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Two Tennessee football players named Pre-Season All-Americans

By Colton Pickard

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) fumbles the ball as Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) trails him, during a football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) fumbles the ball as Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) trails him, during a football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. / Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY
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Phil Steele released his annual College Football Pre-Season Magazine with the 2024 Pre-Season All-American Team. Tennessee football has two players named to the Pre-Season All-American Team, one offensive and one defensive player. 

The Tennessee football Twitter/X account shared which two players made the All-American list: edge rusher James Pearce Jr. and offensive lineman Cooper Mays. Both players are entering a draft-eligible season and could be top players at their positions. 

Pearce had a breakout season last year in his sophomore season. He appeared in all 13 games, recording 28 total tackles, 10 sacks, and one interception for a touchdown. That was good enough to gain national attention, including 2025 draft projections as a top-five pick. 

Mays has been one of the most consistent players on the offensive line and a leader in the trenches for the Vols over the past few seasons. He's entering his final season of eligibility and will look to continue leading the Vols offense at center. 

Tennessee also had seven players named to the Pre-Season All-SEC Team. Pearce and Mays are joined by punter Jackson Ross, running back Dylan Sampson, defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott, receiver Squirrel White, and offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins. 

The Vols are entering their fourth season under Josh Heupel, who has led them to a 27-12 record while on Rocky Top. Heupel's patented, high-powered offense will be led by redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava, who has an opportunity to make the expanded College Football Playoff. 

For the first time since its inception ten years ago, the CFP will expand from four teams to 12, opening the door for Tennessee to earn an at-large bid into the playoff if they can't win the conference. 

Tennessee will kickoff its season against Chattanooga in Neyland Stadium on August 31 at 12:45 PM ET. The Vols will then face their first test of the season against ACC contender North Carolina State in the Duke's Mayo Kickoff at 7:30 PM ET in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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