Josh Heupel has long talked about his offense being at its best when things are complementary between the pass and the run. The pass sets up the run, and the run allows the passing game to have explosive moments. It’s a symbiotic relationship and one that has helped Heupel’s offense find success in different ways throughout his time on Rocky Top.
On Tuesday, running back DeSean Bishop became Tennessee’s third-straight 1,000-yard single-season rusher. He entered the Music City Bowl needing 18 yards to break through to the four-digit mark, and got there early. The Knoxville product finished the game with 93 rushing yards to end his 2025 season with 1,076 total rushing yards.
Former Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson ended his 2024 season with 1,491 rushing yards, while former UT back Jaylen Wright finished the 2023 season with 1,013 total yards on the ground.
Bishop waited his turn and took over as Tennessee’s lead back during the 2025 season. The 5-foot-10 running back racked up 19 total touchdowns, including two in the Music City Bowl against Illinois on Tuesday. He also averaged 5.9 yards per carry on his 182 attempts throughout the season.
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Bishop crossed the 100-yard mark in three of Tennessee’s 13 games this season, but came close to two more with a 97-yard showing against Vanderbilt and a 93-yard game against Illinois. His season-high on the ground came against Arkansas, with 146 yards on 14 attempts. Bishop also posted two rushing touchdowns in nearly half of Tennessee’s games at six.
His longest rush of the year came in a 47-yard burst against Syracuse in the season opener, while his season-high 24 carries against the Gators helped Tennessee snap the road losing streak to their rival in Gainesville.
Fortunately for Josh Heupel and the Tennessee offense, Bishop looks to be returning to Knoxville for the 2026 season. While he could hit the portal and seek a different opportunity, it feels like Bishop is an integral part of the Vols’ offense moving forward and will be staying. He’ll have the chance to beat his own 1,000-yard mark next season if he does remain on Rocky Top.
“First and foremost, all glory to God,” Bishop said about his 1K season after the Music City Bowl. “Wouldn’t be able to do it without him, obviously. And shoutout to my teammates as well. The O-Line, they took care of their jobs. Their yards are my yards. I wouldn’t be able to do it without them. The receivers blocking out on the edge is another key to my success as well. Just overall, a team effort season. As I say, I can take credit for the yards and stuff, but, man, this doesn’t go to show without my Lord and savior and the team itself.”
