstay in the Vols’ offensive trenches, providing leadership and consistency in both pass protection and run blocking. PFF’s grading system rewards his high football IQ, technique, and ability to make line calls in Tennessee’s up-tempo offense.
Mays’ return is crucial for the development of Iamaleava, as a strong interior line helps a young quarterback feel comfortable in the pocket. Additionally, his ability to open lanes in the running game will be vital for Tennessee’s balanced attack. If he stays healthy, Mays could finish his career as one of the best centers in program history.
Running back Dylan Sampson emerged as a key contributor in 2023, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. With Jabari Small departing for the NFL, Sampson is expected to take on an even larger role in 2024. Last season, he rushed for 471 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 21 receptions for 167 yards, proving to be a valuable asset in Heupel’s offense.
PFF’s ratings highlight Sampson’s elusiveness, vision, and ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game. His receiving skills make him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s spread offense, where running backs are often utilized in the passing game. If he can handle an increased workload, Sampson has the potential to be one of the SEC’s most productive backs.
Wide receiver Bru McCoy’s return for a sixth college season is a massive boost for Tennessee’s offense. After suffering a season-ending ankle injury in 2023, McCoy is looking to bounce back and reclaim his status as one of the Vols’ top playmakers. In 2022, he was Tennessee’s second-leading receiver with 52 catches for 667 yards and four touchdowns, using his 6’3”, 220-pound frame to dominate contested catches.
PFF’s grading system values McCoy’s physicality, strong hands, and ability to win one-on-one matchups downfield. His presence gives Iamaleava a reliable outside target who can stretch defenses and move the chains in critical situations. If he stays healthy, McCoy could be the X-factor that takes Tennessee’s passing game to another level.
With these five players leading the way, Tennessee’s offense has the potential to be one of the best in the SEC. Iamaleava’s development will be the biggest storyline, but the supporting cast around him is strong. Squirrel White and Bru McCoy form a dangerous receiving duo, while Dylan Sampson provides balance in the running game. Cooper Mays’ leadership on the offensive line ensures that the unit remains cohesive and physical.
The key for the Vols will be consistency. While the talent is undeniable, injuries and inexperience at certain positions could pose challenges. However, if this group stays healthy and continues to develop, Tennessee could find itself in contention for an SEC East title.
Pro Football Focus’s rankings confirm what many Tennessee fans already believe—the Vols have elite talent returning on offense. Nico Iamaleava’s emergence as the starting quarterback will be the focal point, but players like Squirrel White, Cooper Mays, Dylan Sampson, and Bru McCoy provide the necessary firepower to compete at the highest level. If everything comes together, Tennessee’s offense could be one of the most exciting units in college football in 2024.
The upcoming season will be a true test of this group’s potential, but one thing is certain: the foundation for success is firmly in place.
