Six Vols Earn Spots on Preseason Coaches All-SEC Teams

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Six Tennessee gamers had been tabbed to the Preseason Coaches All-SEC groups, which had been voted on by the league’s 16 head coaches and launched by the convention workplace on Tuesday afternoon.

Cornerback Jermod McCoy was named to the primary crew whereas 5 different Vols had been recognized as third-team alternatives in huge receiver Chris Brazzell II, offensive lineman Lance Heard, tight finish Miles Kitselman, linebacker Arion Carter and defensive again Boo Carter.

McCoy enters the yr extensively thought to be one of many nation’s prime corners after a breakout sophomore season for the Volunteers that earned him first crew All-SEC recognition in addition to second crew All-America honors from the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated.

The Whitehouse, Texas, native, and Thorpe Award semifinalist completed third on the crew with 44 whole tackles and led the crew with 13 passes defended, which ranked fourth within the convention. He additionally tied for the crew lead with 4 interceptions in 2024, two of which occurred ultimately zone and prevented touchdowns.

Brazzell II made a big influence throughout his first season on Rocky Top in 2024, taking part in in all 13 video games with 9 begins, and enters 2025 because the crew’s main returning huge receiver. The Midland, Texas, native, completed third on the crew in receptions (29) and fourth in receiving yards (333) to associate with a pair of landing catches final season, none greater than his game-winning landing seize late within the fourth quarter towards No. 7 Alabama.

Heard is UT’s lone returning starter on the offensive line from final season’s College Football Playoff crew. The junior began all 11 video games he performed in at left sort out in 2024 after transferring in from LSU. A former five-star recruit, Heard is poised for a powerful junior marketing campaign after having an awesome offseason. The Bonita, Louisiana, native, allowed simply two sacks and three quarterback hits in 753 offensive snaps final yr in line with PFF.   

One of the crew’s undisputed leaders, Kitselman enters his closing collegiate season seeking to construct off a stable 2024 marketing campaign that noticed him begin all 13 video games at tight finish for the Big Orange. The Lyndon, Kansas, native, led the Vols’ tight finish unit with 22 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns final yr after transferring in from Alabama.

Arion Carter returns for his junior season after beginning all 13 video games at linebacker in 2024 and main Tennessee with 68 tackles, together with 6.5 tackles for loss. The in-state product additionally had six cross breakups and an interception to associate with three quarterback hurries as a sophomore to assist lead the Volunteers to their first-ever College Football Playoff look.

An SEC All-Freshman crew choice final yr, Boo Carter showcased his spectacular instincts and athleticism all through the 2024 season whereas rising because the Vols’ starter at STAR within the second half of the yr. The Tennessee native performed in all 13 video games and made 5 begins whereas additionally demonstrating his spectacular playmaking capability as a punt returner, main the league in punt return common (16.5). Carter completed sixth on the crew with 38 whole tackles and added three tackles for loss, one sack, three quarterback hurries and recorded one interception throughout his debut season on Rocky Top.

The full Preseason All-SEC groups might be seen HERE.

 

2025 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors

Head Coach Josh Heupel
Dodd Trophy Watch List

Joey Aguilar, QB, Sr.

Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List

Chris Brazzell II, WR, R-Jr.

Third Team All-SEC (Coaches)

DeSean Bishop, RB, R-So.

Doak Walker Award Watch List

Fourth Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Arion Carter, LB, Jr.

Bednarik Award Watch List

Butkus Award Watch List

Second Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Third Team All-SEC (Coaches, Media)

Boo Carter, DB, So.

Third Team All-SEC (Coaches, Media)

Fourth Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Bryson Eason, DL, R-Sr.

Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

Allstate/AFCA Good Works Team Nominee

Third Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Rickey Gibson III, DB, Jr.

Third Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Max Gilbert, PK, R-So.

Lou Groza Award Watch List

Lance Heard, OL, Jr.

Third Team All-SEC (Coaches)

Fourth Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Joshua Josephs, DL, Sr.

Second Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Miles Kitselman, TE, R-Sr.

Mackey Award Watch List

Third Team All-SEC (Coaches)

Fourth Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Jermod McCoy, DB, Jr.

Bednarik Award Watch List

Nagurski Trophy Watch List

Jim Thorpe Award Watch List

Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List

First Team All-American (AP, Athlon, ESPN, PFF, Sporting News, Walter Camp)

First Team All-SEC (Athlon, Coaches, Media)

Jaxson Moi, DL, Sr.

Polynesian College Player of the Year Award Watch List

Jackson Ross, P, R-Jr.

Fourth Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Star Thomas, RB, Sr.

Doak Walker Award Watch List