Tennessee football leaned heavily on its youth in 2025-and that trust paid off in a big way. The Vols not only saw standout performances from several first-year players, but they also tied Alabama for the most selections on the SEC All-Freshman Team with four.
Leading the charge was redshirt freshman wide receiver Braylon Staley, who swept SEC Freshman of the Year honors. But two names in particular-offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. and cornerback Ty Redmond-stood out on a national level, earning spots on the 247Sports True Freshman All-American Team.
That’s elite company. Only Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama had multiple players named to the annual list, a testament to the Vols’ ability to reload with top-tier young talent.
Let’s start with Sanders. The 6-foot-6, 305-pound offensive tackle came in as the headliner of Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class, and for good reason.
A five-star prospect out of Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sanders was ranked as the No. 11 overall player in the country, the No. 3 offensive tackle, and the top player in his home state. He was penciled in as a Day 1 starter at right tackle before a shoulder injury just days before the season opener against Syracuse delayed his debut.
But once he got healthy, Sanders made his presence felt. He made his first appearance during a critical moment-on the game-tying drive in the fourth quarter of an overtime win at Mississippi State. After easing in with two games off the bench, he earned his first start against Kentucky and never looked back, starting the final five games of the regular season.
In pass protection, Sanders was as steady as they come. Over 231 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed just 11 pressures and two sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
That’s the kind of efficiency you don’t often see from a true freshman, especially one who missed the first month of the season. He’s already looking like a cornerstone piece on the Vols’ offensive line.
Then there’s Redmond, who entered the season with far less fanfare but finished it with just as much impact. A three-star recruit from Milton High School in Alpharetta, Georgia, Redmond committed to Tennessee back in November 2023 during his junior year. He wasn’t the most hyped member of the class, but he quickly proved to be one of the most valuable.
Redmond was thrust into action just two games into the season after injuries decimated Tennessee’s secondary. With Jermod McCoy sidelined due to an offseason injury and Rickey Gibson III going down in the season opener, Redmond stepped into the starting lineup against East Tennessee State-and stayed there for the final 11 games of the regular season.
He didn’t just hold his own; he thrived. Redmond finished the year with 39 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and three interceptions, tying for the SEC lead in passes defensed with 13.
His picks came in big moments-against Georgia, New Mexico State, and Vanderbilt-and he delivered strong performances in coverage, particularly down the stretch. Over the final three games, he allowed just 60 yards on 14 targets, per Pro Football Focus.
Redmond’s strong play didn’t go unnoticed by coaches around the league either. He earned All-SEC Third-Team honors, a rare feat for a true freshman cornerback.
Together, Sanders and Redmond became the first Tennessee players under Josh Heupel to be named to the 247Sports True Freshman All-American Team. They’re also the first Vols to earn that distinction since 2019, when Wanya Morris and Henry To’o To’o were honored.
It’s clear Tennessee’s youth movement is more than just hype-it’s producing real results. With Sanders anchoring the line and Redmond locking down opposing receivers, the Vols have two foundational pieces to build around. And if this season was any indication, the future in Knoxville is looking awfully bright.