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5-star Tennessee signee expected to make his highly-anticipated debut vs. MSU

Great injury news for the Vols.
ByBraulio Perez|
Tennessee offensive lineman David Sanders Jr. (70) walks off the field after the loss to Georgia in an NCAA college football game on September 13, 2025, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Tennessee offensive lineman David Sanders Jr. (70) walks off the field after the loss to Georgia in an NCAA college football game on September 13, 2025, Knoxville, Tennessee. | Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It's officially go time for Tennessee football and its highest-rated signee from the 2025 class. That'd be five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., who is yet to suit up for Tennessee this campaign due to an upper-body injury he suffered during camp.

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However, after missing the first four contests of 2025, all signs are pointing to Sanders getting out on the field on Saturday against Mississippi State. He's officially listed as probable on the final injury report, but multiple reports have said that he'll indeed play for Tennessee in this one.

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There's been a lot of concern surrounding Sanders this year, but thankfully he's back to full health and he'll be getting on the gridiron against the Bulldogs. Sanders isn't expected to start, as Jesse Perry has been handling the duties at right tackle.

Perry has been great, but Sanders will be ready to give him a breather throughout the game. It's also important for Sanders to get his feet wet and shake off some rust before some of the tougher SEC games arrive. The list of course includes the Oct. 18 matchup against Alabama on the road.

Let us make one thing clear, however - we're not overlooking Mississippi State at all for Saturday's tilt. The Vols are favored by 7.5 points, but a lot of analysts think a potential upset could be on the way. After Virginia stunned Florida State on Friday night, it's a reminder that anything can happen when two teams face off.

The Bulldogs are 4-0 on the year, stunning Arizona State in Starkville earlier this campaign. Tennessee knows this, which is why UT will be fully focused on the task at hand. Joey Aguilar will look to put on a show once again and the good news for him is that his offensive line is starting to get healthy at the right time. Everyone can't wait to see how Sanders looks in his first taste of college action.

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