Two of the brightest stars with Tennessee football in the Josh Heupel Era, running back Dylan Sampson and edge rusher Byron Young, returned to UT this past week to walk at their graduations.
Both now starring in the NFL, they used the Renewing Academic Commitment (RAC) program through Tennessee Tailored to earn degrees in the College of Communication and Information.
“BY and Samp epitomize what it means to be VFLs, and their commitment to finishing their degrees speaks volumes of who they have always been inside our program,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said in a statement. “They have been tremendous ambassadors for Tennessee, and I can’t wait to see what they do on the field in the NFL next season. I am proud of all our football graduates this weekend, and I know this is special time for them and their families.”
Congrats to all our graduates! 🎓 #GBO🍊 pic.twitter.com/IebzHYfVVP
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) May 16, 2026
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Sampson, the holder of five single-season program records, now plays for the Browns. He just completed his rookie season in Cleveland.
“It’s got to be at the top of the list,” Sampson said about walking at graduation. “A lot of people don’t get that opportunity (to go back), and it was only right that I finish. It was hard work but worth it. With the accommodations, this school made it easy to finish.”
Young is a star edge rusher for the Rams after spending two seasons with Tennessee. His graduation keeps a promise he made to himself and his family.
“Graduating from college and being the first in my family to do that, coming from where I came from, means a lot,” Young said. “It’s one of my biggest accomplishments, honestly probably No. 1 because for years you felt like you couldn’t do it or doubted myself. I had to believe in myself and take advantage of this opportunity. It truly means everything.”
Other Vol football players to graduate include Hunter Barnes, Deon Hardin, Wendell Moe Jr., Carson Whitehead, Montrell Bandy, Joshua Helsdon, Gus Hill, Seamus Meagher, Nathan Robinson, Jackson Ross and Jourdan Thomas.
