Michael Allen 
DeSean Bishop breaks free for one of his 2 touchdown runs against Kent State
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Former walk-on DeSean Bishop impressed as RB2 last season. Now he’s battling for Tennessee’s starting running back spot ahead of the 2025 season.
DeSean Bishop: From Walk-On to Potential RB1 for the Vols
As the 2025 Tennessee football season draws near, one of the most intriguing position battles is unfolding in the Volunteers’ backfield. At the center of it is DeSean Bishop, a former walk-on from Karns High School in Knoxville who has gone from local afterthought to serious contender for the starting running back job.
After earning a scholarship last spring and backing up SEC Player of the Year Dylan Sampson in 2024, Bishop is now poised for a potential breakout. With Sampson off to the NFL, the opportunity to become Tennessee’s next featured back is wide open — and Bishop has already proven he can handle the spotlight.
A Strong 2024 Campaign
In limited action last season, Bishop turned heads with his efficiency and explosiveness. He rushed for 455 yards on just 74 carries, averaging a stellar 6.15 yards per carry — one of the highest marks in the SEC. He also found the end zone three times, often serving as the change-of-pace back behind the versatile and dynamic Sampson.
More than just stats, Bishop showcased a running style that blends patience, vision, and surprising burst. He consistently turned short runs into chunk gains and showed the ability to read blocks and make defenders miss at the second level.
That performance didn’t just earn him more carries — it earned him respect from the coaching staff, who awarded him a full scholarship and elevated him into a key offensive role heading into the offseason.
2025: A Crowded But Open Competition
Now a redshirt sophomore, Bishop enters fall camp in a three-way battle for the RB1 spot alongside true sophomore Peyton Lewis and senior transfer Star Thomas. Each back brings something different to the table.
- Lewis, a highly touted recruit from the class of 2024, impressed in limited opportunities as a freshman and has the kind of home-run speed that excites fans and coaches alike.
- Thomas, a veteran transfer, offers experience and physicality and has already seen significant reps at the college level.
But Bishop, despite his underdog beginnings, has several intangibles working in his favor — most notably his familiarity with the offense, his pass-blocking awareness, and his strong performance in SEC play last season.
Head coach Josh Heupel has emphasized competition this offseason, and the staff appears committed to letting the best man win — not just the most hyped name or experienced option.
What Sets Bishop Apart?
Bishop’s journey gives him a mental edge. As a former walk-on, he’s had to fight for every opportunity, and that mindset often breeds toughness and consistency — two critical traits in an RB1. He’s also shown good ball security, which could become a deciding factor in a tight competition.
His 6.15 YPC last season wasn’t just a fluke; it was a result of sound decision-making, good pad level, and the ability to stay ahead of the chains. He may not be the flashiest back in the room, but he might be the most dependable.
Additionally, Bishop has made strides in the passing game, improving his hands and route running — something Tennessee values highly in their tempo-driven offense that often asks backs to contribute on third down.
The Path Ahead
For Bishop to win the starting job outright, he’ll need to separate himself in live reps this fall — particularly in scrimmages and early non-conference games. Even if he doesn’t start Week 1, he figures to be a key part of the rotation, especially in situational packages and short-yardage sets.
The most likely scenario? Tennessee rolls into the season with a running-back-by-committee approach, but if Bishop continues to produce at the rate he did last year, don’t be surprised if he emerges as the go-to option when the Vols get into SEC play.
From Karns to Neyland: A Local Story Worth Watching
For fans in Knoxville, Bishop’s story resonates deeply. Hailing from nearby Karns High School, he’s become a symbol of local pride and perseverance. Now, with the opportunity of a lifetime in front of him, Bishop is writing the next chapter in a compelling underdog narrative.
Whether he claims the RB1 job outright or continues to carve out a valuable role in a rotation, one thing is clear: DeSean Bishop isn’t done surprising people — and Tennessee’s backfield is in very good hands.
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