Tennessee offensive tackle David Sanders earned SEC All-Freshman honors despite a delayed start to his season due to injury.
Sanders is expected to transition from right tackle to left tackle in 2026, though a teammate’s NFL draft decision could affect this.
He is eager to play in the Music City Bowl, viewing it as a preview for the next season with a young offensive line.
Despite a delayed start, Tennessee offensive tackle David Sanders fulfilled his five-star billing in his freshman season.
Sanders cracked the starting lineup at midseason after being sidelined by an injury. He earned SEC All-Freshman honors. And he impressed UT coaches who will entrust him with a significant role in 2026.
As No. 23 Tennessee (8-4) prepares to play Illinois (8-4) in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30, it’s hard to find a player as giddy about the future as Sanders.
“My freshman year, I don’t know if I can even describe it in one word, but I had an amazing experience,” Sanders said on Dec. 16. “It was a true honor to represent the ‘T’ on the side of my helmet all year as a true freshman, knowing the coaches trusted me enough to put me on the field as a starter.”
When Sanders spoke to media after an on-campus bowl practice, he said he was eager to play the bowl game in Nashville. And he wants it to be a launching point for next season.
“We have a young (offensive) line, so this could be a fast-forward to next year,” Sanders said. “Obviously not knowing what next year looks like (for Tennessee’s offensive line), but this is one more time to have fun.”
Will David Sanders play right tackle or left tackle in 2026?
There is a significant unknown involving Sanders. He played right tackle this season, but he’s expected to transition to left tackle in 2026.
The only hiccup is that left tackle Lance Heard might consider returning to Tennessee rather than declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Heard has one season of eligibility remaining, but he has not announced his decision.
If the 6-foot-6, 305-pound Sanders moved to left tackle, the 6-6, 330-pound Heard would have to switch to right tackle or enter the transfer portal.
Left tackle is generally regarded as the premier position because that player protects the blind side of a righthanded quarterback. However, that perspective has softened in recent years, including at Tennessee.
In 2022, Darnell Wright moved from left tackle to right tackle, and his draft stock increased. He was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 10th pick in the 2023 draft, and he’s become one of the best right tackles in the NFL.
Most tackles still prefer to play on the left side because of the position’s perceived higher value. Sanders, for his part, gave a diplomatic answer when asked to compare the tackle spots.
“I feel like playing left or right, especially at this level, is very unique,” Sanders said. “In the SEC, you’re going to have top rushers coming off both sides of the ball, left or right. I don’t really feel like there’s a difference as of right now.”
Notably, Sanders has deep respect for Heard, who has offered guidance as another former five-star recruit. Sanders calls Heard “a friend, a big brother, a mentor.”
Whether Heard will return to Tennessee, switch positions, enter the portal or declare for the draft stands out as a key offseason storyline. But Sanders appears locked in for the 2026 season, regardless of his position.
How Sanders plans to speak up on Tennessee offensive line
Sanders, meanwhile, played up to his potential as arguably the No. 1 tackle in the 2025 recruiting class. And his confidence has grown alongside his playing time.
“When I first got here, I felt like ‘just shut up and work’ because I didn’t have any room to say anything to anybody,” Sanders said. “I had to prove myself to the room, to the university, to the program that I’m willing to work hard.
“But now I feel like I’ve proven myself as one of the leaders on the team, especially in the (offensive) line room. I feel like if there’s something I want to say, I have no problem saying it.”
Coaches are excited about Sanders’ progress, and he’ll likely be a Preseason All-SEC candidate in 2026.
Judging an offensive lineman’s performance is more nuanced than a quarterback, running back or wide receiver. There aren’t many stats to support a pass or fail grade.
But the available numbers suggest that Sanders played well, especially for a freshman, and got better throughout the season.
According to Pro Football Focus grades, Sanders was somewhere between good and superb in pass protection against Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, New Mexico State and Vanderbilt. He had two breakdowns against Oklahoma, which led to two sacks and a fumble returned for a touchdown.
Sanders’ run blocking grades were fair. His best games in that area came against Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma and New Mexico State.
Sanders played in eight games, including five straight starts to finish the regular season. His playing time increased from an average of 33 snaps in his first four games to an average of 73 snaps in his last four games. He’ll be a key part in the Vols’ game plan in the Music City Bowl, and that should continue in 2026.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Emailadam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.