The off-season talk is finally over.  

Tennessee will open the season on Saturday against Virginia. 

That means we can put most of the off-season talk behind us and begin reacting to what we will have seen on the field.  

One positive storyline for Tennessee has focused on the Vols’ improved depth.  

Tennessee should have more players to count on.  

That’s great news (assuming it’s true). But who are the players that will lead the way this season? 

Here’s a look at the 10 players who will have the biggest impact on Tennessee’s season.  

S Jaylen McCollough 

This might be a confusing entry.  

McCollough has played a lot of football for Tennessee.  

He needs to play better football for the Vols in 2023.  

Everyone knows that, including McCollough 

He faced added competition for his starting spot during fall camp but appears to have held onto the job.  

How McCollough plays will have a big impact on the season.  

RB Jaylen Wright 

Wright would be higher on the list if not for the help he’ll have at his position. 

Tennessee has experience and depth at running back.  

Wright projects to be the guy who will lead the group.  

If he can produce even more than last year (875 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns), Tennessee will again have one of the nation’s top offenses. 

Wright reportedly had a big fall camp. 

He’ll have a big opportunity in Tennessee’s offense this fall. 

WR Ramel Keyton 

Several receivers are candidates for this spot.  

Keyton gets the nod because he’s received less off-season attention than he deserves.  

And he’s a big-time player.  

The trust between Keyton and quarterback Joe Milton III is real.  

So is Keyton’s play-making ability.  

Keyton stepped up and made big plays in the Vols’ biggest games of the season last year.  

He’ll do it again this fall. 

CB Doneiko Slaughter 

How good will Tennessee’s secondary be this fall? 

That could also be asked in the form of, “Is Doneiko Slaughter ready to play at a high level all season?” 

Slaughter has a ton of ability and a lot of experience to begin the season.  

That should help as the Vols struggled to replace veteran Alontae Taylor last year. 

A reliable Slaughter would take a lot of pressure off the other defensive backs. 

It would provide some relief for the defensive coaches, too. 

LB Keenan Pili 

Pili has to help replace Jeremy Banks, who was a productive linebacker for Tennessee the last two seasons.  

Everyone at Tennessee has raved about the character and leadership Pili has brought to the program.  

Now let’s see him make some plays.  

Pili should help the Vols in a number of ways, on and off the field.  

Expect him to show his impact on the field early this season. 

LB Aaron Beasley 

The linebackers are sandwiched together here.  

Beasley carries a bigger leadership role after breaking out in 2022. 

He was a tackling machine against Clemson in the Orange Bowl and figures to be that again this fall. 

Beasley has learned a lot since he switched from safety to linebacker early on at Tennessee.  

He’ll play like a veteran should play this fall. 

DT Omari Thomas 

Thomas isn’t the only interior defensive lineman who needs to step up, but he leads the way.  

Thomas can be a disruptive force inside.  

Along with Bryson Eason and Omarr Norman-Lott, the Vols should be stout against the run and help pressure the quarterback.  

Thomas has a chance to play in the NFL a year from now.   

An impactful 2023 would go a long way in enhancing his pro opportunity.  

OT John Campbell Jr. 

Campbell is another transfer who looked at Tennessee as a destination to win in college and show out for NFL teams.  

Campbell has to help fill the void of Darnell Wright, who might be the toughest player to replace from last year. 

Teammates have talked up Campbell’s competitive spirit.  

He will need it against SEC pass rushers.  

A big season from Campbell would help the Vols’ offense keep pace with last season. 

C Cooper Mays 

Mays is this high on the list for a couple of reasons.  

One: he’s a terrific player.  

Mays is an All-SEC candidate and NFL prospect.  

He also helps make Tennessee’s offense go.  

Who do you think keeps the Vols’ fast tempo moving in the middle of the drive? 

The center.  

Mays’ status is the other reason he’s this high on the list.  

He’s not expected to play against Virginia on Saturday after undergoing a procedure in early August.  

Mays told Off The Hook Sports last week that he wants to be at “full strength” when he returns. 

When Mays is ready to play will have a major impact on Tennessee’s season. 

QB Joe Milton III 

Who else for this spot? 

I don’t believe that Tennessee’s success is reliant on Milton alone.  

There are too many players (see above) who have to step up for the Vols to reach or surpass last year’s success.  

Consider this: Hendon Hooker was the SEC Offensive Player of the Year last year. 

And Tennessee still lost two games in convincing fashion.  

Other players have to step up. 

But everyone recognizes the importance of Milton in this offense.  

His potential creates the opportunity for Tennessee to win 10 or more games again.  

The Vols haven’t done that in consecutive seasons since 1997-98.  

Remember that feeling? 

Milton is confident he can help Tennessee repeat last year’s success. And build on it. 

It’s not all on Milton.  

But he will have the biggest impact on the direction of this season.