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The college football season is officially over, and the first transfer portal period is winding down quickly. For the most part, you pretty much know what you have on the roster going into 2026 at this point, outside of some potential for minor additions in the small spring portal period.
For this post we’ll focus on the offensive side of the ball, which has been hit with big time turnover so far this offseason. A huge exit on the receiver depth chart, no more Dylan Sampson and as many as four starters gone from the offensive line? There will be plenty of new faces featured in Josh Heupel’s offense this coming fall. We’ll get a taste during the spring period in a little over a month.
Let’s talk through the new-look positions.
Quarterback
- Nico Iamaleava
- Jake Merklinger
- George MacIntyre
The quarterback depth chart is pretty straightforward. Gaston Moore has moved on in hopes of finding playing time with one season of eligibility remaining. This means Tennessee will be relying on Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre to backup returning starter Nico Iamaleava, who will be looking to make a big jump in year No. 2.
Merklinger and MacIntyre are obviously unknowns entering 2025. We’ve seen a little bit from Merklinger, mainly in last season’s Orange and White Game. He brings an element of athleticism to the table, and it will be interesting to see how he operates within the system after a year of seasoning.
For MacIntyre, it’s simply about getting up to speed. He’ll be one of the top storylines to follow over the next three months.
Running Back
- Peyton Lewis
- DeSean Bishop
- Star Thomas
- Duane Morris
- Justin Baker
Dylan Sampson is no more — it’s a completely new era in the Tennessee backfield. Sampson’s bellcow 2024 season vaulted him into the Tennessee record books, but now it’s next man up.