Ohio State HC Ryan Day Announced, Tennessee’s College Football Playoff run came to an abrupt end in the first round against Ohio State, with the Buckeyes controlling the game from start to finish. A major blow for the Volunteers was the absence of star running back Dylan Sampson for most of the night.
Sampson managed just two carries for six yards before exiting early due to a hamstring injury. While fans were left wondering about his status, ESPN later confirmed he was dealing with the lingering issue. Despite his efforts to push through the pain, he was unable to continue.
Now in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, Sampson is focused on improving his draft stock while also reflecting on his college career. Speaking with reporters, he admitted how devastating it was to miss out on contributing in such a crucial game.
SimpsonFought to Be Ready for the Buckeyes
Sampson shared that the injury originally occurred during Tennessee’s win over Vanderbilt in Nashville. Despite his efforts to recover in time, he wasn’t able to perform at full strength against Ohio State. The Buckeyes went on to win the National Championship, slightly easing the sting of Tennessee’s loss. Ohio State HC Ryan Day Announced, To Be Without.
Though missing the CFP was disappointing, Sampson’s college career was nothing short of spectacular. He was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and set multiple records for the Vols. Tennessee fans will always appreciate his contributions and the lasting impact he had on the program.
Matt Rhule’s Comments on Non-Conference Games Will Frustrate Tennessee Fans
Tennessee fans are still upset over Nebraska’s decision to cancel their scheduled home-and-home series set to begin in 2026. The frustration only grew when Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen gave what many considered a weak excuse for backing out.
Now, head coach Matt Rhule has added fuel to the fire. While discussing non-conference scheduling this week, Rhule suggested that Big Ten teams should avoid tough matchups due to the demanding nature of their conference schedule.
Rhule’s Comments Add to Tennessee’s Frustration
It’s understandable that teams want manageable non-conference games to build confidence, but Rhule’s remarks coming so soon after Nebraska pulled out of the Tennessee series make the situation worse.
Ohio State HC Ryan Day Announced, To Be Without Key Player For At Least A Month…
Vols athletic director Danny White was vocal about his frustration, making it clear on social media that Tennessee had no part in canceling the agreement. Instead, he placed full responsibility on Nebraska and Dannen. Now, White is tasked with finding a suitable replacement for those 2026 and 2027 matchups. Ohio State HC Ryan Day Announced, To Be Without.
As for Nebraska, it’s unlikely they will replace Tennessee with another powerhouse opponent. Instead, they’ll likely opt for a more favorable matchup. But if karma plays a role, Vols fans will be hoping for an unexpected upset to make Nebraska regret the decision.
