Vols Inch Closer to Spring Game, Riding the Blooming Progression of Offensive Skill Groups

As the Tennessee Volunteers inch closer to their highly anticipated spring game, a sense of optimism surrounds the program. Head coach Josh Heupel’s offense, renowned for its high-tempo and explosive nature, is evolving and maturing with each passing practice. With a host of key offensive skill players returning, including some highly touted newcomers, the Vols are positioning themselves to make significant strides in 2025. Their offensive skill groups, in particular, are blooming, showcasing an impressive depth and talent that is sure to be a focal point for fans and analysts alike.

In the heart of Tennessee’s offensive strategy lies the drive to maintain a balanced, fast-paced attack. The spring practices have provided an early glimpse into how the Vols’ offense is shaping up. What stands out most is the evolution of their skill players—running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends—each group playing a crucial role in the progression of Heupel’s offensive philosophy. These units are not just evolving—they’re thriving, and the program is reaping the benefits of their growth.

Quarterback Development: The Engine of the Offense

No discussion about Tennessee’s offensive skill groups can begin without focusing on the quarterback position. The Vols’ quarterback room has experienced significant turnover in recent years, but with a steady and talented group this year, there’s a renewed sense of excitement.

Joe Milton, who has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, enters the spring with an opportunity to solidify his position as the starting quarterback. Milton has been working tirelessly on refining his mechanics and decision-making, areas that were occasionally a concern last season. Early reports from practice suggest that Milton has made noticeable improvements, both in his deep ball accuracy and his consistency under pressure. This is especially important for Heupel’s system, which thrives on creating explosive plays down the field.

Behind Milton, the backup quarterbacks are pushing the starting signal caller, creating an atmosphere of healthy competition. Both highly regarded recruits and seasoned veterans are in the mix, each offering a unique set of skills that could be called upon in the 2025 season. However, it’s Milton who has the upper hand, with his experience and leadership taking center stage as the spring game approaches.

Wide Receiver Corps: An Explosion of Talent

The wide receiver position has long been one of Tennessee’s most dynamic units, and 2025 looks to be no different. The Vols have a loaded receiving corps, with players returning who have demonstrated elite skills and newcomers who are ready to make an immediate impact.

Key returnees, such as Bru McCoy and Squirrel White, have shown great promise throughout the spring. McCoy, with his physicality and ability to make plays in the air, continues to be a go-to target for the Tennessee offense. His size and agility make him a nightmare for defenders, especially in contested catch situations. On the other hand, White’s speed and quickness have given defensive backs fits during practices. White’s ability to separate from defenders and create explosive plays has made him one of the most exciting players to watch as the Vols prepare for the spring game.

However, it’s the addition of incoming transfers and recruits that has elevated this group to another level. A couple of newcomers, with elite speed and precise route-running ability, have already turned heads during spring practices. These players are not only adding depth to the position but also bringing competition to the group, which is pushing all of the receivers to perform at their highest level.

As the Vols move closer to the spring game, the wide receivers will likely continue to be the focal point of the offense, with the potential for multiple big-play threats on every snap. The dynamic playmaking ability of this unit gives offensive coordinator Alex Golesh the flexibility to scheme up different types of routes, ensuring that Milton or whoever is at quarterback has plenty of options downfield.

Running Back by Committee: The Backbone of the Offense

While Tennessee’s passing game may capture most of the headlines, the running backs have quietly developed into one of the strongest units on the team. Over the past few seasons, Tennessee has used a running back-by-committee approach, and that philosophy looks set to continue in 2025.

Jabari Small, the seasoned veteran of the group, has returned for another season and is looking to make a significant impact. His ability to churn out tough yards between the tackles and contribute in the passing game makes him a reliable all-purpose back. Small’s leadership on and off the field has been invaluable, especially to the younger players in the room.

Behind Small, the emergence of Dylan Sampson as a playmaking threat has been a highlight of the spring practices. Sampson’s explosiveness and speed have been on full display, as he consistently breaks off big runs during scrimmages. His ability to change direction quickly and accelerate through small creases makes him a constant threat to break one at any moment.

The backfield also welcomes a highly anticipated recruit in the 2025 class, who brings a combination of power and speed that could allow him to contribute early on. While it’s unclear how the rotation will look come the fall, one thing is certain: Tennessee will have a formidable stable of running backs, each with their own unique strengths. This depth will allow Heupel’s offense to stay fresh and versatile, giving defenders a new challenge every time the ball is snapped.

Tight Ends: A New Era of Versatility

Tight ends in Heupel’s offense have traditionally been used in a variety of ways, both as blockers and as receiving threats. In 2025, the Vols look set to build on that tradition, with a new wave of tight ends who offer impressive versatility.

Returning tight end Jacob Warren has long been a steady presence in the Tennessee offense, but the addition of new talent to the group makes the tight end room one of the most intriguing on the roster. Newcomers to the group bring a unique combination of size, speed, and ball skills, giving Tennessee multiple options in the passing game. These players are expected to contribute both as blockers in the run game and as mismatches in the passing game, creating an additional layer of complexity to the offense.

The development of this position group could play a significant role in the team’s success. Heupel has always appreciated having tight ends who can stretch the field and create mismatches for opposing defenses, and this year’s crop of tight ends certainly fits that mold. Whether as downfield threats or as trusted safety valves for Milton, the tight ends will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.

Offensive Line: A Pillar of Stability

Of course, none of Tennessee’s offensive success would be possible without a strong and cohesive offensive line. While much of the attention on Heupel’s offense is focused on the skill positions, the line has quietly been one of the team’s most consistent units. The Vols have some of the best offensive line prospects in recent years, and their development is critical for the team’s success in 2025.

The offensive line has been building chemistry over the past year, and with several key players returning, the unit appears to be poised for a dominant season. The Vols’ offensive line is big, athletic, and talented, and they have shown that they can protect the quarterback while also opening up holes for the running backs. The emergence of younger players on the line also gives the Vols depth, something that will be crucial over the course of a long season.

Looking Ahead to the Spring Game

As Tennessee moves closer to its spring game, it’s clear that the Vols’ offensive skill groups are blossoming. The team is full of talent, from a quarterback room brimming with potential to a wide receiver corps and running back stable that will keep defenses on their toes. The offensive line is solid, providing the stability needed for the explosive plays Heupel’s system demands. And with the development of the tight end position, the Vols are gearing up for a season full of exciting possibilities.

Tennessee’s spring game will serve as an important opportunity for fans and analysts to see the fruits of this blossoming offensive talent. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the Vols are positioning themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC, and the progress of their offensive skill groups is a key reason for the rising excitement around the program.