The Tennessee Volunteers’ offensive line is undergoing significant changes as key starters declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Notably, offensive tackle John Campbell Jr. and left guard Andrej Karic have announced their departure, leaving substantial gaps in the lineup.
John Campbell Jr.’s Departure
John Campbell Jr., who transferred to Tennessee in 2023 after five years at the University of Miami, has been a cornerstone of the Volunteers’ offensive line. Starting all 21 games over two seasons at both left and right tackle, Campbell’s leadership and performance were instrumental in the team’s success. His announcement to enter the 2025 NFL Draft marks the end of a pivotal chapter for Tennessee’s offensive front.
Andrej Karic’s Unsuccessful Appeal
Left guard Andrej Karic, who started all 13 games in the 2024 season, sought an additional year of eligibility through a medical redshirt appeal. Unfortunately, the appeal was unsuccessful, leading Karic to declare for the NFL Draft. His departure further compounds the challenges facing the Volunteers’ offensive line as they prepare for the upcoming season
Impact on the Offensive Line
The loss of Campbell and Karic, along with other veteran linemen like fifth-year seniors Cooper Mays and Javontez Spraggins, means Tennessee will be without six of its top seven offensive linemen from the previous season. This significant turnover necessitates a strategic rebuild to maintain the offensive line’s effectiveness.
Reinforcements Through Transfers
In response to these departures, Tennessee has actively engaged in the transfer portal to bolster its offensive line. The Volunteers have secured commitments from Sam Pendleton, a four-star transfer from Notre Dame, and Wendell Moe Jr., a three-star transfer from Arizona. Both players bring valuable experience and are expected to compete for starting positions, aiming to fill the void left by the departing veterans.
Looking Ahead
Head coach Josh Heupel faces the challenge of reconstructing an offensive line that was integral to the team’s historic College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. The integration of transfer players, along with the development of existing team members and incoming recruits, will be crucial in maintaining the offensive line’s performance. As the Volunteers prepare for the 2025 season, the effectiveness of these new lineups will play a pivotal role in the team’s continued success.