Tennessee Football Depth Chart Check: Where Does the WR Room Sit?
The Tennessee Volunteers football program has undergone a significant transformation in recent years under the leadership of head coach Josh Heupel. From the moment he arrived in Knoxville, Heupel wasted no time putting his high-octane, pass-heavy offense into motion, a scheme that has elevated the program back to prominence. Central to this offensive resurgence is the wide receiver (WR) room, which has become one of the most important positions on the field.
The wide receiver position at Tennessee has historically been a strength of the program, with past legends like Alvin Harper, Peerless Price, and Robert Meachem becoming household names. Under Heupel, the WR group has been tasked with filling a critical role in an offense that relies heavily on explosive passing plays to open up the game. But where does the wide receiver room stand now, heading into the 2025 season, and how does it compare to past years in terms of depth and talent?
In this comprehensive article, we’ll take a detailed look at Tennessee’s wide receiver depth chart, analyzing the current state of the position, the key players, and the potential for this unit to rise to even greater heights. From experienced veterans to exciting young prospects, the WR room at Tennessee has a lot to offer. Let’s break down the key elements of the wide receiver corps, examining who’s leading the charge, who’s emerging, and what the future holds.
Tennessee’s Passing Game Under Josh Heupel
To understand where the wide receiver room sits, it’s important to first discuss the system in which they operate. Under Josh Heupel’s direction, Tennessee has embraced a fast-paced, pass-first offense designed to stretch the field and create mismatches. The offense is built on the foundation of a powerful vertical passing game, which relies on the wide receivers to run precise routes, make contested catches, and create big plays down the field.
In Heupel’s system, wide receivers are often asked to line up in various spots on the field, whether it’s on the outside or in the slot, and take on multiple responsibilities. The key attributes for a wide receiver in this system are speed, agility, route-running precision, and the ability to make plays after the catch. Heupel’s offense is often referred to as “up-tempo” or “no-huddle,” meaning that the wide receivers have to be in peak physical condition to keep up with the fast pace and high volume of plays.
Tennessee’s success in Heupel’s system has been heavily dependent on the wide receiver corps. The team’s passing game has been one of the most prolific in the SEC, ranking near the top of the conference in passing yards and touchdowns since Heupel’s arrival. Wide receivers such as Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman have become household names, showcasing the kind of explosive talent that Heupel covets.
But with new faces emerging, including some highly-touted recruits, the current state of the WR room is a mix of established stars and promising up-and-comers. The 2025 season promises to be another exciting year for Tennessee’s passing attack, but there are several key questions to answer regarding the depth and talent of the wide receiver room.
The Departures and the New Faces
Before diving into the current depth chart, it’s important to acknowledge the losses Tennessee has sustained over the past few seasons in terms of wide receiver talent. Players like Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman were integral to the success of Tennessee’s offense in recent years. Hyatt, in particular, had a breakout season in 2022, earning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver after catching 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. Tillman, while battling injuries in 2022, was also a key contributor in the Volunteers’ passing game in the years prior. With both of these stars moving on to the NFL, Tennessee’s WR room faces a mix of uncertainty and opportunity.
Additionally, the transfer portal has played a role in reshaping Tennessee’s wide receiver group. Heupel and his staff have been active in adding new talent through the portal, bringing in proven playmakers from other programs to fill the void left by those departing.
With those departures in mind, let’s now take a closer look at the current depth chart for the wide receivers in the 2025 season, breaking it down by position and examining each player’s impact.
Tennessee Wide Receiver Depth Chart Breakdown
1. X Receiver (Outside Receiver)
The X receiver position, often referred to as the “boundary” receiver, typically lines up on the outside of the formation, away from the tight end. This position requires a receiver who can make contested catches, run deep routes, and win one-on-one matchups.
Key Players:
•Squirrel White (Sophomore): White emerged as a key playmaker for the Volunteers during his freshman season in 2023. With his blazing speed and ability to stretch the field, White has the potential to become one of the top receivers in the SEC. Standing at 5’10” and weighing in at 180 pounds, White may not have the prototypical size for an outside receiver, but his quickness and route-running ability make him a constant threat. In 2023, he showed flashes of brilliance, including a standout game against Alabama in which he recorded a career-high 120 yards and a touchdown. White is expected to take on a larger role in 2025 as the Volunteers look for a new star at the X receiver position.
•Jahmir Johnson (Freshman): A highly-touted freshman out of Georgia, Johnson has the potential to make an immediate impact. With great size (6’3”, 205 lbs) and physicality, Johnson offers a different type of skill set compared to White, as he’s more of a big-body receiver who can make contested catches in tight spaces. His ability to go up and grab high throws makes him a perfect candidate for red-zone situations, and he’s expected to be a key player in the Volunteers’ receiving corps from day one.
2. Z Receiver (Slot Receiver)
The Z receiver, or slot receiver, typically lines up inside the formation and is often asked to run shorter, quicker routes. This position is ideal for receivers who possess excellent agility, quickness, and the ability to create separation from defenders.
Key Players:
•Brandon Ennis (Sophomore): Ennis, who had a solid freshman season in 2024, is expected to take on a prominent role as the primary slot receiver. At 6’0” and 190 pounds, Ennis brings a nice blend of size and speed, along with excellent hands and route-running skills. He’s a reliable target in the short-to-medium passing game, with the ability to turn small gains into big ones thanks to his elusive running style. Ennis has great chemistry with Tennessee’s quarterbacks, and his rapport with the Volunteers’ offense will be crucial for their continued success in 2025.
•Keenan Smith (Freshman): Another highly-ranked recruit in the 2025 class, Smith is a player to watch in the slot position. A shifty and quick receiver, Smith’s game revolves around his ability to make defenders miss in space. His quickness and lateral agility allow him to run effective routes in the slot and create mismatches against slower defenders. Smith’s speed and explosiveness make him a dangerous weapon in Tennessee’s up-tempo offense, and he’ll likely compete for playing time as a true freshman.
3. H Receiver (Hybrid Receiver)
The H receiver position is a versatile role, often used as a hybrid between a traditional wide receiver and a tight end. This player is expected to be able to line up in multiple spots on the field and be a dynamic presence in both the run and pass games.
Key Players:
•Walker Merrill (Senior): Merrill enters his final season with Tennessee as one of the more experienced players in the WR room. At 6’1” and 190 pounds, Merrill offers a solid blend of size and speed, along with reliable hands and a strong understanding of the game. Though he hasn’t been a starter throughout his career, Merrill has shown he can make crucial catches in key moments. In 2024, he had several important catches that helped the Volunteers win close games, and he’ll be relied upon to provide leadership and depth in 2025.
•Tyler Harris (Freshman): Harris is another freshman who could see time at the H receiver spot. A versatile player with the ability to line up both outside and inside, Harris brings a great deal of potential to the table. His versatility and strong route-running ability make him a perfect fit for the H role, where he can create mismatches against both linebackers and defensive backs.
Depth and Competition
While the wide receiver room is full of exciting talent, competition for playing time will be fierce. With a mix of established veterans and highly-touted freshmen, the WR group at Tennessee is poised to remain one of the most dynamic units in college football.
In 2025, the Volunteers’ offense will likely feature a rotation of wide receivers, with several players seeing significant snaps. The combination of experience and youth gives Tennessee great depth at the position, and the flexibility to adjust to different defensive matchups.
The team’s success in 2025 will depend on the continued development of young players like Squirrel White, Jahmir Johnson, and Keenan Smith, along with the leadership and reliability of veterans like Walker Merrill and Brandon Ennis. The Volunteers’ ability to use their wide receivers creatively within Heupel’s system will be key to staying ahead of the competition in the SEC.
What to Expect in 2025
As the Volunteers head into the 2025 season, the wide receiver room remains one of the most intriguing
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