The Tennessee Volunteers Make Exciting Substitutions: Eight Vols Icons Return to Carry on the Tradition Al Wilson, John Henderson, Eric Berry, Jason Witten, Phillip Fulmer, Butch Jones, Peyton Manning, and
The Tennessee Volunteers have always been more than just a college football team—they are a tradition, a legacy, and a symbol of pride for the state of Tennessee. Over the years, countless players, coaches, and figures associated with the Volunteers have left an indelible mark on the program and the fans who have cheered them on from Neyland Stadium to the far reaches of Vol Nation. Now, in a bold and unprecedented move, the program is reaching deep into its storied past and bringing back eight of its most iconic figures—not merely for ceremonial appearances or halftime honors, but as integral, active participants in the next chapter of Tennessee football.
The return of Al Wilson, John Henderson, Eric Berry, Jason Witten, Phillip Fulmer, Butch Jones, Peyton Manning, and one yet-to-be-revealed mystery legend has sent shockwaves through the college football world. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a calculated effort to restore Tennessee’s dominance by leaning on the experience, toughness, and knowledge of those who shaped it.
Al Wilson returns with the fire and fury that made him one of the fiercest linebackers in Tennessee history. A leader of the 1998 national championship team, Wilson was the emotional and physical heart of that defense. His reputation as a motivator and enforcer on the field precedes him. Now, he brings that same relentless energy to the Volunteers as a defensive consultant, tasked with instilling discipline and toughness into the linebacker corps. Wilson’s return is symbolic of a program recommitting to physicality and accountability. He’s not here to play nice—he’s here to remind every player wearing orange what it means to earn the ‘T’ on their helmet.
John Henderson, another dominant defensive force from the early 2000s, comes back to Tennessee with his no-nonsense approach and All-American pedigree. Few could forget his fearsome play at defensive tackle, or his legendary pre-game ritual that involved asking to be slapped across the face to get into game mode. Henderson’s new role focuses on developing defensive linemen, with an emphasis on strength, leverage, and aggression. He’s been dubbed the “Trench Master” by the current roster, and his presence has already begun to transform the defensive front into a unit that’s difficult to move and impossible to ignore.
Eric Berry’s return is perhaps the most emotional. Once regarded as one of the best safeties in college football history, Berry’s story includes triumph, heartbreak, and resilience, having battled and overcome cancer during his NFL career. Berry has accepted a role as a player development advisor and secondary coach, bringing not only his expertise in coverage and tackling but also a deep understanding of adversity. His calm demeanor and wisdom are invaluable to young players navigating the pressures of elite college football. Berry represents the heart of the Vols: passionate, intelligent, and unbreakable.
Jason Witten, a Hall of Fame-caliber tight end with a storied NFL career, is back in Knoxville not just to teach route running or blocking schemes—he’s here to reshape the offensive identity. Witten will serve as an assistant offensive coordinator with a focus on tight end utilization, something that’s been underdeveloped in recent years. With his wealth of experience, both as a player and a leader, Witten is poised to mentor not just tight ends, but the entire offensive unit in professionalism, preparation, and grit.
Phillip Fulmer’s return, in many ways, feels like the return of the Volunteers’ soul. Fulmer led the program during its most glorious era, including the 1998 national championship. After a brief tenure as athletic director, Fulmer steps back into the spotlight as a senior advisor to the program. His responsibilities are wide-ranging—recruiting, program culture, and alumni relations—but his greatest contribution may be the credibility and stability he brings. When Fulmer speaks, everyone listens. He’s a living embodiment of Volunteer excellence, and his involvement reaffirms Tennessee’s commitment to winning the right way.
Butch Jones, a controversial figure among fans due to his up-and-down tenure as head coach, returns in a redefined role focused solely on recruiting and player evaluation. While Jones’ head coaching decisions were often scrutinized, few can deny his prowess in identifying and attracting talent. Under his watch, the Vols landed some of their best classes in recent memory. His understanding of the recruiting landscape, especially in the Southeast, is an asset the current staff is ready to maximize. Jones’ new role is behind the scenes, but his impact could be seen immediately in the form of key commitments and a renewed recruiting edge.
And then there’s Peyton Manning—the legend among legends. Manning’s return isn’t ceremonial, nor is it part-time. He has been named the program’s official quarterback mentor and offensive strategist, a position created specifically for him. While he’s not coaching full-time due to other commitments, Manning has committed to being present regularly, working one-on-one with quarterbacks, helping game plan, and bringing his unparalleled football IQ into the room. No one understands quarterback play like Manning, and his presence gives Tennessee an immediate advantage. It also sends a clear message: the greatest Volunteer of them all is invested in this team’s future.
These substitutions are not gimmicks. Each returning figure has a defined role, a purpose, and a mission. The goal is simple—rebuild Tennessee football not just with new talent, but with a reawakening of its heritage. These eight figures represent the very best of the program’s past, and now they are the architects of its future. The impact has already been felt in practice, in recruiting, and in team morale. Players talk about the surreal experience of being coached by legends whose names adorn the walls of the facilities. There’s a renewed sense of pride, of competition, and of expectation.
But who is the eighth name on this list? The program has kept it under wraps, teasing a major reveal before the start of the season. Speculation runs rampant. Could it be Tee Martin, the quarterback who led Tennessee to the national title in 1998? Or perhaps Jamal Lewis, the bruising back who powered that championship run? Could it be Leonard Little, another defensive stalwart? Or even someone more recent, like Alvin Kamara or Joshua Dobbs, who both left their mark in the modern era? The mystery only adds to the buzz surrounding Rocky Top this offseason.
What is clear is that Tennessee is embracing something few programs dare to do: allowing its legends not just to visit the house they built, but to live in it again, and to help renovate it from the inside out. This is not about reliving the glory days—it’s about channeling them into new ones. Every coach and player who walks the sidelines knows that standards have shifted. It’s no longer enough to talk about being great—you must prove it to those who already were.
The fan base, long known for its passion and loyalty, has responded with overwhelming support. Season ticket sales have surged. Social media is ablaze with clips of Al Wilson yelling encouragement, Peyton Manning breaking down film, and Eric Berry leading defensive drills. There’s a collective sense that something different is happening in Knoxville—something real.
This initiative also underscores the power of connection in college football. Too often, programs allow history to fade into museum displays and throwback uniforms. Tennessee is doing the opposite. It is putting history to work. It is turning memory into momentum. This isn’t just a team preparing for a season—it’s a family getting back together to protect its legacy and redefine what it means to be a Volunteer.
And in today’s ever-evolving college football landscape—one dominated by NIL, conference realignment, and rapid player movement—Tennessee’s bold strategy might just be the secret weapon that others overlooked. In a world of temporary alliances and fleeting rosters, the Vols are anchoring themselves in something permanent: tradition, loyalty, and identity.
As the 2025 season looms, the buzz in Knoxville isn’t just hope—it’s belief. The Volunteers are no longer chasing ghosts. They’ve invited them home. The torch isn’t being passed. It’s being reignited.
