Spring football practices offer college football teams a crucial opportunity to evaluate new talent, refine their schemes, and build team chemistry before the start of the regular season. For the Tennessee Volunteers, the most recent scrimmage during their spring camp provided head coach Josh Heupel with a chance to take a closer look at his roster, assess returning players, and see how his incoming recruits were adjusting to the speed of college football. Amid the competition for spots, one name stood out: rookie Travis Smith.
Travis Smith, a highly anticipated freshman from a powerhouse high school program, has quickly garnered attention during Tennessee’s spring practices. Heupel, no stranger to cultivating and developing talent, was impressed by Smith’s performance in the scrimmage, noting his potential to make an immediate impact. But while Smith’s performance was one of the headline stories, there were several other key takeaways from the scrimmage that Vols fans should remember as they look ahead to the 2025 season. These takeaways highlight not just individual performances, but the overall direction of the Tennessee football program under Heupel.
1. Travis Smith’s Early Impact and Development
One of the most exciting storylines emerging from Tennessee’s recent scrimmage is the rapid development of freshman edge rusher, Travis Smith. Smith, who arrived on campus with high expectations, certainly lived up to the hype during his first in-game action as a Volunteer. For Heupel, it was clear that the young player had already made a big impression on the coaching staff with his ability to perform under pressure.
Smith’s performance in the scrimmage showed a combination of physical traits and football IQ that have allowed him to thrive during his early days at Tennessee. At 6’4″ and 240 pounds, Smith has the ideal frame to make an impact as an edge rusher. However, it’s not just his physicality that has impressed Heupel and his coaching staff—it’s also his maturity and ability to read plays. Smith’s quick reaction time, ability to diagnose plays, and constant pressure on the quarterback were noticeable from the start. These attributes allowed him to make an immediate impression on his teammates and coaches alike.
Heupel, in his post-scrimmage comments, was particularly complimentary of Smith’s approach to the game. “Travis has shown incredible promise this spring,” Heupel said. “He’s a guy who comes in with the right mindset—ready to work hard, take coaching, and be an impact player for us right away. It’s rare to see that kind of maturity from a freshman.” These remarks suggest that Smith’s impact will not be limited to special teams or as a rotational player—he could be one of the Vols’ key contributors on defense in 2025, perhaps even earning a starting role as he continues to develop.
For a Tennessee defense that has been working hard to build depth and bolster its pass rush, Smith’s early success is a bright spot. Tennessee has had a historically strong defense, but they’ve struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons. Smith’s ability to immediately step into the fold and contribute in that area makes him a player to watch as the Volunteers prepare for the upcoming season.
2. Quarterback Competition: Joe Milton III Continues to Lead
While Travis Smith’s performance as a freshman edge rusher was certainly one of the most exciting aspects of the scrimmage, the ongoing quarterback competition at Tennessee remains a crucial storyline for the Volunteers heading into the 2025 season. Joe Milton III, the senior quarterback who has experience both at Michigan and Tennessee, continues to be the front-runner for the starting job, though his performance in spring camp remains under close scrutiny.
Milton has long been seen as one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in college football. Standing at 6’5″ with a rocket arm and elite athleticism, Milton has the physical tools to be a star at the position. However, his career has been marked by inconsistency—flashes of brilliance mixed with moments of uncertainty. For Heupel, Milton’s ability to take control of the offense in the spring scrimmage was a positive sign, but there were also moments where he seemed to struggle with timing and decision-making.
That said, Milton’s ability to push the ball down the field remains one of his most notable strengths. During the scrimmage, he showcased his deep ball accuracy, connecting with several wide receivers on long passes that had the Tennessee faithful excited. Heupel, known for his up-tempo, high-powered offense, relies on a quarterback who can stretch the field and push the tempo. Milton’s arm strength is an asset, but his ability to manage the game and make consistent decisions will be key to his success in 2025.
One area where Milton seems to have grown is in his leadership. Heupel was quick to praise Milton’s command of the huddle and the way he’s taken on a leadership role within the team. “Joe has done a great job of being a leader for our offense. He’s not only got the physical skills to succeed, but he’s also been a big part of creating the right culture for our offensive unit,” Heupel noted after the scrimmage. The chemistry between Milton and the team’s wide receivers also appeared to be improving, which is another positive takeaway for Tennessee fans.
While Milton remains the leader in the quarterback competition, there’s still room for improvement, particularly in his ability to stay consistent. As Tennessee heads into the 2025 season, the key question will be whether Milton can take the next step in his development and lead the Vols to victory in a competitive SEC environment.
3. Defensive Depth and Development Remains a Priority
As important as the quarterback position is for Tennessee’s offense, the Volunteers’ defense is also undergoing significant development as the program continues to rebuild and retool its defensive unit. The spring scrimmage highlighted the depth of talent that Tennessee is developing on that side of the ball, and one of the most encouraging aspects of the scrimmage was the play of the defensive line and linebackers.
Tennessee’s defensive front was aggressive throughout the scrimmage, applying pressure to the quarterback and getting into the backfield to disrupt plays. Much of the success came from Tennessee’s depth on the defensive line, with several players stepping up to create pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. This is particularly encouraging given the Vols’ need to improve their pass rush from a season ago. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks has placed a strong emphasis on improving the front seven, and it’s clear that depth is key to this goal.
Linebackers also played a key role in the scrimmage, particularly in pass coverage and stopping the run. Players like Juwan Mitchell, who transferred to Tennessee from Texas, continued to show why he’s poised to be a major contributor this season. His ability to read plays, his leadership on the field, and his ability to step up in critical situations stood out. Mitchell’s presence gives Tennessee a linebacker who can play sideline-to-sideline, providing crucial support both against the run and in pass coverage.
Additionally, Heupel was impressed by the strides the defense has made in terms of its ability to execute and communicate on the field. With new faces and a mix of experienced players, the defensive unit is beginning to find its rhythm under Banks’ direction.
4. Wide Receiver Corps: A Depth of Talent Emerging
While the defense and quarterback competition may have taken center stage during Tennessee’s spring scrimmage, the wide receiver corps is another area that fans should keep a close eye on as the team prepares for 2025. The Vols have a history of producing elite wide receivers under Heupel’s offense, and the spring scrimmage showcased the depth of talent at the position.
Veterans like Bru McCoy and Jalin Hyatt, who have become key contributors to the offense, looked sharp throughout the scrimmage, showing strong chemistry with Joe Milton and continuing to showcase their ability to make plays down the field. McCoy, in particular, is a wide receiver who has the size, speed, and route-running ability to make a significant impact in 2025.
However, what stood out during the scrimmage was the emergence of younger receivers, particularly a pair of freshmen who have quickly adjusted to the college game. These incoming freshmen have the chance to provide immediate support to Tennessee’s offense, adding an additional layer of depth to the wide receiver group. One name that emerged as a breakout candidate was freshman Christian Dunbar, who made several impressive catches and showed the ability to separate from defenders with ease. Dunbar’s performance in the scrimmage has made him a player to watch as Tennessee prepares for the upcoming season.