At least 17 Tennessee football seniors will play their final regular-season home game at Neyland Stadium against UTEP.
Three more players designated as seniors could return in 2025 to utilize an extra season of eligibility because they played the COVID-exempt season in 2020.
Of course, some star players like edge rusher James Pearce and running back Dylan Sampson could forgo their remaining eligibility to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. But those decisions will come later.
That adds up to a mass exodus when this season is over, which raises the stakes around the Vols’ bid to make the 12-team College Football Playoff. They are currently the first team out of that field with two regular-season games remaining.
Seniors will be recognized at Neyland Stadium before No. 11 Tennessee (8-2) plays UTEP (2-8) on Saturday (1 p.m. ET, SEC Network+).
Most will not return next season, but a few have that option. Here’s a breakdown of UT’s seniors, their remaining eligibility and how that impacts 2025.
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Four starters and two veteran backups on the offensive line have exhausted their eligibility. Three defensive tackles and two starting wide receivers are also done at UT after this season.
Those are among the notable losses from this senior class. Here are the seniors who are out of eligibility after this season.
Two starters on the defensive line and a veteran backup quarterback have the option to return for the 2025 season because they have an extra year of eligibility from the COVID season in 2020.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Emailadam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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