Dylan Sampson Nears Record-Breaking Touchdown Achievements for Tennessee

Dylan Sampson, a junior running back for the Tennessee Volunteers, is on the verge of making history as he approaches the single-season program record for rushing touchdowns. With 15 touchdowns in just six games, Sampson is only two touchdowns short of matching the record held by Gene McEver, who scored 18 in 1929. Reggie Cobb holds the modern record with 17, set in 1987.

Gene McEver also retains Tennessee’s all-time career rushing touchdown record with 37 touchdowns scored between 1928 and 1931. The modern career record is held by James Stewart, who notched 35 touchdowns from 1991 to 1994.

“He’s always had great vision, great pace,” commented Tennessee coach Josh Heupel after Sampson’s performance on a recent Saturday when the player ran 27 times for 112 yards and achieved three touchdowns. “Obviously he’s got good long speed, but he’s really good between the tackles,” Heupel added.

Sampson’s potential to tie or surpass these records could become a reality in the upcoming game against Alabama. This season, Sampson has scored multiple rushing touchdowns in five out of Tennessee’s six games, delivering standout performances such as three touchdowns in the opener against Chattanooga and four against Kent State in the first half.

Sampson’s career at Tennessee is characterized by consistent scoring, with 29 touchdowns—28 of them rushing—in just 28 career games. He has scored multiple touchdowns in 15 of those games, exemplifying his impact on the field.

Aside from touchdown records, Sampson may challenge other existing records. He is on track to achieve approximately 1,398 rushing yards during the regular season, approaching the record held by Travis Stephens, who gained 1,464 yards in 2001. With 699 yards on 118 attempts, Sampson is averaging 5.92 yards per carry, slightly ahead of Chuck Webb‘s program record pace of 5.91 yards per carry, established in 1989.

Sampson’s all-around growth has been notable. “I think his growth, continuing to grow in the understanding of what we’re doing,” said Heupel. “His development in the middle of the football field, those runs between the tackles, just continues to make a bunch of plays for us.”

As the Volunteers prepare to face Alabama, attention remains on Sampson’s potential to leave a lasting mark on Tennessee football history with his numerous on-field accomplishments.