Tennessee has reportedly added a major talent to its offensive line for the 2025 season.
The Vols have signed former Notre Dame offensive lineman Sam Pendleton, according to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz. As the report notes, Pendleton was a part-time starter for the Fighting Irish this season and is a former 4-star recruit.
Pendleton entered the transfer portal following Notre Dame’s loss to Ohio State in the National Championship Game earlier this week. He finished 6th on the team in offensive line snaps this season, per Pro Football Focus. PFF gave him an overall grade of 63.2 from PFF for his efforts this past fall.
He’ll now join a Tennessee offensive line that is bracing for a year filled with turnover. The Vols are losing multiple OL starters this offseason, but Pendleton could help fill that void on the interior in 2025.
Overall, Tennessee’s expectations for the 2025 season remain high. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava is returning and the Vols should have an elite defense once again next fall. Tennessee will be coming off of its first College Football Playoff appearance in program history.
