Tennessee Football 2025: Who Will Replace Dylan Sampson?
Dylan Sampson has quickly become a valuable asset in Tennessee’s running back room. Known for his explosive playmaking ability and solid contributions to the Vols’ offense, Sampson’s role in the Tennessee backfield will certainly be missed once he moves on, either to the NFL or after completing his eligibility.
With Sampson expected to graduate or depart by 2025, Tennessee will need to find the next face of the running back position, someone who can carry the torch and continue to produce in the fast-paced, up-tempo offense that Josh Heupel has built. Replacing a key player like Sampson won’t be easy, but the good news for Tennessee fans is that the Vols have options in their running back stable, from experienced returners to incoming recruits.
Let’s break down the key candidates who could step up as the Vols’ lead running back for the 2025 season.
Dylan Sampson’s Impact and Role
Before diving into the potential replacements, it’s important to acknowledge just how critical Dylan Sampson has been to Tennessee’s offensive success. As one of the team’s top running backs, Sampson has provided Tennessee with a dynamic playmaker who can make an impact both in the run game and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Known for his quickness and ability to break big runs, Sampson has given Tennessee a reliable and versatile weapon on offense.
His ability to make defenders miss in open space and his vision in finding holes in the offensive line have made him a key cog in the Vols’ offense. His departure would create a significant void, but as we will explore, Tennessee has a number of promising candidates who could step into a similar role.
Potential Candidates to Replace Dylan Sampson
1. Jabari Small (Senior, 2025)
One of the first players that comes to mind as a potential heir to Sampson’s role is Jabari Small. Small has been an important piece of Tennessee’s backfield over the past several seasons and will still have eligibility in 2025. His blend of size, strength, and vision makes him an ideal candidate to carry the workload for Tennessee in 2025.
While Small may not be the explosive home-run hitter that Sampson is, he is a more physically imposing back who excels in short-yardage situations and has shown the ability to break tackles at the college level. In addition to his physicality, Small has also demonstrated solid pass-catching ability, making him a versatile back that can contribute both on the ground and in the air.
If Small returns for the 2025 season, he could find himself as the primary back, taking over many of the responsibilities that Sampson has handled in previous years. With his experience and leadership, Small could provide a steady presence in the backfield while helping to mentor younger running backs and make the transition smoother for the Vols.
2. Jaylen Wright (Junior, 2025)
Jaylen Wright is another candidate who could emerge as a key contributor in Tennessee’s backfield post-Sampson. Wright has shown flashes of brilliance in his time at Tennessee, particularly as an explosive, big-play threat. With his combination of speed and agility, Wright is capable of breaking off long runs and providing a much-needed spark for the offense.
While he has yet to be a workhorse back for the Vols, Wright’s skills make him an intriguing option to replace Sampson. If he continues to develop his vision and ability to read defenses, he could be the type of player who excels in Heupel’s high-speed offense, where speed and quick decision-making are essential.
In 2025, Wright could be poised to take on a larger role as Tennessee’s featured back. His potential to add explosive plays to the offense while maintaining solid consistency could help him make a seamless transition into a starting role. As an upperclassman, Wright will be able to take on a leadership role and further build upon the skills he has already shown.
3. Top 2025 Recruits: Running Back Class
In addition to returning players, Tennessee will likely look to its incoming recruiting class for help at the running back position. The 2025 recruiting class could potentially bring in some highly talented prospects who have the potential to contribute immediately. Josh Heupel and his coaching staff have done an excellent job of attracting high-quality recruits to Knoxville, and the 2025 recruiting cycle will be no different.
Tennessee’s recruiting efforts may already be focusing on adding depth to its running back room, especially if there are concerns about losing Sampson after the 2024 season. Top recruits could join the Vols’ program and provide instant impact, particularly if they possess the combination of size, speed, and agility that Tennessee’s offense requires.
While it’s too early to name specific recruits, the Vols will certainly be keeping an eye on top-tier running backs in the class. If Tennessee lands a highly-rated back, that player could quickly push for playing time and potentially claim the starting role for the 2025 season.
4. Transfer Portal Candidates
In today’s college football landscape, the transfer portal has become an essential tool for teams looking to address immediate needs. Tennessee is no stranger to bringing in transfers who can make an immediate impact, and the running back position could be one area where the Vols dip into the portal.
If Tennessee struggles to find an immediate answer among the current roster or incoming recruits, there are always transfer portal options that could provide depth and a possible starting option for the team. Whether it’s a veteran back from another program with experience in a high-tempo offense or a player looking for a fresh start, the transfer portal could provide the Vols with another opportunity to strengthen the position.
While Tennessee will have young talent in the backfield, adding an experienced transfer could provide a safety net and allow the coaching staff to bring in a proven commodity who can contribute right away.
The Style of Running Back Tennessee Needs
Tennessee’s offense under Josh Heupel is known for being fast-paced and heavily reliant on explosive plays. For the running back position, this means that the ideal candidate to replace Dylan Sampson will likely be a player who is versatile, quick, and able to make plays in space.
Heupel’s system relies on running backs who can hit the hole quickly and gain yards after contact. Running backs are often tasked with running between the tackles but also need to be capable of catching passes out of the backfield, a trait that Sampson has demonstrated during his time at Tennessee. The next starting running back will need to be well-rounded, able to contribute both on the ground and in the air.
Additionally, Tennessee’s offensive line will play a huge role in the development of the running back position. The Vols will need solid blocking up front to allow whichever back takes over for Sampson to succeed. If the offensive line continues to improve and open up running lanes, Tennessee’s next running back should be able to flourish.
Conclusion: A New Era for Tennessee’s Running Game
The departure of Dylan Sampson after the 2024 season will be a significant moment for Tennessee football. However, the good news is that the Vols have several talented players who could step into the void and keep Tennessee’s running game rolling. Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright both have the talent and experience to lead the team, and incoming recruits or transfer portal additions could provide added depth and competition.
While replacing Sampson will not be easy, Tennessee has a strong foundation in place. With Heupel’s offense continuing to evolve and adapt, the running back position will likely remain a key part of the team’s success in 2025 and beyond. Volunteers fans can be confident that the future of Tennessee’s running game is in capable hands, and the next great running back at Tennessee could be ready to emerge at any moment.
As we look ahead to 2025, the competition for the starting running back position will be one of the most exciting storylines for the Vols, and fans will eagerly watch as the next player rises to take the mantle left by Dylan Sampson.