Tennessee Football 2025 Outlook: Who Will Be Taking Over for Dylan Sampson?

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Tennessee Volunteers are coming off a solid year in 2024 with aspirations to build on their success. One of the most intriguing questions surrounding the team is who will step up to replace running back Dylan Sampson, a key player in their offensive scheme. With Sampson’s departure after a standout career, the Vols will need a new face in their backfield to keep their high-powered offense humming. This article will explore the candidates for the role, evaluating their strengths, weaknesses, and the overall outlook for Tennessee’s running game in 2025.

Dylan Sampson’s Impact at Tennessee

Before we dive into potential replacements, it’s important to reflect on what Dylan Sampson brought to the Tennessee football program. As the primary ball carrier in 2024, Sampson was crucial to the Vols’ offensive success. His dynamic playmaking ability, explosive speed, and vision as a runner helped Tennessee maintain a potent rushing attack, which balanced their passing game and kept opposing defenses on their heels. Sampson finished the 2024 season with over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns, earning recognition as one of the top running backs in the SEC.

Sampson’s combination of speed, agility, and the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces made him an ideal fit in Tennessee’s fast-paced, up-tempo offense. He was not just a ball carrier, but also a capable pass-catcher, contributing significantly to the short and intermediate passing game. His ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air made him a dual-threat weapon for Tennessee’s offensive coordinator, and replacing him will not be easy.

The Candidates to Replace Dylan Sampson

Several running backs will compete for the starting role in 2025. Tennessee’s recruiting class has been strong in recent years, and they have a stable of talented backs who could step into a significant role. Here are the primary candidates vying for the starting position:

1. Jalen Wright

Jalen Wright enters 2025 as one of the most experienced and promising running backs on the roster. The junior has shown flashes of brilliance over his first two seasons, serving as a complementary back to Sampson in 2024. Wright finished the season with over 700 yards on the ground, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. While he didn’t see as many touches as Sampson, his potential as an every-down back is undeniable.

Wright’s combination of size (5’11”, 210 lbs) and speed gives him a well-rounded skill set. He is tough between the tackles but also has the ability to break off long runs in the open field. His vision and ability to read blocks have improved, and he has a patient running style that allows him to set up defenders before exploding through the hole. Wright is also a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield, which is crucial in Tennessee’s offense. With Sampson gone, Wright will have the opportunity to take over as the lead back and showcase his full range of skills.

Strengths: Vision, speed, strong between the tackles, pass-catching ability
Weaknesses: Could improve in pass protection and consistency with ball security

2. Jabari Davis

Another intriguing option is Jabari Davis, a redshirt sophomore who has flown under the radar during his first few seasons in Knoxville. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 220 lbs, Davis brings a power-running element to the offense. He is built to be a physical, downhill runner who can wear down defenses with his tough running style. While Davis has not seen as many reps as Wright, he has shown flashes of potential in limited action, particularly in short-yardage situations.

Davis’ biggest strengths are his toughness and ability to gain yards after contact. He has a low center of gravity, making it difficult for defenders to bring him down with arm tackles. While Davis is more of a power runner compared to Sampson and Wright, he has worked hard to improve his lateral agility and burst, which should make him a more well-rounded back in 2025. Additionally, Davis has been working on his pass-catching skills, a crucial area in Tennessee’s offense, and he could see increased snaps if he proves himself as a reliable option out of the backfield.

Strengths: Power running, balance, yards after contact, short-yardage situations
Weaknesses: Lacks elite speed, untested in high-volume roles

3. Samson Johnson (Freshman)

One of the most highly-anticipated recruits in Tennessee’s 2025 class is Samson Johnson, a 5-star running back out of Georgia. Johnson has drawn comparisons to some of the best backs in college football due to his explosive speed and ability to hit home runs on any given play. At 6’1″, 210 lbs, he has an ideal frame for a feature back in college football, with enough power to break tackles and enough agility to avoid defenders in the open field.

Johnson’s recruitment was a major coup for head coach Josh Heupel, and many expect him to make an immediate impact once he steps on campus. As a high school prospect, Johnson was a game-changer, racking up 2,000+ yards and 25 touchdowns in his senior year. His vision and cutting ability are exceptional, and he has the potential to be a dual-threat weapon in the Vols’ offense, much like Sampson.

While it is difficult to predict how quickly a freshman will adapt to the college game, Johnson’s talent is undeniable. He will have the chance to compete for the starting job immediately, and if he can adapt to the speed of SEC defenses, he could be a breakout star for the Vols in 2025.

Strengths: Speed, vision, big-play ability, versatility
Weaknesses: Experience at the college level, adapting to competition

4. Treyvon Baker (Sophomore)

Treyvon Baker, a sophomore from Nashville, could also play a significant role in the backfield in 2025. While he has not seen much action in his first two seasons, Baker has a lot of potential due to his combination of size (6’0″, 215 lbs) and agility. Baker was highly regarded as a recruit, and many believe that with the right development, he could be a major contributor in Tennessee’s offense.

Baker is known for his quickness and ability to make defenders miss in space. He’s shown flashes of being a reliable option in the passing game and has the vision to work well behind Tennessee’s strong offensive line. However, his lack of experience could be a factor, and he will need to show that he can consistently execute at the college level to earn meaningful reps.

Strengths: Agility, vision, pass-catching potential
Weaknesses: Lack of college experience, needs to improve ball security

Offensive Line and Scheme Considerations

No matter who takes over for Sampson, their success will depend on the performance of Tennessee’s offensive line and offensive scheme. Tennessee’s offensive line has been one of the best in the SEC in recent years, and in 2025, they will once again be a major asset for the running backs. With several returning starters, including All-SEC caliber players, the offensive line will provide a solid foundation for the Vols’ running game.

Additionally, head coach Josh Heupel’s offensive system is predicated on an up-tempo, pass-heavy attack, but the running game is still a crucial part of the puzzle. Heupel’s offense typically features quick hitting runs, outside zone schemes, and an emphasis on getting the ball to the running back in space. Whether it’s Wright, Davis, Johnson, or another back, the running back will need to be able to read blocks, hit the correct hole, and turn upfield quickly in Heupel’s fast-paced system.

The Final Verdict: Who Will Take Over for Dylan Sampson?

Ultimately, the most likely candidate to take over for Dylan Sampson in 2025 is Jalen Wright. With his experience, balance, and proven ability in Tennessee’s offense, Wright is well-positioned to be the lead back. However, the competition will be fierce, with Jabari Davis providing a power-running option and Samson Johnson offering explosive potential. Don’t count out Davis in short-yardage situations or Johnson, who could emerge as a star if he adapts quickly to the college game.

Regardless of who emerges as the starter, Tennessee’s 2025 running back room is stacked with talent, and the Vols’ offensive attack will continue to be one of the most dynamic in the SEC. The key will be finding the right balance between power, speed, and versatility to keep opposing defenses on their toes.

With a strong offensive line and a talented group of running backs, Tennessee looks poised to continue their upward trajectory in the SEC in 2025, even with the departure of Dylan Sampson.