When University of Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson stepped up to the microphone for a spring press conference in Knoxville, he didn’t need a flashy script or rehearsed lines. His voice cracked ever so slightly as he uttered the words that would set the tone for the Volunteers’ 2025 campaign:
“I have some unfinished business.”
For a player who’s seen flashes of greatness, endured frustrating injuries, and stared down the allure of the transfer portal, Sampson’s decision to return to Rocky Top has electrified the Tennessee fanbase and redefined expectations for Josh Heupel’s squad this fall.
From the weight room to the practice field, there’s a renewed energy within the walls of Neyland Stadium—and Dylan Sampson is at the center of it.
A Return Rooted in Loyalty and Purpose
In the age of college football free agency—also known as the transfer portal—it’s increasingly rare to see players stick it out when adversity hits. Sampson could’ve followed a growing number of running backs seeking brighter spotlights or richer NIL deals. After all, he had options. Plenty of them.
But for the 5’11”, 200-pound back from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the decision to stay was deeper than depth charts or dollar signs.
“I came to Tennessee to build something special. I know what we’re capable of, and I want to be part of that legacy,” Sampson said. “I’m not finished yet.”
Sampson’s choice to return wasn’t just about personal goals—it was a statement. One that resonates with teammates, coaches, and fans desperate to return to national prominence.
2024 Season: A Year of Peaks and Pain
Sampson’s 2024 campaign was a roller coaster. He entered the season with considerable hype after showing promise the previous year, including a breakout performance against Vanderbilt in 2023 that earned him SEC Player of the Week honors.
But the 2024 season would be marred by inconsistency. Nagging injuries limited his explosiveness in the early games, and a crowded backfield meant his carries were inconsistent. Still, he finished the year with 783 rushing yards, 9 total touchdowns, and several momentum-swinging plays.
One of those moments came in a critical win against South Carolina, where Sampson burst through the line for a 63-yard touchdown that sealed the game and ignited the home crowd.
“He has that rare second gear,” said Heupel. “When he’s healthy, Dylan is a game-changer.”
But it wasn’t just the highlights that told the story. Sampson battled mental challenges, too. Rumors swirled midseason about a potential transfer. Sampson acknowledged the noise, but said he leaned heavily on his faith, family, and teammates to stay grounded.
A Locker Room Leader Emerges
With the departure of veterans like Joe Milton and Jaylen Wright to the NFL, Tennessee needed a new voice—someone who could rally the troops during early-morning workouts and late-game huddles.
That voice has become Dylan Sampson’s.
“Dylan’s not just talking now—he’s showing us the way,” said offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins. “He’s in the film room before anyone. He’s lifting harder. He’s leading.”
Coaches have noticed the shift, too. Running backs coach Jerry Mack called Sampson’s transformation “inspiring,” noting that his maturity has grown in lockstep with his physical development.
The team has rallied around Sampson’s return, and it’s hard to find a Vols player not fired up about the possibilities this fall.
Tennessee’s 2025 Outlook: Rising With Sampson
Tennessee enters the 2025 season as a fringe top-10 team in most early polls, and Sampson’s return is a major reason why. The Volunteers will feature a revamped offense led by sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who showed flashes of brilliance during his redshirt freshman season.
With Sampson in the backfield, Tennessee gains a dynamic veteran who can take pressure off Nico while keeping defenses honest.
Here’s what makes Sampson’s presence even more vital:
1. Experience in Big Moments
Sampson has faced SEC defenses, played in rivalry games, and weathered hostile road environments. His familiarity with the pressure-packed nature of conference play makes him an asset in crunch time.
2. Versatility
He isn’t just a bruising runner. Sampson has soft hands and runs crisp routes out of the backfield. In 2024, he hauled in 32 receptions for 241 yards—second-most among Tennessee running backs.
Expect Heupel to utilize him in motion, slot packages, and screens.
3. Leadership
With a locker room filled with rising stars and underclassmen, Sampson’s mentorship could be the glue that holds the offense together through inevitable ups and downs.
A Deeper Motivation: The Legacy Factor
During his press conference, Sampson referenced names like Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and Alvin Kamara—Tennessee legends who left their mark on the program.
“Those guys built the standard,” Sampson said. “I want to be remembered the same way.”
His return also coincides with Tennessee’s push for its first SEC title since 1998. That mission is no longer just about winning games—it’s about restoring a championship culture in Knoxville.
The Vols have come close in recent years but haven’t broken through. With Georgia still dominating the division and Alabama retooling under Kalen DeBoer, the opportunity for Tennessee to ascend is real.
Sampson knows it, and he’s betting on himself and his brothers to finish the climb.
The Offensive Line Factor
One major reason for optimism around Sampson’s 2025 potential is the improvement of Tennessee’s offensive line.
The Vols return three starters, including LT Gerald Mincey and C Cooper Mays, and welcome in a pair of highly touted freshman linemen. Reports from spring practice indicate a renewed emphasis on physicality in the run game—something that plays to Sampson’s strengths.
“When Dylan gets a seam, he’s gone,” said offensive coordinator Joey Halzle. “Our job is to give him one cut, and he’ll do the rest.”
The line’s cohesion will be critical in SEC play, where games are often won in the trenches.
Building Chemistry with Nico Iamaleava
Sampson and Iamaleava have been nearly inseparable during spring workouts. The two have been spotted running extra drills after practice, watching film late into the night, and even organizing unofficial player-led workouts.
That chemistry will be vital, especially as Tennessee breaks in new receivers and a slightly tweaked playbook.
“We’re building something real,” Sampson said of his quarterback. “I trust Nico, and he trusts me. That connection will show up on Saturdays.”
Eyes on the NFL, But Focused on Now
Sampson’s decision to return also puts him back on NFL radars. Scouts love his burst, vision, and multi-phase ability. Another solid season could elevate him to Day 2 status in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But he insists that’s not the focus.
“If I do my job here, all that stuff will take care of itself,” Sampson said. “Right now, my job is Tennessee football.”
The Final Chapter?
Is this the last ride for Dylan Sampson in Knoxville? Most likely. But rather than coast or play it safe, he’s leaned into a legacy-defining year.
The Volunteers are all-in, and their emotional leader is steering the ship with purpose.
As fall approaches and the SEC gauntlet looms, the Vols will need every ounce of Sampson’s speed, grit, and leadership.
If he can stay healthy and the offensive line holds up, don’t be surprised to see Tennessee making noise in the CFP conversation—and Sampson’s name rising up draft boards.