Preseason Spotlight: Volunteers Alumni in Action
Saturday’s NFL preseason schedule is unusually dense, with ten games spread across the afternoon and evening. Each contest features a surprising number of former Tennessee Volunteers, underscoring the program’s continued pipeline to the professional ranks.
Among the most watched is Joe Milton III, the former Tennessee quarterback who is now battling for a backup role with the Dallas Cowboys. His presence in the Cowboys’ preseason lineup highlights both his lingering potential and the team’s interest in a player who once commanded attention in Knoxville.
The Volunteers’ influence stretches beyond Milton. Joshua Dobbs, another former Vols signal‑caller, has signed with the Detroit Lions and is competing for a similar backup position. Meanwhile, running back Alvin Kamara, a star from Tennessee’s recent past, is listed among the New Orleans Saints’ participants despite a lingering injury.
Injuries and holdouts have reshaped some storylines. James Pearce Jr., a promising edge rusher, is suspended for the start of the regular season, yet his preseason participation remains a point of discussion. Likewise, Princeton Fant, a tight end who dealt with his own setbacks, is slated to see action for the Dallas Cowboys.
The breadth of Tennessee alumni in the preseason is notable. Ten games will feature at least one former Volunteer, and across those contests a total of twenty‑seven players from the university’s recent rosters are on active preseason lists. This includes not only skill positions but also linemen such as Omarr Norman‑Lott and Trey Smith, as well as defensive standouts like Shy Tuttle.
The competition is not limited to a single team. From the Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver Joshua Palmer to the Cleveland Browns’ running back Dylan Sampson, former Volunteers are scattered across the league, each looking to carve out a niche. Their efforts collectively illustrate how a single college program can influence multiple storylines on any given weekend.