​Offensive lineman Sam Pendleton is entering his second season with the Tennessee Volunteers in 2026. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound redshirt junior contributed as Tennessee’s starting center in 2025, appearing in 13 games and earning 13 starts. He logged 814 offensive snaps last season, anchoring the Volunteer line and providing stability at the center position. Pendleton’s performance this past year helped him earn a spot on the 2025 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll, highlighting his balance of on-field duties and academic achievement.
Pendleton transferred to Tennessee from Notre Dame, committing to the Volunteers on January 24, 2025. During his time with the Fighting Irish from 2023 to 2024, he appeared in 16 games and made seven starts at left guard, accumulating 1,321 career snaps. Across his college career, he has allowed three sacks, reflecting his reliability and technique along the line. A product of Reagan High School in Pfafftown, North Carolina, Pendleton earned a Tennessee scholarship offer during junior day on January 22, 2022.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Tennessee opener is scheduled for September 5 against Furman at Neyland Stadium with a 3:30 p.m. kickoff on SEC Network+. The Volunteers’ 2026 schedule also features home games against Kennesaw State, Texas, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky and LSU, along with road appearances at Georgia Tech, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt. The season includes a pairing with notable regional matchups as Tennessee aims to build on last year’s experience in the trenches.
Pendleton’s role remains central to Tennessee’s plans up front. His continued development at center is expected to bolster the Vols’ run blocking and pass protection, contributing to the overall efficiency of the offense in 2026. As the season approaches, the coaching staff will likely rely on Pendleton’s leadership and consistency to help anchor the line across a demanding schedule that features both SEC rivals and non-conference tests.
This overview reflects the 2026 Tennessee football outlook, with Pendleton positioned as a key piece of the front five as the Volunteers pursue improvements and a competitive push in the SEC and beyond. The broader context includes program updates, offseason assessments, and ongoing coverage of Sam Pendleton’s impact for Tennessee.