Tennessee football spring game 2024: Schedule, What to Watch For

Tennessee returns to the football field this weekend in the 2024 spring game. Here's what you should watch for as the Vols kick off their scrimmage.

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) throws a pass during a college football game in the SEC. / Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Much like Neyland Stadium itself, the Tennessee football team is under construction as the Volunteers undergo some notable roster changeover at key positions as departing talent leaves the way for up and coming players to make a good impression and earn prominent playing time.

Key to that process is this weekend's Orange & White football game, putting a wrap on the spring practices and giving the Vols a chance to see some of what they're working with on the field. Here's how, and what, you should be watching as Big Orange returns to the gridiron on Saturday.

Tennessee football spring game 2024 schedule

When: Sat., April 13
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern
TV: SEC Network+

The secondary

The Vols played average if inconsistent defense in the deeper portion of the field a year ago, ranking 64th in total air defense and 66th in yards allowed per pass completion, but all the starters in that backfield are out of the picture, not just to the NFL, but to the transfer portal, including reserves.

Incoming transfers include cornerbacks Jermod McCoy from Oregon State and Jalen McMurray from Temple and former MTSU safety Jakobe Thomas. 2024 freshman Boo Carter has earned very positive reviews, while Rickey Gibson, Jourdan Thomas, and Andre Turrentine are other options who can vie for snaps in the secondary, a position that can ill afford any major step backwards this year.

Offensive line depth

Nico Iamaleava made a very good first impression at quarterback in the bowl game, running for three scores and throwing a fourth against a great Iowa defense. But the Vols' intriguing new passer can only build on that success if he has competent protection, still a question coming out of spring.

The offensive line has gone through a ton of injuries this preseason, playing without its right and left guards, and center Cooper Mays has been limited, with up to eight blockers who won't play in the spring game. That gives fans a chance to see what kind of depth the unit is working with.

Running back questions

Tennessee led the SEC in rushing a year ago, but top backs Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright are gone. Dylan Sampson, who played well in the bowl game, returns as the prospective RB1, but head coach Josh Heupel wants more depth to work in additional options.

Cameron Seldon is a promising sophomore, but he's been out this spring with a shoulder ailment, which should allow Khalifa Keith to get more attention in addition to freshman DeSean Bishop. Whatever happens, the Vols will likely look to the portal at the position, especially with veteran back Damien Martinez looking for a new school.

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