Built for the Future: Tennessee’s Freshmen Step Onto The Big Stage

Knoxville, Tenn. - As extra eligibility continues to reshape college athletics, head coaches in revenue sports have openly questioned the growing age gap among student-athletes.  In Knoxville, Tennessee the buzz is a little different. 

The University of Tennessee’s athletic programs are brimming with emerging new talent, as a new class of freshmen across multiple sports have carved out meaningful roles and begun shaping the future of Vols’ athletics. These young athletes are leaving their mark in the fiercely competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). 

Lady Vols Ignite With Mia and Mya Pauldo

Let’s start with the Ladies. Mia Pauldo has quickly become a cornerstone for the Lady Vols. The 5-foot-6 freshman guard from Paterson, N.J., has turned heads with her scoring prowess and leadership as Tennessee’s starting point guard. Pauldo has posted multiple standout performances. She recently had a career-high 26 points in a road win over Mississippi State. She has consistently scored in double figures. Her recent SEC and USBWA Freshman of the Week honors underscore her impact in the league, where she ranks among Tennessee’s top scorers and is a catalyst in SEC play.  Who can forget her post game presser where she made it known, the size difference was there, but she was confident in her skills.

Her twin sister, Mya Pauldo, also contributing as a freshman guard, has shown glimpses of scoring and defensive tenacity in her first season. Mya has notched team opportunities and valuable minutes off the bench, highlighted by her efficient shooting and hustle in SEC contests. You can see more from this group on TPL Tennessee.

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Lady Vols Deniya Prawl, Mya Pauldo & Lauren Hurst on Confidence, Sisterhood & Summitt Culture

Grant Hurst of Tennessee Men's Basketball sits down with Lady Vols five-star 2025 McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand All-American Deniya Prawl, two-time New Jersey All-State guard Mya Pauldo, and Tennessee Sports Writers’ Association All-State Guard/Forward Lauren Hurst for a special 'We Back Pat Week' conversation about sisterhood, confidence, and life as elite college basketball players. From New Jersey and Toronto to the bright lights of Knoxville, these athletes share what it really takes to compete, grow, and lead at the highest level in the SEC and across college basketball. This episode is sponsored by DICK'S House of Sport, proud sponsor of Tennessee Athletics and the Lady Vols. https://www.dickssportinggoods.com 📲 Don’t Forget To: ✅ Like ✅ Subscribe ✅ Share with Vol Nation ✅ Comment your favorite moment 00:00 – We Back Pat Intro & Hook 01:12 – Welcome to More Than Hoops 03:05 – Meet Deniya Prawl & Mya Pauldo 06:10 – From New Jersey & Toronto to Knoxville 09:40 – McDonald’s All-American Journey 13:20 – The Pauldo Twin Dynamic 17:05 – Embarrassing Sibling Stories 21:30 – How Basketball Started for Us 26:15 – When We Knew We Were Different 31:40 – Sacrifices, Other Sports & Influences 36:10 – Personality Comparisons & Competition 40:45 – What Is We Back Pat Week? 1:19:40 – Advice to Young Women 1:23:30 – Final Thoughts & Shoutout

These twins are not the only freshmen pushing the Lady Vols forward. Lauren Hurst, Jaida Civil and Deniya Prawl join the twins in early contributions. Together, these first years symbolize the Lady Vols’ blend of youthful energy and competitive fire as they position themselves in what promises to be an exciting stretch of SEC competition.

Vols Football: Staley, Spillman and Sanders Earn Early Accolades

Over on Philip Fulmer Way, Tennessee’s football freshman class has been equally compelling. 

Braylon Staley, a redshirt freshman wide receiver, has been among the most decorated newcomers in the SEC. His breakout season included finishing sixth in the conference in receiving yards and earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors from league coaches.

This is  a distinction rarely attained in Tennessee history. He also became one of the program’s most prolific freshman pass catchers, leading his class in key receiving categories and earning postseason recognition.

Edwin Spillman, the Nashville native and redshirt freshman linebacker, has been a force on defense. He led all SEC freshmen in tackles, consistently displaying physicality and instinct in the Volunteers’ front seven. Spillman’s tackles-for-loss and disruptive presence earned him Freshman All-America honors and SEC freshman acclaim.

David Sanders Jr. overcame adversity early on to finish as an anchor for the  offensive line. The early-season injury was handled as the Charlotte, North Carolina native returned to produce a strong campaign at right tackle. The former five-star recruit became the first Tennessee freshman lineman since 2019 to be named to the FWAA Freshman All-America team, highlighting his immediate contributions to one of college football’s most productive offenses.

These performances were key elements in Tennessee’s production of a school-record three Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-Americans. It is a testament to the productivity of the Vols’ youngest roster contributors. They are all set to return to the Heupel program in 2026.

Watch all of these freshmen on: TPL Tennessee

Basketball’s Bright Future

Taking a stroll down to Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, you find Nate Ament has lived up to the lofty expectations that accompanied his arrival in Knoxville.

The consensus five-star forward was a McDonald’s All-American and one of the top recruits in the 2025 class. Many NBA draft boards also have him on watch. He has been a cornerstone of Tennessee’s starting rotation. Ament recorded a historic double-double early in the season and has logged numerous high-impact performances, with team and league observers spotlighting his all-around contributions with scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility. 

In recent SEC play, Ament’s emergence has been a critical factor in Tennessee’s ability to compete in a rugged conference slate, evidenced by his strong outings in both regular and now a double overtime game. 

Troy Henderson, another freshman on the Vols’ men’s basketball roster, has also begun finding his footing. While not as heralded as Ament, Henderson has delivered timely plays,  including key perimeter shots and defensive efforts that showed the depth that Tennessee expects from its young class as the season unfolds. 

Dewayne Brown. One player that Coach Barnes repeatedly mentions in his presser. He has brought physical presence and touch inside, contributing points and rebounds during important stretches this season. His contributions off the bench have been noted by fans and analysts alike, particularly in matchups where interior performance has mattered most. 

Visit with these guys on TPL Tennessee:

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Tennessee Basketball Freshmen Troy Henderson and Dwayne Brown get personal on More Than Hoops

Hosts Grant Hurst and Cade Phillips sit down with Tennessee freshmen Troy Henderson and Dwayne Brown for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at life inside Tennessee Volunteers Basketball. From late-night workouts to the electric atmosphere of Thompson-Boling Arena, this episode goes beyond the highlights — exploring the mindset, brotherhood, and mental toughness that define what it means to play for Coach Rick Barnes and the Big Orange. 🏀 Inside this episode: - The freshmen’s origin stories and when they knew basketball was more than a dream - The family-first culture that drives Tennessee basketball - Mental health, balance, and staying grounded under pressure - The impact of Coach Barnes’ lifetime contract and new assistant coaches - Game reflections from the season opener - NBA inspirations — from KD to Jimmy Butler - A fun Fast Break round that gives fans a glimpse at the team’s personality Whether you’re a lifelong Vol or new to the orange-and-white, this episode shows why Tennessee’s future is in great hands. 📍 Recorded in Knoxville, TN 🎧 Listen now where you get your podcasts and subscribe for more exclusive access to Tennessee Basketball! Tags Sec basketball - ncaa basketball - Cade Phillips - Grant Hurst - coach Rick Barnes - college hoops - leadership - brotherhood - Tennessee basketball

A Class That Fuels Tennessee’s Push For Excellence

Tennessee’s freshmen are doing more than just gaining experience, they’re charting the future of Vols athletics. 

Whether through nationally recognized performances, team leadership, or flashes of individual brilliance, these young athletes are laying early blueprints for success.

As the season progresses there is no doubt these freshmen will continue to develop on the SEC’s biggest stages. They are filling the shoes of former VFL alumni with grace and pride for Vol Nation. Tennessee’s Freshman class signals a bright future across Tennessee Athletics. 

Stay tuned to TPL as we continue to share more from player led media on our podcast. Get connected to share with us on your social platform of choice, as we deliver a look at the game and the people that make it great. 

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