Some Tennessee Freshmen Could Break a Trend in Heupel’s Offense This Year
As the 2025 football season approaches, Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel is preparing for another year of up-tempo, high-scoring offense. Since Heupel’s arrival in 2021, the Vols have become known for their fast-paced, explosive style of play, with a focus on spreading the ball around and attacking defenses at breakneck speeds. This offensive philosophy has been incredibly effective, helping Tennessee return to prominence in the SEC and beyond. However, one consistent trend under Heupel’s offense has been the lack of significant contributions from true freshmen, particularly at key positions. That trend, however, could be on the verge of changing this season, with several highly-touted freshmen showing promise that could disrupt the norm.
In Heupel’s system, which emphasizes rhythm, timing, and the quarterback’s ability to make quick reads, it can be difficult for freshmen to earn substantial playing time. The speed of the offense demands a deep understanding of the playbook and a high football IQ, often putting young players at a disadvantage early in their careers. Additionally, Heupel’s preference for experienced players, particularly on the offensive line and in key skill positions like wide receiver and quarterback, has meant that freshmen typically take a backseat to seasoned upperclassmen.
However, in 2025, the tide may be turning. With a combination of talent, need, and a few opportunities opening up on offense, Tennessee’s incoming freshmen could break this trend and make an immediate impact.
The Freshmen Who Could Shine
One of the key positions where Tennessee has typically leaned on upperclassmen is at wide receiver. With Heupel’s offense prioritizing deep shots and explosive plays down the field, the wide receiver corps is expected to be one of the most important parts of the offense. Tennessee returns some experienced pass-catchers, but the incoming freshman class, loaded with talent, could see an immediate opportunity for significant contributions.
1. WR: Jordan Matthews
Among the most talked-about names in Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class is Jordan Matthews, a highly regarded 5-star wide receiver from the state of Alabama. Matthews has all the physical tools to excel in Heupel’s offense — he’s fast, runs clean routes, and has the ability to create separation with his burst off the line of scrimmage. His combination of size (6’3”) and speed (sub-4.5 in the 40-yard dash) gives him the kind of profile that can thrive in Heupel’s vertical passing attack.
What makes Matthews an intriguing prospect is not just his raw talent but his football IQ and ability to learn quickly. He comes from a highly competitive high school program where he was used in a variety of ways, from running go-routes to being a key target in short-yardage situations. Matthews’s versatility makes him a great fit for an offense that requires receivers to be able to read defenses and adjust their routes on the fly.
Heupel has been known to give freshmen a chance when they are ready to contribute, and Matthews’ ability to step into a major role could be crucial for the offense, especially with Tennessee needing to replace some of its production from past stars. If Matthews can quickly assimilate into the system, he could see significant playing time from the outset, breaking the trend of freshmen staying on the sidelines.
2. WR: Amari Jefferson
Another wide receiver who has the potential to make a splash early on is Amari Jefferson, a 4-star recruit from the state of Georgia. Jefferson is known for his elite speed and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, qualities that align well with Heupel’s high-paced offense. At 6’0” and 190 pounds, Jefferson has the physical tools to compete in the SEC right away. His track-and-field background — where he was a standout in sprints — translates directly to his ability to stretch the field and make big plays down the sidelines.
One of the areas where Jefferson could stand out is in the slot, where his quickness and separation skills could make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. In an offense that often looks to use quick passes and screen plays to get the ball into the hands of playmakers, Jefferson’s speed and agility could give him an early chance to contribute.
While it’s unclear if Jefferson will start immediately, it’s hard to imagine Heupel passing on the opportunity to get him involved in some capacity. If the freshman can pick up the playbook quickly, we could see him break the freshman trend and play a significant role in Tennessee’s offense this season.
3. QB: Nico Iamaleava
The most talked-about freshman on the entire Tennessee roster this year is quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting class. Ranked as a 5-star quarterback and one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Iamaleava has the potential to be the future of Tennessee football — and perhaps sooner than expected.
Tennessee returns veteran quarterback Joe Milton, who is a capable and experienced player. However, Iamaleava has the skillset that could push him onto the field in some capacity, particularly if Milton struggles or if Heupel decides to inject some new life into the offense. With a strong arm, exceptional poise, and the ability to make all the throws required in Heupel’s offense, Iamaleava’s development could accelerate quickly.
It’s unlikely that Iamaleava will start over Milton from Day 1, but expect Heupel to get him significant playing time throughout the season, especially if the Volunteers’ offense is clicking. In a system that thrives on tempo and relies heavily on quarterback decision-making, Iamaleava could gain valuable experience quickly and potentially challenge for the starting spot. A freshman quarterback starting in an offense led by Heupel would be breaking a significant trend, as most teams in this system tend to lean on upperclassmen under center.
The Importance of Freshmen in Heupel’s Offense
While Heupel has historically preferred veteran players in his offense, the 2025 season is different in that there are genuine opportunities for freshmen to contribute right away. The need for young talent to step up is even more critical as Tennessee looks to maintain its place as a top contender in the SEC and nationally. With the Vols’ high-powered offense requiring multiple playmakers, particularly at skill positions like wide receiver and quarterback, the freshmen on this roster could provide the spark needed for continued success.
Additionally, the game has changed in college football with the advent of the transfer portal and NIL deals. As the landscape shifts, freshmen have the ability to make a bigger impact earlier in their careers. This trend is something Heupel and the staff are aware of, and while he’s been known to favor experience, the evolving nature of the sport may necessitate an increased role for first-year players in order to keep up with the competition.
Potential Obstacles for Freshmen in Heupel’s System
Despite the promising signs, freshmen will face plenty of challenges if they hope to break the trend of limited playing time. Heupel’s offense is fast-paced, and the learning curve is steep. Players need to understand the nuances of the playbook, adjust to the speed of the SEC, and be prepared to read defenses quickly. Freshmen are often not physically or mentally ready to take on all these demands right away, which has led to many of Heupel’s early recruits taking a backseat to experienced players.
The pressure to perform immediately can also be daunting for young athletes, especially in a high-profile program like Tennessee. The SEC is known for its physicality, and transitioning from high school to college football is never an easy task. These factors could slow down the freshmen’s progress, and ultimately, Heupel may have to temper his expectations as the players adjust to the college game.