KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee starting center Cooper Mays announced that he will be returning for his fifth year of eligibility on Friday afternoon.
The Knoxville native and Knoxville Catholic alum said in a Twitter post, "Back to finish what I started."
Mays announced he would not be participating in Senior Day festivities ahead of Tennessee's game against Vanderbilt but had not made a decision on coming back at that time.
Mays was a 2023 AP All-SEC Second Team selection despite playing in only eight games while battling injury during his senior season. He did not allow a sack this season and has only allowed one sack over the last two seasons.
The center has played in 39 games in Orange and White and has made 31 starts, all at center.