Tennessee will re-sign both defensive tackle Omari Thomas and centre Cooper Mays. The Volunteers certainly get a major lift here for 2024, as they have clear leaders on both sides of the ball.

Thomas pondered his NFL options after a strong junior season in which he had 31 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. The 6-4, 320-pound defensive lineman has played four complete seasons in Knoxville, but will be eligible for one more owing to his COVID year.

Mays has been the offensive line’s rock since Josh Heupel arrived at Tennessee, taking over as starting centre and never looking back. He missed the first few games of the season in 2023 due to a minor operation in camp, but he returned to start the final eight games for the Volunteers.

With Mays’ return, Tennessee now returns at least three starters on the offensive line for the 2024 season. Javontez Spraggins, who did not attend Senior Day festivities, has a chance to make it four. That’s a big boost for Nico Iamaleava, who will take over as starting quarterback next season.

Two veterans have announced plans to return to Tennessee.