Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Vols will be dealing with a rare problem this fall.

Well, it’s rare in this current era of college football.

The Vols, believe it or not, may actually have too much talent at one position.

That’s not something we’re seeing happen very often in the transfer portal era, when it’s harder than ever to build real depth.

Tennessee has an embarrassment of riches at the linebacker position

Tennessee is absolutely loaded at the linebacker position heading into the 2026 season.

That group, which is coached by William Inge, is headlined by senior Arion Carter, Penn State transfer Amare Campbell, and redshirt sophomore Edwin Spillman.

Sophomore Jaedon Harmon, sophomore Jadon Perlotte, senior Jeremiah Telander, and true freshman TJ White and Brayden Crouse round out a star-studded group that could start almost any combination of players and be successful this fall.

There’s only so much playing time to go around, though. So it’s inevitable that some players won’t be happy this fall (though it’s on those players to find a way onto the field — it’s a competition).

“It’s hard not to be excited if you’re (Vols linebackers coach) William Inge, if you’re (defensive coordinator) Jim Knowles, if you’re Josh Heupel — because there’s a lot of depth there,” said VolQuest’s Austin Price this week on 104.5 The Zone’s Ramon and Will. “There’s a lot of talent there. Now, with that comes also the responsibility of getting them on the field, which puts a little extra pressure on William Inge.

“Because you’re only going to play so many, and everybody wants to play. Inevitably, you’re going to have to be able to massage a few egos in the room, so to speak. I think there’s a bunch of kids that are going to want to play. They’re not going to be happy, people around them are not going to be happy — because there’s only so many kids that can play.”

Competition brings out the best in players, so in addition to having plenty of linebacker depth, the Vols should have a room full of players who are eager to prove they belong on the field.

The surplus of linebacker talent could also lead to defensive coordinator Jim Knowles using some players in new ways. Carter, for example, is athletic enough that he could possibly be used as a hybrid pass rusher. Or maybe another linebacker emerges as a great coverage option, which would allow Knowles to use some disguised coverages that throw off opposing offensive coordinators.

There are some options there that could be fun for Knowles and his defensive staff. And maybe those options will lead to everyone in that room being happy with their playing time this fall. Either way, it’s a good problem to have for the Vols.