The next time you see Tennessee Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson play football, it will be on Sundays.
The Vols’ star ball carrier announced on Instagram on Friday morning that he’s foregoing his senior season and will enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sampson had the following message to Vol fans in the post:
“Vol Nation, your support has been nothing short of amazing. Knoxville has become my home and has made me a better human being over the years. I’m going to miss the feeling of rolling up to Vol Walk, running through the ‘T’, and hearing the Pride of the Southland band play ‘Rocky Top’. I poured my heart and soul into this program and this community.”
Sampson had a generational season for Tennessee in 2024, and it’s hard to imagine where this team would have been without him. Sampson led the SEC in rushing attempts (258), yards (1491), and touchdowns (22). His 22 rushing scores were tied for fifth-most all-time in SEC history (with LSU’s Leonard Fournette in 2015). Sampson earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and was named a second-team Walter Camp Football All-American.
It’s not a surprise he’s moving on. It’s just not possible to leave at a higher point than he’s at right now, which can only help his draft stock. Hopefully he hears his name called in April for a team that’s a good fit for him.
Best of luck, Dylan, and we look forward to watching you perform at the next level.