“ROCKY TOP IGNITION: Tennessee Football Launches 2025 Season with High-Energy First Practice, Setting the Tone for a Fierce and Focused Campaign”
The energy was palpable in Knoxville as Tennessee football kicked off its 2025 campaign with a high-intensity first practice that sent a message not only to the rest of the SEC, but to the entire college football landscape: the Vols are back, they’re locked in, and they’re ready to contend. There was no easing into the new season. From the moment players took the field at the Anderson Training Center, the tempo was urgent, the communication sharp, and the competitive fire undeniable. After months of offseason workouts, spring reps, and leadership development, the 2025 Volunteers hit the field with focus, purpose, and a chip on their collective shoulder. With expectations once again climbing in Knoxville, Tennessee made it clear they’re embracing the pressure and attacking this season with full force.
Head coach Josh Heupel, entering his fifth year at the helm, set the tone immediately. Known for his up-tempo offense and player-first culture, Heupel has cultivated a program identity built on confidence, speed, and discipline. That identity was on full display in the Vols’ opening session. From quarterbacks leading high-speed install reps to defenders flying to the ball in pursuit drills, the intensity was turned up to a level that mimicked midseason action. While early practices are typically full of rust, conditioning tests, and light installs, this was something different. There was an edge. There was urgency. There was unity.
One of the biggest storylines of the 2025 season revolves around the team’s quarterback position. With former starter Joe Milton III having graduated and moved on to the NFL, the spotlight now shifts to the next man up. All eyes were on Nico Iamaleava, the highly-touted former five-star recruit who has waited patiently behind Milton and flashed brilliance in limited action last season. Iamaleava stepped onto the practice field with a level of composure that belied his youth. His throws were crisp, his command of the offense evident, and his chemistry with receivers clear. There’s a quiet leadership to Nico that fits seamlessly into Heupel’s vision for this offense — explosive, confident, and adaptable. Coaches and teammates alike praised his offseason work ethic, and now, it’s clear the keys to Tennessee’s fast-paced attack are fully in his hands.
Supporting Iamaleava is a reloaded group of offensive weapons. Veteran wideout Bru McCoy, now fully healthy after last season’s ankle injury, looked sharp in his routes and physical in blocking drills. McCoy’s presence alone elevates the passing game, offering a reliable target with SEC experience and toughness. Alongside him, speedsters like Squirrel White and sophomore phenom Nathan Leacock showed their burst in one-on-one matchups, creating separation with ease and hauling in deep balls that drew cheers from teammates. The running back room, led by Dylan Sampson and Cam Seldon, looked dynamic as ever. Both backs have breakaway speed and excellent vision, and the competition between them has elevated their game. The offensive line, with several returning starters and a few highly-touted freshmen pushing for reps, held strong in blitz pickup drills and showed early signs of cohesion.
Defensively, Tennessee looks to make a major leap in 2025. The unit returns several key starters and has added depth through the portal and recruiting. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks has emphasized aggressiveness and communication, and both were visible from the jump. Linebackers Boo Carter and Arion Carter, no relation, were everywhere — closing gaps, covering tight ends, and leading with emotion. Boo Carter, fresh off being named to the Butkus Award watch list, looked every bit the All-American candidate. His instincts and sideline-to-sideline speed give the Vols a playmaker in the heart of their defense. In the secondary, standout cornerback Rickey Gibson III and safety Andre Turrentine broke up multiple passes during 7-on-7 drills, showing growth in coverage and anticipation.
The defensive line might be the most improved group on the field. Anchored by senior Omari Thomas and rising star James Pearce Jr., the front four consistently disrupted plays in the backfield, forcing quick throws and limiting open running lanes. Pearce, who had a breakout season in 2024, looks poised to become one of the SEC’s premier edge rushers. His combination of length, speed, and motor makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. Add in newcomers like four-star freshman defensive end Davon Hobbs and junior college transfer Jalen Lewis, and the Vols have a deep, versatile rotation capable of wearing down offensive lines late in games.
Off the field, the culture Heupel has worked so hard to instill continues to flourish. Players were vocal in their support of one another, with veteran leaders holding younger teammates accountable in real-time. Offensive lineman Cooper Mays, one of the team’s most respected leaders, echoed the sentiment when asked about the team’s mindset heading into the season. He spoke about how this year feels different — not just in terms of talent, but in accountability, chemistry, and belief. Strength coach Kurt Schmidt has also played a major role in that evolution, helping transform the team physically and mentally during grueling summer workouts.
Tennessee’s schedule in 2025 is no cakewalk. The Vols face early road tests and a brutal midseason SEC gauntlet, including showdowns with Georgia, Alabama, and Texas. But based on the energy and execution on display during the first practice, this team isn’t flinching. They’re embracing the expectations. They’re leaning into the challenge. They’re thriving under the weight of high hopes.
Fans watching from nearby were energized by what they saw — a team that looks and acts like it’s on a mission. From the freshmen to the fifth-year seniors, there’s a collective buy-in that was sometimes missing during previous seasons. The message was loud and clear: this team isn’t hoping to compete, it’s expecting to win. And that expectation is rooted not just in hype, but in the work being done daily — on the practice field, in the film room, and in the locker room.
Special teams also received notable attention during practice. Kickers Charles Campbell and freshman Gavin Marshall each nailed high-pressure field goal attempts during end-of-practice simulations, while punter Jackson Ross continues to display elite placement and hang time. With tight SEC games often decided by field position and special teams execution, Tennessee appears committed to making every detail count.
Recruiting continues to trend upward as well. The strong start to fall camp only reinforces Tennessee’s momentum on the trail. Recruits in attendance, including several top-100 prospects, were reportedly impressed by the intensity and professionalism of the session. Heupel and his staff understand the value of first impressions, and the Vols’ opening practice sent a powerful one.
There are still questions to be answered as camp progresses — battles at cornerback, interior offensive line, and wide receiver depth are ongoing — but those questions are being approached with a competitive spirit that’s infectious. Coaches have emphasized that jobs are earned, not given, and the level of effort being shown across the roster suggests players are ready to earn every snap, every rep, every opportunity.
As the 2025 season approaches, Tennessee finds itself in a familiar position — chasing greatness in a league that demands it. But what feels different this time around is the alignment between coaching, leadership, and talent. There’s a fire in this team, ignited by last year’s disappointments and fueled by this year’s promise. Tennessee’s high-energy first practice wasn’t just a start to another camp; it was a declaration of intent. The Vols aren’t easing into the season. They’re exploding into it — with speed, with purpose, and with every intention of turning potential into performance.
If this opening session is any indication, fans on Rocky Top should prepare for a thrilling ride. The 2025 Volunteers are young, fast, hungry, and fully bought in. The fuse has been lit. And if Tennessee can sustain the energy, focus, and execution seen in practice one, there’s no telling how high this team can climb. One thing’s for certain: the rest of the SEC has been put on notice. The Vols are coming — and they’re coming fast.
