Despite struggles in 2025, these former Tennessee athletes could shock the world in '26.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Just five days after the Tennessee Volunteers kick off their season against the Furman Paladins on Sept. 5, the NFL season will begin for dozens of former Volunteers.
With the likes of future hall-of-fame running back Alvin Kamara, pro bowl guard Trey Smith, and star edge Byron Young, Tennessee consistently produces some of the NFL’s top talent.
This year, however, I believe three former Volunteers in particular are poised for breakout seasons.
Running back Dylan Sampson, who in 2024 rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns to lead the Volunteers to their first College Football Playoff appearance, could play a massive role in improving a Cleveland Browns offense that ranked 30th in the NFL last season.
Sampson is one of many exciting young pieces the Browns offense features, playing alongside Quinshon Judkins (RB), Harold Fannin Jr. (TE), KC Concepcion (WR), Shedheur Sanders (QB), and Spencer Fano (OT).
Though Sampson struggled to make an impact in 2025, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry on 65 attempts, he ranked ninth among running backs with 8.2 yards per reception.
If the 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year can return to his once-dominant form on the ground, his newfound ability to be a threat in the passing game makes him a dangerous weapon for the Browns offense.
Further, if the former Volunteer is given a heavier rushing workload, it is possible that he outpaces Judkins and becomes the Browns top tailback.
Season prediction (rushing): 122 ATT, 490 yards, 5 TD
Season prediction (receiving): 49 REC, 370 yards, 3 TD
Perhaps best known for his passing touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII, legendary Volunteers receiver Jauan Jennings could realistically enjoy his first 1,000 yard season after inking a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings upgraded significantly in the offseason, adding two-time pro bowl quarterback Kyler Murray to an already loaded offense.
With Justin Jefferson (arguably the NFL’s top receiver), Jordan Addison, and tight end TJ Hockenson attracting a large amount of defensive attention, Jennings will be met with opposing defenses’ depth cornerbacks.
Considering the effectiveness of both Jefferson and Addison on the outside, Jennings will almost exclusively line up in the slot, allowing him to dominate the middle of the field.
The inevitable contributions of star running back Aaron Jones further solidify the Vikings as one of the league’s premier offenses.
Season prediction: 72 REC, 850 yards, 6 TD
Once considered a top receiver prospect, Joshua Palmer’s transition to the NFL since being a third round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 has been far from smooth.
Palmer’s best season to date came in 2022, when he caught 72 passes for 769 yards, and three touchdowns.
Perhaps more concerning, however, is Palmer’s complete lack of red-zone presence.
Across 71 career games played, the Bills receiver has caught just 10 touchdown passes, good for only two per season.
Perhaps Palmer’s strongest attribute is his ability to contribute as a deep threat.
His 6-foot-1, 210 pound frame, along with his 4.52 second 40-yard dash makes him incredibly difficult to defend, but leg injuries throughout his career have significantly limited his ability as a route-runner.
Pairing his contested catch ability with his speed and wide catch radius makes him a treacherous downfield option for reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen.
Therefore, if Palmer can stay healthy, he has a very realistic chance of coming into the season as the Bills tertiary wide receiver, behind DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir.
Season prediction: 50 REC, 700 yards, 5 TD
Though many former Volunteers will make significant contributions to their respective teams, keep an eye on Sampson, Jennings, and Palmer as breakout candidates for 2026.
