The Tennessee Volunteers’ offensive line entered spring practice on March 7, 2025, with a clear mandate: replace the production and leadership of All-SEC center Cooper Mays and ensure quarterback Nico Iamaleava has the protection needed to thrive. As of April 5, 2025, with spring ball in full swing, the unit’s progress—or lack thereof—will shape Tennessee’s fortunes in a loaded SEC landscape. While the group boasts talent and potential, its youth and inexperience pose challenges that head coach Josh Heupel must address before the season opener.
In 2024, Tennessee’s offensive line was a strength, paving the way for running back Dylan Sampson’s 1,400-yard campaign and anchoring a 10-3 season that included a College Football Playoff appearance. Mays, a multi-year starter, was the linchpin, earning first-team All-SEC honors with his impeccable snap accuracy and ability to call protections. His graduation, coupled with the departure of tackle John Campbell Jr., has left significant voids. The Vols allowed 22 sacks last season—a manageable number—but Iamaleava’s development as a passer demands even stouter protection in 2025.
Spring practice has spotlighted the center competition as a critical storyline. William Satterwhite, a redshirt freshman, and Max Anderson, a sophomore, are the primary contenders. Satterwhite, who saw limited action in 2024, has earned praise from Iamaleava for his communication and agility. “Satt’s been a great piece for us,” the quarterback said after a March 13 practice. Anderson, meanwhile, brings more size at 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, and has held his own in one-on-one drills. Heupel has yet to name a starter, but sources suggest Satterwhite holds a slight edge entering the April 5 scrimmage.
The tackle positions offer more stability, thanks to the arrival of five-star recruit David Sanders Jr. The 6-foot-6, 290-pound freshman, ranked No. 5 overall in the 2025 class, enrolled early and has already claimed the left tackle spot. His blend of length and quickness has drawn comparisons to former Vol Darnell Wright, now an NFL standout. On the right, Dayne Davis returns after starting 10 games in 2024, providing continuity. However, depth remains a concern, with redshirt freshman Leo Delaney still adjusting to SEC physicality.
Guards Lance Heard and Jackson Lampley anchor the interior, both entering their third seasons in the program. Heard, a former five-star recruit, has blossomed into a road-grader at left guard, while Lampley’s versatility allows him to slide to center if needed. Their experience is a stabilizing force, but the unit’s cohesion is untested. Spring practices have revealed occasional breakdowns in pass protection, particularly against Tennessee’s disruptive defensive front led by James Pearce Jr. Heupel acknowledged the growing pains, stating, “We’re young, but the direction is positive.”
The April 5 closed scrimmage will be a proving ground. Tennessee’s defense, which ranked top-10 nationally in tackles for loss (TFLs) in 2024, offers a formidable challenge. If the offensive line can neutralize Pearce and company, it’ll signal readiness to handle SEC heavyweights like Georgia and Alabama. Conversely, a porous performance could expose vulnerabilities that opponents will exploit come fall.
Beyond Xs and Os, leadership is a pressing need. Mays was the vocal soul of the line, directing traffic and rallying the group. Satterwhite and Heard have stepped up verbally, but their youth—neither has started a full season—raises questions about their ability to command in high-stakes moments. Heupel has leaned on his veteran staff, including offensive line coach Glen Elarbee, to accelerate the unit’s maturity.
Tennessee’s 2025 schedule offers no margin for error. Road trips to Oklahoma and Georgia, plus home clashes with Alabama and Texas, demand an offensive line that can protect Iamaleava and open lanes for a retooled run game. The addition of Sanders and the promise of Satterwhite suggest a high ceiling, but spring practice is about forging reliability. As of April 5, the Vols’ offensive line is a talented work in progress—one that must coalesce quickly to keep Tennessee in the SEC elite.
