# Tennessee Football: A Bleak Outlook as Roster Deteriorates Compared to 2024
In the world of college football, change is the only constant, but for Tennessee Volunteers fans, the changes to the 2025 roster compared to 2024 have brought a wave of sadness and concern. A comprehensive depth – chart breakdown reveals that the roster is in a significantly worse state, threatening the team’s hopes for a successful season.
## Offensive Woes
### Quarterback
In 2024, Tennessee boasted a talented and experienced quarterback. The signal – caller had a good command of the offense, a strong arm, and the ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground. This quarterback was a leader on and off the field, and his presence gave the offense a sense of stability.
However, in 2025, the situation at quarterback is far from ideal. The top – listed quarterback on the depth chart is a red – shirt freshman. While he shows potential, he lacks the game – time experience necessary to lead a high – powered SEC offense. The departure of the 2024 starter, who graduated and was drafted into the NFL, has left a huge void that the young quarterback may struggle to fill. Backup options are also limited, with the second – string quarterback having only seen minimal action in scrimmages and being prone to turnovers in practice.
### Running Back
The running back position has also taken a hit. In 2024, the Volunteers had a dynamic duo of running backs. One was a bruising inside runner who could gain tough yards between the tackles, while the other was a shifty outside threat who could break long runs. Their combined production was a key factor in Tennessee’s offensive success.
This year, the top running back on the depth chart is coming off a serious knee injury that he suffered in the spring. His recovery is still in progress, and there are doubts about his ability to regain his pre – injury form. The backups are young and unproven, with little to no significant college game experience. The lack of a reliable running game will put more pressure on the inexperienced quarterback and make the offense more predictable.
### Wide Receiver
The wide receiver corps has seen an exodus of talent. In 2024, Tennessee had a group of receivers with good size, speed, and hands. They were able to create separation and make big plays down the field. Several of these receivers graduated or declared for the NFL draft early.
In 2025, the wide receivers on the depth chart are mostly sophomores and freshmen. While they have raw talent, they lack the polish and experience needed to be consistent threats in the SEC. There are concerns about their ability to get open against tough SEC cornerbacks and make the tough catches in traffic.
## Defensive Decline
### Defensive Line
The defensive line was a strength in 2024. The starters were able to get consistent pressure on the quarterback and stop the run effectively. They had a good mix of size, speed, and strength, and their experience allowed them to make smart plays on the field.
In 2025, the defensive line has lost several key players to graduation and transfers. The new starters on the depth chart are young and still developing. They lack the physicality and football IQ of the 2024 group. As a result, it’s likely that opposing quarterbacks will have more time to throw and running backs will find more running lanes.
### Linebacker
The linebacker position has also suffered. In 2024, the linebackers were the heart and soul of the defense. They were excellent at reading plays, making tackles, and blitzing the quarterback. They were vocal leaders on the field and helped to direct the defense.
This year, the top linebackers on the depth chart are new to their starting roles. They are still learning the playbook and adjusting to the speed of SEC play. There have been concerns about their tackling technique and their ability to diagnose plays quickly. The lack of experienced leadership at this position could lead to breakdowns in the defense.
### Secondary
The young and have yet to prove themselves against top – tier competition. They are likely to be targeted by opposing quarterbacks, and the lack of experience could lead to big plays being given up.
## Special Teams Uncertainty
In 2024, the special teams were reliable. The kicker was accurate, and the punt return and kickoff return units had the potential to break big plays. However, in 2025, the kicker is a new addition to the team. There are concerns about his consistency, especially in pressure situations. The return units also lack the speed and experience of the 2024 group, making it less likely that they will be able to change the field position or score touchdowns on special teams plays.
Overall, the 2025 Tennessee football roster is in a much worse state than it was in 2024. The lack of experience and talent across the board, as shown by the depth – chart breakdown, will likely make it a challenging season for the Volunteers. Fans are left mourning the loss of the 2024 talent and hoping for a quick turnaround in the future.
Leave a Reply