Josh Heupel (HC) – In 2021, Coach Huepel took over a once broken Tennessee program and turned them into Playoff contenders, which is what Volunteer fans expect out of their program. After beating Alabama a few weeks ago in front of a raucous Neyland crowd, Huepel and his program have lots of momentum heading into Athens. If they can pull off the upset, not only will Heupel move closer to Volunteer royalty, but his team will likely be headed to the program’s first Playoff appearance.

Nico Iamaleava(QB #8) – The freshman from Long Beach, California has had a solid season under center for the Vols. With over 1,800 yards passing and 11 touchdowns, Iamaleava is poised to be one of the most influential players in how their matchup with the Bulldogs plays out. If he performs at a high level, his team could get a season-saving win in Athens.

Dont’e Thornton Jr. (WR #1) – Thornton Jr. leads the Volunteers’ dangerous receiving core. Last week against Mississippi State, he caught three passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. If he can succeed in being a deep threat for the Bulldogs’ secondary to worry about all evening, the Tennessee offense has a chance to put up some points against Georgia.

Squirrel White (WR #3) – This receiver caught his first touchdown pass of the year in last week’s win against Mississippi State. With 304 receiving yards on the year, it seems like White is working his way towards more action with over 60 receiving yards in two of his last three games. The fan-favorite will be looking to make the Tennessee Faithful proud against their familiar foe in Georgia.

Dylan Sampson (RB #6) – Who most would consider the team’s best offensive weapon, Sampson has had a monster season on the ground for the Volunteers. He’s rushed for at least 90 yards in every game this season, totaling 1,129 yards. His 20 rushing touchdowns ranks second in the nation. The junior will have to help settle Imaleava down with another forceful game on the ground, especially with it being a road game.

James Pearce Jr. (DL #27) – Pearce has 27 total tackles on the year, along with a forced fumble and recovery. Where he will be the most influential will be his ability to sack the quarterback. The junior leads the team in sacks with 5.5 on the year. If he can find ways to disrupt Beck and even bring him down a time or two, it could go a long way in giving the Vols a fighting chance.

Arion Carter (LB #7) – The sophomore and Tennessee native leads the Volunteer defense with 50 total tackles on the year. Though he’s just a sophomore, his capability to be a leader at the linebacker position has helped this defensive unit find success. Carter could be a key factor in whether or not his group stops Beck and the Bulldogs from putting points on the Sanford scoreboard.

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One of college baseball’s greats, Volunteers legend Todd Helton —who also played quarterback at UT— was an All-Star for the Rockies and is enshrined in Cooperstown in the Hall of Fame.

Willie Gault, famous Volunteers speedster, and teammate of Kevin Butler for the 1985 Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears, was an All-American in football and track at Tennessee.

Conredge Holloway was a star on the gridiron and diamond for the Vols in the 1970s. He became the lone athlete named to Tennessee’s All-Century Team in both football and baseball.