Miles Kitselman’s Return to Tennessee Football: Unfinished Business in 2025
On Monday, Tennessee football received a significant boost for the 2025 season as Miles Kitselman, the senior tight end, announced he would be returning to the Vols for another year. The 6-foot-5, 256-pound Kitselman posted on Instagram, expressing his intent to return by saying, “Got some unfinished business.” His decision to use his regained year of eligibility comes after the NCAA granted him an additional season due to changes prompted by the Diego Pavia lawsuit, which altered eligibility rules for former junior college transfers.
For Tennessee, Kitselman’s return is a valuable one, as he brings experience, production, and versatility to the tight end position. After transferring to Tennessee in 2024 following stops at Hutchinson Community College and Alabama, Kitselman was a key contributor to the Vols’ offense. Now, with his future secured for another year, he will have the opportunity to further solidify his place in Tennessee’s offense and potentially elevate his game in 2025. Let’s take a closer look at the significance of Kitselman’s return and what it means for the Vols heading into next season.
Miles Kitselman’s Journey to Tennessee
Miles Kitselman’s path to Tennessee has been anything but conventional. The tight end began his collegiate journey at Hutchinson Community College, where he played for one season in 2021, totaling two receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown. His performance there caught the attention of major programs, and he transferred to Alabama for the next two seasons. However, his time in Tuscaloosa was limited, as he appeared in only a handful of games, recording just two receptions for 18 yards. Despite not being a focal point of Alabama’s offense, Kitselman’s potential as a blocking and receiving tight end was clear, and he continued to develop his skills.
In 2024, Kitselman transferred to Tennessee, where he was finally able to make an impact in a significant way. In his first season with the Vols, he posted 22 receptions for 301 yards and four touchdowns, numbers that tied for the third-most touchdowns among tight ends in the SEC. He also showcased his versatility, with his ability to block effectively in the run game while being a reliable target in the passing attack. His season-high of 97 receiving yards against Kentucky highlighted his big-play potential, making him a valuable asset in Tennessee’s high-powered offense.
The Impact of Kitselman’s Return
With his return to Tennessee for the 2025 season, Kitselman will be part of an increasingly competitive and dynamic tight end room. His experience and leadership will be crucial, not only on the field but also in mentoring the younger players who will be joining the team. Kitselman has already proven his worth at the collegiate level, and his presence in the Vols’ offense will be pivotal in helping Tennessee compete for an SEC title and possibly make a deeper run in the College Football Playoff.
In terms of production, Kitselman’s return offers a reliable and experienced option at tight end, complementing other established playmakers. He has shown the ability to be a key contributor in the passing game, and his size and blocking ability make him a valuable asset in the run game as well. As Tennessee’s offense continues to evolve, Kitselman’s versatility will allow him to adapt to different roles, whether it’s lining up as an in-line tight end, in the slot, or even out wide. His proficiency in these various positions makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and provides offensive coordinator Joey Halzle with a variety of ways to use him.
The NCAA Eligibility Change and Kitselman’s Opportunity
Kitselman’s decision to return for a fifth season is made possible by an important change in NCAA eligibility rules. Following the Diego Pavia lawsuit, in which the Vanderbilt quarterback sought a legal challenge regarding his eligibility, the NCAA’s Division I Board of Directors approved a blanket waiver granting an extra year of eligibility to former junior college transfers. These players, including Kitselman, would have otherwise exhausted their eligibility following the 2024-25 season, but the new rule ensures they can return for one more year.
For Kitselman, this ruling has proven to be a fortunate break, allowing him to return to Tennessee and make the most of what could be his final year of college football. For the Vols, it offers them the opportunity to continue developing the tight end position while building on the success Kitselman achieved in his first year. The NCAA’s decision is a significant one for many players in similar positions, and it has given Kitselman the chance to finish what he started and contribute to the Vols’ pursuit of excellence.
The Tight End Room for Tennessee in 2025
The 2025 season will see Kitselman return to a tight end room that has some strong players, both returning and incoming. Ethan Davis, who will be a sophomore, is another promising player in the room. Over his first two seasons, Davis has had 15 receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns. His role is expected to expand in 2025, and he will likely become a more significant part of the offensive game plan. Davis and Kitselman form a formidable duo that can contribute in a variety of ways, with Davis bringing athleticism and playmaking ability and Kitselman offering experience and reliability.
Tennessee also added two exciting freshmen to the tight end position in the 2025 recruiting class. DaSaahn Brame, a 6-4, 219-pound tight end, is ranked as the No. 4 tight end in the country by 247Sports Composite, while Jack Van Dorselaer, a 6-4, 230-pound tight end, is ranked No. 16 in the class. Both players are early enrollees and will participate in spring practice, giving them the opportunity to learn the offense and integrate themselves into the team before the season begins. Their athleticism and talent could provide Tennessee with even more depth at the position, potentially making the tight end group one of the strongest on the roster.
With Kitselman, Davis, Brame, and Van Dorselaer, Tennessee’s tight end room will be full of potential, and it could become a major strength of the offense. Kitselman’s return gives the Vols a dependable option for the 2025 season, and the competition among the tight ends will only improve the overall performance of the group.
What’s Next for Miles Kitselman?
As the 2025 season approaches, Kitselman will be focused on taking his game to the next level. After an impressive 2024 season, the tight end will look to build on his production and make a significant impact in his final year at Tennessee. With another year of eligibility, Kitselman will have the opportunity to prove that he can be one of the top tight ends in the SEC, helping the Vols compete for an SEC title and possibly more.
Kitselman’s return is not only important for his individual development but also for Tennessee as a whole. With his leadership, experience, and versatility, Kitselman will play a key role in Tennessee’s success in 2025. Fans will be watching closely as he looks to finish his college career on a high note and contribute to the Vols’ continued rise under head coach Josh Heupel.
Conclusion
Miles Kitselman’s return for the 2025 season represents a significant moment for both the player and the Tennessee football program. His decision to take advantage of the additional year of eligibility granted by the NCAA allows him to continue building on his success at Tennessee and contribute to the Vols’ pursuit of championship glory. With a talented tight end room and a strong offensive system in place, Kitselman will be an important piece in Tennessee’s efforts to challenge for an SEC title and make a deeper run in the College Football Playoff. His return adds another layer of excitement and expectation for Tennessee fans as they look forward to the 2025 season.
