Tennessee Football: Vols Spring Football Practice March 25, 2025
As spring rolls into Knoxville, Tennessee football fans are gearing up for another exciting season under the leadership of head coach Josh Heupel. The 2025 spring football practice season is in full swing, and the Tennessee Volunteers are looking to build on the momentum of a strong 2024 campaign. With the 2025 season just around the corner, the Vols are deep into their spring drills, focused on fine-tuning their game, building chemistry, and preparing for the upcoming challenges in the tough SEC and beyond.
Spring football is a vital time for college teams, offering a chance for new players to get acclimated, returning veterans to refine their skills, and coaches to assess their talent for the upcoming year. For Tennessee, a team on the rise under Heupel’s leadership, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Vols have seen significant improvements in recent seasons, with an offense that has become one of the most potent in the nation and a defense that is steadily catching up. Spring practice serves as the perfect opportunity to solidify their foundation, create new depth, and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the 2025 season.
This year’s spring football practice at Tennessee is especially important for several reasons. With multiple key players from last season’s squad either leaving for the NFL or graduating, the coaching staff is tasked with replacing and developing new talent. Additionally, the competition for starting roles is heating up across both sides of the ball. In this article, we’ll break down the significant aspects of Tennessee’s spring football practice on March 25, 2025, including the team’s goals, key players to watch, and the overarching storyline that fans should keep an eye on.
The Importance of Spring Practice
Spring football is crucial in the development of a team. It is often the first time since the previous season’s bowl game that the coaching staff and players are able to come together on the field to start building for the next year. During spring practice, teams are allowed to hold a limited number of practices, but this time is invaluable for several reasons:
- Player Development: Spring practice is where younger players have the opportunity to prove themselves and earn a spot in the rotation for the fall. It’s also a time for returning players to sharpen their skills and increase their understanding of the team’s offensive and defensive systems.
- Depth Building: With many programs suffering from injury issues throughout the season, spring practice is a key time for teams to develop depth in their roster. The Vols will be looking to ensure they have solid backups for key positions and depth across both offense and defense.
- Position Battles: Many starting positions remain up for grabs, and spring football provides the first real look at how the competition is shaking out. Whether it’s a battle at quarterback, wide receiver, or linebacker, these practices are critical for determining which players will emerge as starters.
- Implementation of Schemes: During spring, teams implement new plays, fine-tune their existing systems, and introduce tweaks to their offensive and defensive strategies. The Vols will be looking to refine their up-tempo offense under Heupel, as well as continue to build on the strides they’ve made defensively.
For Tennessee, 2025’s spring practice comes with a heightened sense of importance. After a successful 2024 campaign that saw them continue to rise in the SEC standings, the Vols are now aiming for greater heights in 2025. The program has gained national attention thanks to its fast-paced offense, and now, the focus shifts to ensuring the defense is ready to complement the offense.
Key Players to Watch
Spring practice is a great time to scout out players who could make an impact in the upcoming season, and Tennessee is no exception. There are a few key players to keep an eye on during the 2025 spring practices. These players could emerge as breakout stars, fill significant roles, or simply continue their development toward becoming leaders on the field.
1. Quarterback: Joe Milton III
One of the most talked-about players heading into the 2025 season is Joe Milton III, the veteran quarterback who has seen his share of ups and downs throughout his time at Tennessee. Milton is expected to be the starter heading into the season, but spring practice will be key for him as he works to improve his consistency, decision-making, and leadership.
Milton’s physical tools have never been in question. He possesses one of the strongest arms in college football, and his ability to make deep throws can stretch defenses. However, his challenge has always been putting it all together. During the spring, Milton will work on his timing with Tennessee’s wide receivers, fine-tuning his accuracy and decision-making under pressure.
In 2025, Joe Milton III will be under a lot of scrutiny. Can he finally harness his immense talent and become the consistent leader Tennessee needs at the most important position on the field? Spring practice is his opportunity to solidify his role and get into a rhythm before the season begins.
2. Running Back: Jabari Small
Another player to watch during spring practice is Jabari Small, Tennessee’s lead running back. Small has been a consistent force in Tennessee’s backfield and will be key to the Vols’ success in 2025. In Heupel’s system, the running back needs to be dynamic, able to break long runs while also catching passes out of the backfield. Small has the skills to do both.
With the departure of some key offensive linemen and the need to keep opposing defenses honest, Tennessee will rely on Small to be the focal point of the offense. Spring practice is a crucial time for Small to build chemistry with the offensive line, which will be breaking in some new players and developing depth.
3. Wide Receiver: Squirrel White
One of the bright spots from last season was Squirrel White, who emerged as one of the team’s top wide receivers. White’s speed, route-running ability, and chemistry with the quarterbacks make him an exciting player to watch. Heading into spring practice, White is looking to solidify his place as one of the top targets in Tennessee’s explosive offense.
White will likely see even more attention in 2025 as defenses focus on stopping Tennessee’s high-powered passing attack. Spring practices will give him the chance to continue developing rapport with Milton and showcase his ability to stretch the field as a key playmaker.
4. Linebacker: Keenan Pili
On the defensive side of the ball, Keenan Pili, a key linebacker, will be crucial for the Vols in 2025. As a transfer, Pili will be expected to contribute immediately and bring some much-needed leadership and experience to a unit that has made strides in recent years but still has room to improve. Spring practice will be critical for Pili to learn Tennessee’s defensive schemes and adjust to the speed of the game in the SEC.
With Juwan Mitchell and other linebackers gone, Pili’s role could be even more pivotal in ensuring Tennessee’s defense becomes a more consistent unit. The linebacking corps needs to be more dynamic and able to make plays, especially in coverage and run defense. Spring practices are a chance for Pili to establish himself as the anchor of the defense.
5. Defensive Back: Kamal Hadden
Kamal Hadden, one of Tennessee’s top returning defensive backs, will also be a player to keep an eye on during spring practices. Hadden’s performance in the 2024 season was solid, but he has the opportunity to make a major leap in 2025. The Vols need to strengthen their secondary, and Hadden is expected to be one of the leaders in that effort.
With spring practice underway, Hadden will need to build chemistry with his fellow defensive backs, learn new techniques, and continue to develop his instincts for the game. Tennessee’s defense will rely on Hadden to play a critical role in coverage, especially as they aim to improve their pass defense in 2025.
Position Battles
Spring football at Tennessee will also be about determining who will win the starting jobs, especially in key positions. While some spots on the roster are locked down, there are several position battles that will be intriguing throughout the spring.
1. Offensive Line
The Vols will be looking to replace some key players on the offensive line, and there will be a lot of competition during spring practice. With key departures, including Darnell Wright, Tennessee needs to establish depth and find new starters. Spring practice will allow offensive linemen to showcase their skills, work on communication, and build continuity. Players like Mayshawn Hines, Javontez Spraggins, and Cooper Mays will be battling for starting spots.
2. Defensive Line
The defensive line is another position where Tennessee has a lot of work to do. After a solid performance in 2024, there will be key battles to replace departed players and fill spots. Players like Tyler Baron and Roman Harrison will be key figures in these battles.
3. Wide Receiver Depth
With the departure of some key wide receivers, Tennessee will need to solidify its depth at the position. Players like Chas Nimrod, Walker Merrill, and Dante Thornton will be vying for playing time alongside Squirrel White. Spring practice will help define the rotation and who gets the most opportunities to contribute in 2025.