Sam Pendleton

CAREER Experienced interior lineman who transferred to Tennessee after playing two seasons at Notre Dame … Was originally recruited by the Vols out of high school in nearby North Carolina … Owns three seasons of remaining eligibility after redshirting as a true freshman … Member of three Joe Moore Award semifinalist units — two with the Irish and one with the Vols … Committed to Tennessee on Jan. 24, 2025 … Enrolled at UT in January 2025 and went through spring practice … Has allowed one sack over 1,266 snaps during his career ... Played in 28 career games (16 at ND, 12 at UT) with 19 starts (7 at ND, 12 at UT) ... Of his 19 starts, seven have been at left guard and 12 at center. 2025 – RS-SOPHOMORE Started all 12 games at center this season and allowed only one sack ... Rounded out the regular season playing all 75 plays vs. No. 12 Vanderbilt (11/29) and did not allow a sack or hit ... Played all 73 offensive snaps in road win at Florida (11/22) and did not allow a pressure, helping the Vols total 452 yards of offense and 248 rushing yards - its most on the ground against UF since 1992 ... Saw action on 44 offensive snaps in Homecoming win over New Mexico State (11/15) and did not allow a sack ... Played all 80 offensive snaps at center against No. 18 Oklahoma (11/1) ... Played 46 offensive snaps in road win at Kentucky (10/25), helping the Vols generate 56 points and 504 yards of total offense ... Did not allow a pressure as UT piled up 410 yards of offense at No. 6 Alabama (10/18) ... Did not allow a pressure on 48 offensive snaps in the win over Arkansas (10/11) and helped pave the way for a season-high 264 rushing yards ... Saw action on all 72 offensive plays in overtime win at Mississippi State (9/27) and did not allow a sack ... Did not allow a sack or hit over 41 offensive snaps in win over UAB (9/20) as the Vols compiled 510 yards of total offense ... Saw action on all 70 offensive plays in his SEC debut vs. No. 6 Georgia (9/13) and did not allow a sack or hit as UT put up 41 points and 496 yards of total offense ... Played 46 offensive snaps at center during the home opener vs. ETSU (9/6) and did not allow a pressure as the Vols rolled up 717 total yards and a modern-era school record 72 points ... Started his Tennessee debut at center vs. Syracuse (8/30) and according to PFF, played 67 offensive snaps without allowing a sack and helped pave the way for 493 total yards and 246 rushing yards. 2024 – RS-FRESHMAN (NOTRE DAME) A major contributor at offensive guard and the backup center for Notre Dame, who reached the College Football Playoff National Championship Game … Played in 13 games with seven starts – all at left guard … Starts came during the first seven games of the year … Saw action on 482 offensive snaps and did not allow a sack the entire season … Played 34 snaps in CFP First Round Game vs. Indiana (12/20) … Did not play in the Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl or CFP title game … Played a season-high 68 offensive snaps in left guard start at Georgia Tech (10/19) … Started and played all 48 snaps vs. Stanford (10/12) … Left guard start vs. Louisville (9/28) saw him play 52 offensive snaps … Made first career start at Texas A&M (8/31), playing all 67 snaps at left guard and five snaps on special teams unit in big road win. 2023 – FRESHMAN (NOTRE DAME) Saw action in three games as a reserve offensive guard before earning a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut vs. Pittsburgh (10/28) … Played nine offensive snaps at Stanford (11/25) … Played six offensive snaps in Sun Bowl win vs. Oregon State (12/29). HIGH SCHOOL & PERSONAL A consensus four-star recruit by On3, 247 Sports and Rivals out of Reagan High School in North Carolina … Considered the No. 25 offensive line prospect in the country and No. 16 overall player in the state of North Carolina by 247 Sports … Ranked the No. 39 offensive lineman and No. 15 overall player in his state by On3 … Participated in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, representing North Carolina as a team captain … Led Reagan to an 8-3 record and a playoff appearance as a senior in 2022 … Coached in high school by Josh McGree … Full name is Samuel Pendleton … Son of April and Jason Pendleton ... Has a twin sister, Emma and a brother, Eli … Majoring in economics … X handle is @SamPendleton7 and Instagram handle is @samuelpendleton72