John Campbell announces return to Tennessee using viral video

With the regular season over and the NCAA transfer portal open, coaches across the country are attempting to construct their 2024 roster. Part of the process is figuring out which players from last year’s squad are coming back. Josh Heupel is certainly one of those, hoping some experience stays at Tennessee moving forward.

One of the biggest decisions the Vols had involved offensive tackle John Campbell, one of the more veteran players in college football. On Monday afternoon, Campbell announced he would return to Knoxville for his seventh season in the sport. Huge news for Heupel who will have a great left tackle heading into the season.

The announcement itself will bring a smile to a Tennessee fan’s face but the video will make them enjoy the moment even more. Campbell used a viral video to announce his return, featuring Heupel and freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

You can watch the full video from Campbell here.

🦍 pic.twitter.com/2mjDwYTO9H

— John Campbell #LLL (@_jcamp74) December 5, 2023

Whether you can believe it or not, Campbell will be coming back for his seventh season in college football. He was originally a recruit in the class of 2018, playing for Miami coming out of Orlando (FL) Dr. Phillips. Between a redshirt season, COVID-19, and an injury, Campbell has had a long career.

Not too many players Campbell’s age are still playing and have either made a move to the NFL or moved on from their college football career. Sixth years are becoming common but extending into the seventh is not too common these days. Just don’t let Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell know about this.

This past season was his first with Tennesseee and played in nine games. All of them came at left tackle, protecting Joe Milton’s blindside. Campbell is likely to get another one under his belt in the bowl game, with the Vols taking on Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

As his return video mentions, the quarterback situation is going to be quite different. Iamaleava is expected to take over and run Heupel’s offense. There is a ton of hype surrounding the youngster and many believe he can throw Tennessee into contention for an SEC and national championship.

But when having a young quarterback, having good blocking up front is imperative. If defensive lines can break through, the QBs are never going to have a chance. Having somebody such as Campbell at left tackle will be a huge boost.