Vols Freshman Offensive Lineman Expected To Be Available vs. Mississippi State

Image: Nick Long

By Aidan Sidoti

The fourth-highest ranked commit in Tennessee history could make his debut this weekend against Mississippi State.

Freshman offensive lineman David Sanders is expected to be available on Saturday afternoon when the Volunteers travel to Starkville to face the Bulldogs, per Austin Price of VolQuest.

Sanders, a former five-star and one of the top recruits in the 2025 cycle, has missed Tennessee’s first four games of the season against Syracuse, ETSU, Georgia, and UAB, while recovering from a shoulder issue. 

He was projected to compete for immediate playing time at right tackle before the injury sidelined him minutes before the season opener against Syracuse.

The return of Sanders would provide much-needed depth and stability for the Vols’ offensive line as they head into the heart of SEC play, giving Tennessee another high-upside option in the trenches.

There’s no official word yet on whether Sanders will see the field this weekend, but the expectation is that he’ll be suited up and ready to go.

Kickoff in Starkville is set for 4:15 p.m. ET, with the game televised on SEC Network.