Tennessee football just added another milestone to its growing list of achievements under Josh Heupel, with three standout freshmen earning national recognition. Wide receiver Braylon Staley, offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., and linebacker Edwin Spillman have been named to the 2025 Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-America Team - a program record since the honor's inception in 2001.
It’s a big moment for the Vols, who were one of only five programs to land multiple players on this year's list. Georgia also had three players selected, underscoring the SEC’s continued dominance when it comes to developing elite young talent. But for Tennessee, this trio represents more than just accolades - they’re the foundation of what could be a very special future in Knoxville.
Braylon Staley: Making Noise Early and Often
Let’s start with Braylon Staley, who didn’t just make an impact - he announced himself as one of the most electric young receivers in the country. The SEC Freshman of the Year (as voted by both the AP and league coaches) finished second nationally among freshmen with 68 receptions. He also ranked second in receiving yards (837) and was fourth in touchdown grabs with six.
What made Staley so effective wasn’t just volume - it was how he consistently found ways to create separation and make plays in key moments. Whether it was stretching the field vertically or working the intermediate routes, Staley looked like a seasoned vet in a freshman’s body. His chemistry with Tennessee’s quarterbacks was evident, and his ability to produce against SEC defenses bodes well for his future - and Tennessee’s.
David Sanders Jr.: A Wall on the Right Side
On the offensive line, David Sanders Jr. brought a level of polish and poise that’s rare for a first-year tackle. After missing the first four games of the season, Sanders stepped in and made an immediate impact at right tackle, appearing in nine games and starting six. Most impressively, he didn’t allow a sack in eight of those nine appearances.
Sanders is the first Tennessee offensive lineman to earn FWAA Freshman All-America honors since Trey Smith in 2019 - and that’s no small comparison. His footwork, hand placement, and awareness in pass protection stood out, especially considering the level of competition he faced in the SEC.
For a young lineman to step in midseason and hold his own the way Sanders did? That’s the kind of anchor you build an offensive line around.
Edwin Spillman: A Tackling Machine in the Middle
Then there’s Edwin Spillman, who brought a physical edge and sideline-to-sideline range to Tennessee’s defense. He led all SEC freshmen in tackles and paced the Vols with 81 total stops - good for a tie for 10th in the conference overall. His stat line reads like a seasoned linebacker’s: 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups, an interception, and three quarterback hurries across six starts.
Spillman’s instincts and closing speed were on full display all season. He played fast, downhill football and showed the kind of versatility that modern defenses crave. Whether he was plugging gaps in the run game or dropping into coverage, Spillman looked like a player well beyond his years.
A Promising Core for the Vols
This trio of Freshman All-Americans gives Tennessee fans plenty to be excited about. Staley, Sanders, and Spillman didn’t just flash potential - they produced, and they did it in one of the toughest conferences in college football. Their emergence also speaks volumes about the Vols’ player development and recruiting under Heupel’s leadership.
If these three are any indication of what’s to come, Tennessee isn’t just building for the future - they’re already living it.