Dylan Sampson’s impressive performance this season underscores the adaptability of Tennessee’s coach, Josh Heupel, as he shifts the team’s offensive strategy from a traditionally fast-paced style. Sampson has played a pivotal role in propelling the seventh-ranked Volunteers into the newly expanded College Football Playoff.
Even more encouraging, Sampson comes into this crucial moment refreshed, having previously endured the rigors of leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards and breaking five school records. Known for skillfully navigating through defenders, he has been resting his body and is eager to showcase his health. “I feel great,” Sampson stated on Monday. “This time off has been beneficial for my body. It’s probably the best I’ve felt all season. My legs feel fresh. Every day counts.”
This Saturday, the SEC’s Offensive Player of the Year will have the opportunity to demonstrate his prowess on a major platform, as Tennessee (10-2, ranked No. 7 in the CFP) heads to Ohio State (10-2, ranked No. 6 in the CFP) for their first-round matchup. The Buckeyes are known for having one of the top defenses against the run in the nation, allowing just 96.8 rushing yards per game, ranking seventh overall.
In response, Tennessee brings a formidable rushing attack led by Sampson, who has spearheaded the SEC’s top ground game, averaging an impressive 232 rushing yards per game. He finished the season with a staggering 1,485 rushing yards on 256 carries, setting a new school record along with a nation-leading 22 rushing touchdowns, breaking a longstanding record that had been held for 95 years.
Heupel attributes a lot of Sampson’s success to his unwavering commitment in various aspects, from preparation in meetings and weight training to practice and performance in games. After initially working behind NFL-bound players Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small, Sampson has stepped into the starter role seamlessly, having adequately equipped himself for the increased responsibilities this season.
“You can see it on the tape; he’s consistently creating explosive plays and evading tackles,” Heupel remarked. “He understands the importance of finishing runs, lowering his pads, and gaining those extra yards, all of which contribute greatly to our team’s success.”
Sampson hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and he has observed Heupel’s flexibility in tailoring strategies around player strengths. Tennessee had been regarded as one of the fastest offenses nationwide during Heupel’s earlier seasons, but this year, they have relied heavily on Sampson’s ability to control the game clock, which has proven beneficial for the younger quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, especially after Iamaleava’s first collegiate start against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl.
“You have to discover what works on a week-by-week, game-by-game basis with the team,” Sampson noted. “Whatever it takes to secure victories is what we need to focus on.”
Heading to Columbus, Sampson carries momentum from one of his finest performances yet, having rushed for a career-high 178 yards on 25 carries in a dominant win against Vanderbilt. This game pushed him past former record-holder Travis Stephens for the single-season rushing yards mark at Tennessee. It was also his tenth 100-yard game of the season, falling just short of the school record of 11 held by Jay Graham.
Center Cooper Mays has been instrumental in creating opportunities for Sampson, observing how his work ethic embodies persistence and discipline. “All of his achievements reflect the effort he puts into his game,” Mays commented.
Currently, Sampson ranks fourth in the Football Bowl Subdivision and fifth in SEC history with his 22 rushing touchdowns. He has consistently found the end zone, scoring in 11 consecutive games and recording a single-season total of 132 points. He also sits second all-time in school history for average rushing yards per game at 123.8, trailing only Graham, who boasted an average of 130.7 yards during Peyton Manning’s tenure.
As for Ohio State, Sampson acknowledges the challenge posed by their defensive lineup, citing the effectiveness of their safeties and defensive line in thwarting rushes. Nonetheless, he is confident that there will be opportunities to exploit. “There are chances to make plays; it’s all about capitalizing on them,” Sampson stated.