Player comparison

Lance Heard

Dean Kindig

Played all 73 snaps at LT as Tennessee rolled up an SEC season-high 281 rushing yards and 538 yards of total offense in a road win at Vanderbilt. Now the tone-setter at Kentucky. Heavy and powerful hands. Practice matchup with Deone Walker. The only returning starter on Tennessee's offensive line this year, Zalance Heard is an impressive five-star OT who transferred to Tennessee after an SEC All-Freshman season at LSU in 2023. His combination of size and athleticism was on full display in the spring as he took control of left tackle for the Vols. Considered the second-highest rated offensive tackle prospect during the 2023 transfer portal cycle. Signed with LSU as a member of the Class of 2023 before committing and signing with Tennessee in January 2024. Played in 22 career games (12 at LSU, 10 at UT) and has made 11 starts (1 at LSU, 10 at UT). Never played with Deone Walker or Maxwell Hairston at Kentucky (in 2024 and 2025 played for Tennessee).

Tree Babalade

Dean Kindig

"bob-uh-LAH-day" Recent Stats (2025): Before entering the transfer portal, he played 421 total snaps for the Gamecocks during the 2025 season and allowed only one sack all year. *2024 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll, Third-year offensive lineman. Gained significant experience as a starter in his first season with the Garnet & Black in 2023. Served in a backup role in 2024, playing in four games including one start while taking a redshirt season. Has appeared in 15 career games with 10 starts. Most of his work has come at left tackle but has some position flexibility. Given name is Oluwatosin but prefers to go by Tree. 2024 (Sophomore): Appeared in four games while keeping his redshirt. Made one start. Played in each of the first two contests against Old Dominion and Kentucky in a reserve role, then sat out the next six games. Inserted into the lineup at Vanderbilt following an injury to left tackle Josiah Thompson then was the starter at that position for the Missouri contest. Named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll. 2023 (Freshman): True freshman who played in 11 contests, starting nine. Moved into the starting lineup at the left tackle position in Week 3 and held that role for the remainder of the season. With TJ Sanders 2023 and 2024 seasons.