Sam Pendleton, a 6‑foot‑4, 315‑pound redshirt junior, is set to anchor the Tennessee Volunteers’ offensive line as the 2026 season approaches.
In his first year with the Vols, Pendleton started all 13 games at center, logging 814 offensive snaps and helping the unit maintain a low sack count that saw him yield just three sacks over 1,321 career plays.
His steady presence earned him a spot on the 2025 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll, underscoring a commitment to both athletics and scholarship.
Pendleton’s journey to Knoxville began at Notre Dame, where he appeared in 16 games over two seasons, including seven starts at left guard, before transferring to Tennessee in 2025.
A native of Pfafftown, North Carolina, he was first recruited by the Vols on Jan. 22, 2022, a testament to the program’s persistent interest in his size and skill set.
A Quiet Leader in the Trenches
Beyond statistics, Pendleton is known for his quiet leadership, often mentoring younger linemen during practice and speaking sparingly but purposefully in the locker room.
Coaches praise his work ethic and ability to keep the pocket clean, traits that could prove vital as the Vols face a demanding schedule that includes road trips to Georgia Tech, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt, as well as home matchups against Texas, Auburn, Kentucky and LSU.
The season opener is slated for Sept. 5 at Neyland Stadium against Furman, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. EDT and streaming on SEC Network+. The game will also feature a showdown with Kennesaw State, Texas, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky and LSU later in the year.
With a blend of physical dominance, academic distinction and a proven track record of durability, Sam Pendleton enters his second year in Knoxville poised to be a cornerstone of Tennessee’s offensive line and a role model for teammates on and off the field.