Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson Declines NFL Draft to Return for Senior Season, Citing Unfinished Business
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In an era where college football stars are increasingly quick to jump to the professional ranks, Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson made a decision that bucks the trend: he’s staying.
Sampson, a dynamic playmaker who led the Volunteers in touchdowns last season, announced he will forgo the 2025 NFL Draft and return to Knoxville for his senior year. The decision comes after weeks of speculation that the talented back, fresh off his most productive collegiate season, would likely declare for the draft and test his luck among the nation’s best prospects.
Instead, Sampson cited a combination of “unfinished business,” loyalty to the Tennessee program, and personal growth goals as reasons for coming back for one more ride in orange and white.
“I had long talks with my family, my coaches, and my teammates,” Sampson said in a heartfelt statement released through Tennessee’s athletic department. “When I came to Tennessee, I had a dream of leaving a legacy here — not just personally, but as a team. I feel like we’ve still got more to accomplish. I’m coming back because I believe in what we’re building.”
A Career Year
Sampson’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of stellar. He rushed for 1,178 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding another 368 yards and four scores as a receiver out of the backfield. His explosiveness, vision, and reliability on third down made him an indispensable part of Tennessee’s offense.
NFL scouts had taken notice. He was projected by many analysts as a likely third- or fourth-round pick — high praise in a running back market that has become increasingly devalued at the professional level.
Still, Sampson wasn’t ready to move on just yet.
“I know the NFL will be there,” he said. “But opportunities like this, to be a senior leader, to chase championships, to continue to develop my game — those are once-in-a-lifetime. I didn’t want to rush through this part of my life just to get to the next.”
The Impact of NIL and College Football’s Changing Landscape
It’s impossible to ignore the growing role that Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities now play in these types of decisions. While Sampson emphasized that his heart led the way in his return, sources close to the program indicated that Tennessee’s robust NIL support system made it easier for him to stay.
“Dylan has earned everything he’s gotten,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “We’re thrilled he’s coming back. NIL helps, but ultimately, it’s about him wanting to finish the job here. He’s a Vol through and through.”
Sampson himself acknowledged the changing landscape without going into detail about any specific deals.
“Obviously, the way college football is now, players are in a better position to stay if they want to,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I have here on and off the field.”
Leadership Role
One major factor in Sampson’s decision was his desire to take on a greater leadership role heading into his senior season. With several key offensive players either graduating or moving on to the NFL, Sampson sees an opportunity not just to produce, but to mentor younger teammates and help guide the next wave of Tennessee stars.
“I remember being a freshman, looking up to the older guys who showed me how to work, how to handle adversity,” Sampson said. “Now it’s my turn. I take that responsibility seriously.”
Coach Heupel echoed that sentiment, pointing to Sampson’s growth not just as a player, but as a person.
“Dylan’s been a worker since the day he stepped on campus,” Heupel said. “But now you see him pulling other guys along, setting the standard in the weight room, in the film room, everywhere. He’s earned the right to be the face of our team.”
Expectations for 2025
Tennessee’s 2025 season carries major expectations, especially with the Volunteers looking to build on a 10-3 record that included a Citrus Bowl victory. With Sampson anchoring the offense alongside returning quarterback Nico Iamaleava, hopes are high that the Vols can challenge for an SEC Championship and make a serious College Football Playoff push.
Sampson’s return ensures that Tennessee will field one of the conference’s most dangerous backfields. His versatility not only makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses but also allows offensive coordinator Joey Halzle to get creative with formations and play-calling.
“We’re going to lean on Dylan in a lot of ways,” Halzle said. “He’s explosive, he’s reliable, he’s a difference-maker.”
Off the field, Sampson’s decision also sends a powerful message about Tennessee’s culture — a place where players feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay and finish what they started.
The Bigger Picture
Sampson’s return is a win not just for Tennessee, but for college football as a whole. At a time when the sport faces significant challenges — from the transfer portal to questions about player compensation and eligibility — seeing a star player choose loyalty, growth, and team success over an early jump to the NFL offers a refreshing narrative.
