Tennessee football's Orange and White game will look different this year as renovations will limit capacity for Saturday's spring game at Neyland Stadium to just 10,000 fans. However, some things will remain the same as previous years, with the offense wearing white jerseys and the defense wearing orange jerseys under head coach Josh Heupel. The offense, led by star quarterback Nico Iamareaba, will alternate possession of the orange and white balls, and regular game scoring will apply. Saturday's game begins at 1 p.m. ET and will be played with two 15-minute quarters in the first half and a running clock in the second half.
Tennessee's official season doesn't open until Aug. 31, when the Vols host in-state foe Chattanooga, but fans will get an early look at the roster on Saturday. Heupel has brought in new players on both sides of the ball, with Imaleaba being the headliner. For the latest Tennessee football news, join his GoVols247, a 247Sports affiliate covering the Tennessee Vols.
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The team at GoVols247 has extensive coverage leading up to the University of Tennessee's spring game, including injury information and potential depth chart changes. Visit GoVols247 and join us now for the latest information on spring practice and his 2024 Orange & White Game.
Tennessee Running Back Tournament
One of the storylines Tennessee fans will be watching on Saturday is the running back depth chart. Head coach Josh Heupel's offense is often thought of as pass-first, but the Vols are rushing to lead the SEC in 2023 and have finished sixth or worse in that category since Heupel took over in 2021. I've never done it before. Dylan Sampson was Citrus' breakout star. Bowl, 133 yards rushing on 20 carries. He has established himself as a starter heading into 2024.
However, Heupel prefers to rotate between a back two or three, and there isn't much certainty behind Sampson. Sophomore Cameron Seldon had 55 yards rushing in the bowl win, ranking him second on the Tennessee football depth chart, but was sidelined in the spring with a shoulder injury. Sophomore Khalifa Keith is the only other scholarship running back who has seen a game. Expect Keith and redshirt freshman Deshaun Bishop to do a lot of work as the Vols look to build depth at a position that was a strength in 2023. Join GoVols247 for the latest on the running back depth chart.
Tennessee damage to O-line
Another thing to keep an eye on is the injury situation on Tennessee's offensive line. The Vols' defensive line has been great throughout spring practice, but he's not facing a full-strength offensive line. Starting right guard Javontes Spraggins and potential starting left guard Andrej Karic have been out all spring, and starting center Cooper Mays is limited. Several reserve players are also injured heading into the Orange & White game, with a total of eight linemen suffering injuries.
Coaches and fans never want to see starters sidelined with an injury, but this creates an opportunity for the young players on the roster. The second-team unit is made up almost entirely of freshmen, so Tennessee could potentially create some depth before the season begins. Saturday's spring game will give those players a platform to compete against a veteran defensive line, so that will be one of the highlights for fans. Join GoVols247 to read his latest VIP articles on young linemen.
Tennessee New Look Secondary
The Vols should be solid up front, but there are some questions regarding the new-look secondary. Six key contributors from last year's unit have graduated or left through the transfer portal. The most notable are cornerbacks Donejko Slaughter (portal) and Kamal Hadden (graduated) and safety Jalen McCollough (graduated).
A pair of sophomore players, Ricky Gibson III and Jordan Matthews, will step up at corner. Freshman safety Boo Carter has emerged this spring and may be the player fans are most excited for Saturday's game. He is Tennessee's No. 3 ranked player in his 2024 class by 247Sports and is targeting early playing time. Click here for the rest of the details about the University of Tennessee secondary.
Other storylines to watch on Saturday include the wide receiver battle, Tennessee's elite defensive line, and additional injury updates.
How to get insider information about Tennessee football
The GoVols247 team includes VIP information you won't find anywhere else on the running back battle, offensive line injuries, and an improved secondary. Join GoVols247 to see everything and get all the latest Tennessee football spring game news.
Who are the top players Tennessee fans should be watching on Saturday, and which new wide receivers could change the offense? Join GoVols247 for decades of experience covering the Vols. Check out and find out all the latest Orange & White Game news from our team of reporters.
