Who is set to start at running back for the Tennessee Vols in 2025?
KNOXVILLE, TN – As the Tennessee Vols prepare for the 2025 season, one of the most highly anticipated position battles is at running back. With the departure of last year’s starter, Jabari Small, the Vols are looking for a new lead back to anchor their offense.
According to sources, sophomore running back Justin Williams-Thomas is set to start at running back for the Tennessee Vols in 2025. Williams-Thomas, a 5-10, 200-pound back from Atlanta, Georgia, saw limited action as a freshman last season, but impressed coaches with his speed, agility, and power.
“Justin is a talented young back who has a lot of potential,” said Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. “He’s worked hard in the offseason to improve his strength and conditioning, and we’re excited to see him take on a bigger role in our offense this season.”
Williams-Thomas is expected to be the lead back in a running back by committee approach, with junior Dylan Sampson and freshman Elijah Howard also expected to see significant playing time. Sampson, a 5-11, 220-pound back from Nashville, Tennessee, has been a reliable backup for the Vols over the past two seasons, while Howard, a 5-9, 190-pound back from Miami, Florida, is a highly touted freshman who has already impressed coaches with his speed and agility.
“We’re excited about the depth and talent we have at running back this season,” said Heupel. “We think we have a good mix of experience and youth, and we’re looking forward to seeing how they all perform in game situations.”
The Vols’ running game is expected to be a key part of their offense this season, with Heupel and his staff looking to establish a strong ground game to complement their passing attack. With Williams-Thomas, Sampson, and Howard all expected to play significant roles, the Vols are confident that they have the talent and depth to make a strong run in the SEC East.
“Justin, Dylan, and Elijah are all talented backs who bring different strengths to the table,” said Tennessee running backs coach Jerry Mack. “We’re excited to see how they all perform this season, and we’re confident that they’ll all make significant contributions to our offense.”
The Vols’ running game has been a major focus of the team’s offseason, with Heupel and his staff working to establish a strong ground game that can complement their passing attack. With Williams-Thomas, Sampson, and Howard all expected to play significant roles, the Vols are confident that they have the talent and depth to make a strong run in the SEC East.
“We’re excited about the potential of our running game this season,” said Heupel. “We think we have the talent and depth to make a strong run in the SEC East, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.”
The Tennessee Vols are set to open their 2025 season on September 5th against the Virginia Cavaliers. With Williams-Thomas, Sampson, and Howard all expected to play significant roles in the team’s running game, the Vols are confident that they have the talent and depth to make a strong run in the SEC East.
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