Tennessee Vols Elite SEC Offensive Player of the Year Winner Dylan Sampson tells coach on who to replace his position after announcing his Exit
The Tennessee Volunteers, ranked 9th in the nation, concluded their remarkable 2024 campaign with an impressive 10-3 record, marking a historic achievement for the program. This was the first time in head coach Josh Heupel’s four-year tenure that the Volunteers secured a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. Their successful season was fueled by a high-powered offense, which was anchored by one of the most formidable rushing attacks in college football this year. The Volunteers’ rushing offense consistently ranked among the top 30 teams in several key categories, including rushing attempts, total rushing yards, yards per carry, and rushing touchdowns per game. Specifically, Tennessee averaged 44.9 rushing attempts per game, which ranked 6th in the nation, and 225.8 rushing yards per game, placing them 9th nationally. Their efficiency on the ground was reflected in their 5.0 yards per attempt, ranked 28th overall, and they averaged 2.6 rushing touchdowns per game, which placed them 11th in the country.
At the heart of this dynamic rushing offense was junior running back Dylan Sampson, who had a sensational season that solidified his place among the nation’s top performers. Sampson’s contributions were nothing short of remarkable as he led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in several critical statistical categories, including rushing yards, rushing attempts, rushing touchdowns, total touches, and total touchdowns. Over the course of the season, Sampson accumulated 1,491 rushing yards on 258 carries, which resulted in an impressive 5.8 yards per attempt. His consistent dominance on the ground translated to an average of 114.7 rushing yards per game and 22 rushing touchdowns. Sampson’s work ethic and performance also earned him recognition as a versatile weapon in Tennessee’s offense, with a total of 278 touches that resulted in 1,634 yards from scrimmage and 22 total touchdowns. His outstanding season earned him several accolades, including the prestigious SEC Offensive Player of the Year award, a spot on the All-SEC First Team, and recognition on the AP All-American Third Team.
The recognition of his remarkable contributions was further validated when Sampson made the announcement on Instagram that he would forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Reflecting on his tenure at Tennessee, Sampson leaves behind an impressive legacy, finishing his college career with 2,492 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded 2,834 total yards from scrimmage and 36 total touchdowns. His performance has garnered significant attention from NFL scouts, with ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. listing him as the 10th-best running back prospect heading into the upcoming draft. His decision to enter the draft signals the end of an era for Tennessee’s running back corps, and the program will surely feel his absence as it moves into the 2025 season.
With Sampson now preparing for the NFL, the Volunteers’ coaching staff will be tasked with finding a worthy successor to fill his shoes in the backfield. The expectation is that redshirt freshman DeSean Bishop will emerge as a key contender for the starting running back position. Bishop, who served as the second-string back in 2024, showed flashes of brilliance during his limited opportunities. He finished the season with 455 rushing yards on 74 attempts, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns. His performance in a supporting role suggests he could be poised for a more significant role in 2025. However, Bishop won’t have the position locked up, as he will face competition from freshman Peyton Lewis, who also gained valuable experience in his first season. Lewis, who worked as the third-string back in 2024, proved to be a reliable contributor in his own right. He finished with 339 rushing yards on 64 carries, adding three touchdowns to his season total. Both Bishop and Lewis will enter spring practices with an open competition for the starting role, with both players eager to showcase their talents and secure a prominent place in Tennessee’s offensive game plan moving forward.
As the Volunteers prepare to transition to a new era at running back, the pressure will be on Bishop and Lewis to step up and maintain the high standard set by Dylan Sampson. The 2025 season will be a crucial one for Tennessee, as they aim to build upon the success of their historic 2024 campaign and remain competitive in the fiercely contested SEC. With a new running back leader on the horizon, the Volunteers’ rushing attack will continue to be a key component of their offensive strategy as they look to make another deep run in the College Football Playoff and beyond. The competition between Bishop and Lewis this spring will be a storyline to watch closely as both players vie for the opportunity to carry the ball and continue the legacy of success in the Tennessee backfield.