As we look ahead to the 2023 season, the Tennessee Vols have five players who will play crucial roles in determining their fate. Most sportsbook have the 2023 Vols football team win total O/U set at 9.5. This is a good line to start with as whether or not Tennessee is able to win over or under 9.5 will come down to just five players. Let’s take a closer look at these key individuals who have the potential to make or break the 2023 season for the Vols.
Five Players That Will Make or Break the 2023 Vols
1. QB Joe Milton:
Tennessee Vols QB Joe Milton (7) – AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
This is the obvious one. With the departure of the highly productive Hendon Hooker to the NFL, Joe Milton steps into the spotlight as the starting quarterback for the 2023 Vols. There’s a narrative in some circles that incoming true freshman QB Nico Iamaleava will compete for this job in 2023. This is Milton’s job in 2023. Unless Joe gets injured or plays poorly, you won’t see Nico as the starting QB in 2023. Although Milton had limited game experience last season due to Hooker’s injury, we still got a small glimpse of Milton’s physical tools and improved accuracy in the Orange Bowl against Clemson when he threw for 251 yards, three TDs and no interceptions.
The question remains: Will he rise to the occasion and become a Heisman contender like Hooker was until he tore his ACL, or if not, how big of a drop will Milton be in comparison to Hooker’s efficiency and productivity? The answer to this question will shape the Vols’ destiny, determining whether they become playoff contenders or not. Milton has all the physical tools to be a highly productive QB. In Heupel’s offensive system, Milton will put up a lot of numbers and points. The question is, just how many? This Vols football season ultimately depends on that answer.
2. TE Jacob Warren:
Tennessee Vols TE Jacob Warren (87) – Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
While the 2023 Vols boast depth at the running back and wide receiver positions offensively, the tight end position lacks experienced options. With the graduation of Princeton Fant, Jacob Warren becomes the lone returning starter at tight end. No other TE on the roster has the experience Warren does. Ethan Davis is a true freshman, and McCallan Castles is a transfer from UC-Davis.
Warren’s veteran presence in a position group with limited SEC-level experience is crucial. Although his statistics may not have been record-breaking last year, he will likely shoulder a significant load previously shared with Fant. This will mean Warren will be asked to continue his performance in both run and pass blocking along with being more productive and involved in the passing game. If Warren gets injured or does not live up to the billing, it could hinder the offense’s potential to continue to stay a top-five offense under Josh Heupel.
3. OT John Campbell:
Former Miami Hurricanes OL John Campbell (74) – Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Following the departure of Darnell Wright, the Vols face a sizable void at the right tackle position. Currently, Gerald Mincy is expected to step in at right tackle, while John Campbell assumes Mincy’s role from last season at left tackle. Campbell’s track record includes a solid season last year at Miami, starting 11 games, but he remains relatively unproven, particularly in the competitive SEC.
Having missed the entire 2021 season due to a knee injury, Campbell only has one whole season under his belt as a starting LT. His adjustment and adaptation to a new conference will need to be as seamless as possible. The success of the offensive line can either help or hurt Joe Milton’s performance as Milton continues to improve in the pocket. Campbell is essentially the only unknown along the offensive line at this point and his production at LT will significantly impact the 2023 Vols’ overall season for better or for worse.
4. LB Aaron Beasley:
Tennessee Vols LB Aaron Beasley (24) – Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Aaron Beasley showcased his playmaking abilities in several games last season, but he particularly shined in the Orange Bowl where he accounted for twelve tackles and two sacks. With the departure of Jeremy Banks to the NFL, Beasley now shoulders the load at MLB and must continue to be a defensive standout more consistently. Beasley played great against Pitt, LSU, and Clemson but his presence and impact on the field needs to become more consistent. He has all the tools to be an elite MLB and him stepping up and solidifying himself as one of the best defenders in the country will be instrumental in Tennessee’s defense in taking the next step.
Since Heupel has become the head coach the defense has struggled. The Vols’ defense ranked 84th overall in yards per game last season. In order for Tennessee to get to the next level and become a playoff contender in 2023, they have to improve overall on defense. One of the easier paths to improving the defense depends on how healthy Beasley can stay and just how consistent he can be for the 2023 Vols.
5. CB Kamal Hadden:
Tennessee Vols CB Kamal Hadden (5) – Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Kamal Hadden’s performance against South Carolina will be one that will go down in the history books but not in a good way. Vols fans will have nightmares about the 63-38 loss to South Carolina for years to come. 2023 needs to be a redemption year for the secondary as a whole and for Kamal Hadden. The Vols finished 2022 with the 128th-ranked pass defense.
Tennessee has proven it can outscore just about anybody but in order for the program to take the next step, there has to be improvement in the secondary. If they want to have a shot at the playoffs or the SEC late in the year again, they have to get better in the secondary. Hadden played well at times last year but it’s time for a CB for the Vols to step up and make plays. Hadden has the ability to be that guy for the Vols.
Conclusion:
The 2023 Vols possess a talented roster with potential playmakers at various positions. However, the success of the team ultimately rests on the shoulders of these five players. If Joe Milton thrives as the starting quarterback, Jacob Warren takes the next step, John Campbell adapts effectively to the SEC, Aaron Beasley becomes consistent with his defensive dominance, and Kamaal Hadden redeems himself as a cornerback, the Vols have the opportunity to achieve great things in the upcoming season.
On the other hand, any underperformance or setbacks from these key players could hinder the Vols and leave them struggling to reach the upper echelon of the SEC. This is a pivotal year for Josh Heupel and Tennessee to maintain and prove they’re a legitimate contender in the SEC as the schedule each year is only going to get harder starting in 2024 with the additions of Oklahoma and Texas into the conference.
