What’s Next for Tennessee Football’s Depleting Offensive Line Depth
As Tennessee football continues to climb the ranks in the SEC under head coach Josh Heupel, one of the team’s most pressing concerns is the state of its offensive line. The Volunteers have enjoyed an up-tempo, high-powered offense that has helped them reassert themselves as a force in the SEC, but behind this success lies a crucial issue: the depth of the offensive line is beginning to deplete, and that could have a significant impact as the team aims to continue its upward trajectory.
Offensive line play is a cornerstone of any successful football program, particularly in the SEC, where physicality in the trenches often determines the outcome of games. In Heupel’s fast-paced offense, the offensive line plays a critical role in not only protecting the quarterback but also in helping open up running lanes for Tennessee’s backs. As the Vols look ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, addressing their offensive line depth has become one of their most important tasks.
The Current State of Tennessee’s Offensive Line
At first glance, Tennessee’s offensive line may seem to have a solid core of veteran players, but a deeper dive reveals cracks in the foundation that could impact the team’s success moving forward. While the Vols have some experienced talent, particularly with a few key upperclassmen who have logged significant snaps in the SEC, the overall depth of the unit is cause for concern.
This depletion of depth is largely due to a combination of factors, including graduation, early departures to the NFL, and injuries. Tennessee has already seen some of its star offensive linemen depart for professional opportunities, leaving a gap in the lineup that will need to be filled quickly. In addition, a number of players on the current roster have struggled to stay healthy, which has only added to the challenges facing the coaching staff.
Perhaps the most notable loss is that of key contributors who have been cornerstones on the offensive line in recent years. These departures, while expected in the world of college football, leave a void in the unit that needs to be addressed. Players who were once expected to anchor the line for several seasons have moved on, and with that, the responsibility now falls to younger, less-experienced players to fill in.
The Challenges of Developing Offensive Line Talent
The Tennessee Vols are not alone in facing challenges when it comes to developing offensive line talent. Across college football, offensive line play requires a unique blend of size, strength, technique, and mental toughness. It’s a position that often takes longer to develop compared to others, and it’s rare for true freshmen to come in and make an immediate impact.
For Tennessee, this means that even though they’ve recruited well and have some promising young talent on the roster, it will take time to cultivate that talent into players who can step up and contribute at a high level. Offensive line development is a long-term process that requires consistent coaching, physical development in the weight room, and a familiarity with the complex playbook. As a result, many of the freshmen and sophomores currently on the roster may not be fully ready to start right away, adding to the concerns about the lack of depth.
Additionally, injuries to key players can be especially damaging to the offensive line. With such a demanding position, offensive linemen are often at higher risk of injury, particularly when the team doesn’t have the luxury of deep depth. As the season progresses, Tennessee could find itself in situations where a lack of healthy bodies on the line puts a strain on the rest of the offense.
Addressing the Immediate Concerns: Recruiting and Transfers
With the current situation in mind, Tennessee’s coaching staff must find a way to address the offensive line depth crisis heading into 2025 and beyond. Fortunately, the Vols have options, both through recruiting and the transfer portal. The program has made it clear that upgrading the offensive line is a top priority, and recent efforts in both areas show promise.
1. Recruiting and the Class of 2025
Tennessee has a number of promising offensive line recruits coming in for the 2025 season. While it’s rare for true freshmen to step into starting roles on the offensive line, the Vols have targeted players who are physically ready to contribute early. These young recruits will likely be expected to provide immediate depth and potentially push for playing time in a rotation.
The class of 2025 is especially promising, with several highly-rated linemen joining the team, including some that project as future starters. With the current offensive line depth issues, these freshmen will have an opportunity to prove themselves in camp and could see the field sooner than expected. While it might take time for them to develop fully, they could provide crucial depth, allowing Tennessee to rotate linemen more efficiently and prevent burnout throughout the season.
2. The Transfer Portal
The transfer portal has become a valuable tool for teams looking to add immediate contributors, particularly when it comes to positions like offensive line, where experience can be key. Tennessee has used the transfer portal effectively in recent seasons, bringing in players who are ready to step in and make an impact right away. Given the current offensive line depth concerns, it’s likely that the Vols will continue to target experienced offensive linemen who can provide immediate help.
Through the portal, Tennessee could add experienced players who have already played significant snaps at the college level. These players can step in and help bridge the gap while younger recruits develop, providing a short-term solution to the team’s depth issues. The challenge, of course, is securing top-tier offensive linemen who can handle the physicality of the SEC and fit into Tennessee’s up-tempo offense. Still, the transfer portal could play a pivotal role in keeping the offensive line competitive.
Potential Solutions to Fix the Depth Issue
While recruiting and the transfer portal are vital parts of the solution, the coaching staff must also focus on developing the talent already within the program. Ensuring that current players are prepared to step into larger roles will be crucial for Tennessee’s success moving forward.
1. Depth through Development
For Tennessee to thrive despite the depleting depth, the coaching staff will need to focus heavily on player development. While the freshmen and sophomores may not be fully ready to start, many of them can still contribute in a rotational capacity. The key will be developing their skills through rigorous practice and offering them as much in-game experience as possible. The more reps young players get, the quicker they’ll be able to adapt to the speed and demands of college football.
Additionally, Tennessee’s offensive line coach will have to focus on teaching both technique and conditioning to prepare players for the physical demands of the position. A more refined offensive line that plays as a cohesive unit, even if composed of players with less experience, can still be a formidable force if coached correctly.
2. Redshirt and Build for the Future
Another potential solution is to redshirt some of the incoming players who may need more time to develop physically and mentally for the SEC. This would allow Tennessee to keep them on the roster, giving them a year to build strength, improve technique, and learn the offensive system without having to throw them into the fire right away. This option ensures that the team has solid depth down the line, even if it doesn’t provide an immediate fix to the current situation.
The Importance of Offensive Line Depth in the SEC
In a conference like the SEC, where physicality reigns supreme, depth on the offensive line is non-negotiable. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU have historically dominated because of their ability to control the trenches, and Tennessee must follow suit if they are to continue competing at a high level. Heupel’s offense requires quick decision-making and solid pass protection, but without reliable offensive line depth, even the most potent offenses can struggle.
For Tennessee to continue its upward trajectory in the SEC, ensuring offensive line depth is a crucial step. With the combination of young talent, experienced transfers, and solid coaching, the Volunteers can overcome this challenge and remain competitive in the SEC. However, they’ll need to be proactive and strategic in how they address the issue, balancing immediate needs with long-term development.