Big Orange Report August 21, 2025

 


Offense (Overview)

The Trenches
Thanks to the transfer portal and the addition of five star rated freshman offensive tackle David Sanders, Coach Glen Elarbee has reloaded up front after losing four of the five starters from last season's very sturdy blocking front. Sanders has put on almost 30 pounds in the right places since he arrived in Knoxville as a early enrollee. He has all but locked up the starting job at the right tackle position.
Transfers Wendell Moe (Arizona) and Sam Pendelton (Notre Dame) are both set to start for Elarbee. Moe is a road grader of a guard and Pendelton will open at either the other guard spot or in the pivot at center for the Vols. Both players have two years of eligibility remaining for college football. If red shirt freshman William Satterwhite can handle the demands at center, then Pendelton should open the season at right guard. Another red shirt freshman, Max Anderson, has also been getting some work at center in practice the last two weeks.
Two more young players, Jesse Perry, a red shirt freshman, and Sham Umarov, a red shirt sophomore, are battling for the start at a guard if Pendelton is assigned the center position. Perry has been drawing some very positive reviews during drills and he may have edged ahead of Umarov heading into the final days of pre-season work. Another red shirt freshman, Gage Ginther, is working to earn a key reserve role at guard.
The left tackle position is in good hands. Former five star ranked recruit and transfer from LSU, Lance Heard, is healthy, has lost some weight and is looking like an intimidating blocker protecting the quarterback's blind side.
On the flanks, Heupel often elects to employ a double tight end set. He has the players this year to do just that. It is an excellent mix of veterans and young talent. Senior Miles Kitselman is an all star candidate who can block and also catch the football in the short to medium zones. Junior Ethan Davis is poised to have a breakout season after struggling with minor injuries over the past two years and has the speed and moves to get open deep. Freshmen Jack Van Dorselaer and DaSaahn Brame have showed up in practice and red shirt freshman Cole Harrison is expected back after completing rehab on a injury.
Skill Positions
The biggest question mark on this offensive unit is in the wide receivers room. The numbers are thin and a couple of guys are still being held out of contact because of lingering injuries. The staff has their collective fingers crossed that two second year players, Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley, are prepped and ready to take on lead roles after only brief cameo appearances in 2024. Both were among the highest ranking prospects at wideout coming out of high school.
The only true veteran in the room, Chris Brazzell, had a mediocre year after transferring from Tulane last fall and he certainly has an opportunity to break out and enjoy a starring role now. Freshmen Travis Smith and Radarious Jackson have been pushed and coached aggressively and both look ready to lend a helping hand. Alabama transfer Amari Jefferson will also have an opportunity to earn significant playing time early this season.
At running back, the Vols seem set and ready to continue the impressive performances provided by the ball carriers since Heupel's arrival in Knoxville. Duke transfer Star Thomas is the experienced veteran in the group and he has changed his body and also displayed some leadership with his younger teammates. Sophomores DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis are uber-talented and flashed their talent when give an opportunity a year ago. All three backs can also catch the football out of the backfield if necessary.
The quarterback competition will continue right up till the start of the season. Right now transfer Joey Aguilar may have inched ahead following a productive performance in the second scrimmage last Friday. His experience and physical maturity have been an advantage. Jake Merklinger has shared first team reps with Aguilar in practice and frankly, the coaches have been impressed by the work of true freshman George MacIntyre and his grasp of the schemes and snap decisions on the field.
Conclusion
If two or three of the wide receivers step up and play at SEC levels, this offensive unit has a chance to be dangerous for Vol opponents. The tight ends and running backs are premium quality players and if the offensive line can stay healthy, that group should be effective in both the run game and protecting the passer. 

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