The 2025 season has brought plenty of excitement for the Tennessee Volunteers, especially on the offensive side of the ball. While marquee names like quarterback Jake Rivers and wide receiver Radarious Jackson have garnered much of the preseason attention, the Vols’ success this year has also been driven by unexpected contributors. These surprise performers have stepped into key roles, exceeding expectations and making a significant impact on Tennessee’s offense.
Here’s a look at the top three surprise offensive players for the Vols in 2025:
Kaden Hartwell, a redshirt sophomore, has emerged as one of Tennessee’s most reliable pass-catchers this season. Initially overshadowed by the Vols’ dynamic receiving corps, Hartwell has proven himself to be a critical piece in head coach Josh Heupel’s high-octane offense.
The 6’5”, 245-pound tight end has become a favorite target in the red zone, showcasing his ability to box out defenders and make tough catches in traffic. Through the first half of the season, Hartwell has recorded 28 receptions for 415 yards and six touchdowns, far surpassing his modest preseason projections.
Hartwell’s improvement as a blocker has also been a pleasant surprise. His ability to set the edge in the run game has opened up opportunities for Tennessee’s rushing attack, adding versatility to an offense that thrives on unpredictability.
When the season began, much of the focus in the backfield was on star running back Dylan Sampson. However, with Sampson now in the NFL, sophomore Xavier “Zay” Thompson has stepped up in a big way.
Thompson, a former 3-star recruit, entered the season as a relative unknown but has quickly become a breakout star. His combination of speed and vision has allowed him to exploit opposing defenses, and his knack for making defenders miss in open space has made him a highlight-reel staple.
Through eight games, Thompson has rushed for 732 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. He’s also been a weapon in the passing game, hauling in 18 receptions for 210 yards and two more scores. Thompson’s emergence has ensured that the Vols’ offense remains balanced and explosive, even without a household name in the backfield.
While offensive linemen don’t always get the spotlight, Mason Griggs has been impossible to ignore. The junior left tackle has gone from being a rotational player to anchoring Tennessee’s offensive line, earning praise for his consistency and toughness.
Griggs’ development has been a critical factor in the Vols’ offensive success. He has excelled in pass protection, allowing the team’s quarterbacks to operate comfortably in the pocket. His ability to handle some of the SEC’s best edge rushers has been a revelation, and his work in the run game has helped pave the way for Thompson’s breakout year.
Coaches and teammates alike have lauded Griggs’ leadership and work ethic, and his steady presence on the offensive line has made life easier for everyone around him.
The emergence of Hartwell, Thompson, and Griggs has added new dimensions to Tennessee’s offense. Hartwell’s playmaking ability at tight end has forced defenses to account for an additional weapon in the passing game. Thompson’s explosive running style has given the Vols a dynamic ground attack, while Griggs’ steady play on the offensive line has provided the stability needed for the unit to function at a high level.
Together, these surprise contributors have helped Tennessee maintain its reputation as one of the most exciting offenses in college football. Their performances have not only exceeded expectations but have also demonstrated the program’s depth and ability to develop talent under Josh Heupel’s leadership.
As the Vols push deeper into the 2025 season, the continued contributions of these unexpected stars will be crucial to their success. Hartwell, Thompson, and Griggs have proven that Tennessee’s offense is more than just its headliners, and their emergence is a testament to the program’s strength and depth.
With a strong supporting cast and a roster full of playmakers, Tennessee’s offense looks poised to make noise in the SEC and beyond this year. The surprise performances of Hartwell, Thompson, and Griggs are just one more reason for Vol Nation to be excited about the team’s future.