The Vols went into Lexington last Saturday night and took care of business. It was the first SEC win for the Vols that did not come down to the wire. The offense caught fire early and never cooled off, scoring touchdowns on seven of ten drives in a 56-34 win over Kentucky. However, there continues to be considerable concern for the defense.

From the opening possession, Tennessee’s offense operated in rhythm. Joey Aguilar turned in his best performance as a Vol, completing 20 of 26 passes for 396 yards and three touchdowns. He was accurate and decisive, giving his receivers a chance to make plays. The receiving trio of Chris Brazzell, Mike Matthews, and Braylon Staley each went over 100 yards, combining for 350 of Aguilar’s 396 passing yards. Matthews and Brazzell both scored touchdowns, and all three recorded catches of more than 50 yards. Tennessee also went a perfect five-for-five on red zone trips. It was apparent Kentucky’s strategy of playing man on the Vols talented wide receiver corp was a big mistake.

While the offense hummed, the defense again showed why they are at the bottom of the conference. Kentucky moved the ball with ease at times, piling up nearly 500 yards of offense. Tennessee’s defense gave up multiple chunk plays and struggled to tackle in space. The pass rush continues to be inefficient, recording just one sack in the last eight quarters. At one point, the Vols allowed Kentucky to march 90 yards down the field for a scoring drive, missing numerous tackles, with the majority coming from the secondary.

Tim Banks defense continues to be “boom or bust.” Despite allowing Kentucky to have their most successful offensive performance of their season, there were positive moments like safety Edres Farooq creating a pick-six. That was the Vol’s third defensive touchdown of the year. Overall, Tennessee has 14 takeaways on the season which ranks 1st in the SEC and tied for 16th nationally. They are also plus four in turnover margin with is tied for 5th in the SEC.

The run game also took a step back. After rushing for 142 yards against Alabama and 264 against Arkansas, Tennessee managed just 108 yards on 33 carries. More than half of that came late in the game as the Vols tried to run out the clock. Now, it is a fair argument that the Vols didn’t necessarily need to run the ball given the success they were having through the air. But it is something to keep an eye on as we come down the final stretch of the season.

The defining moments came in the “middle eight.” Aguilar led a crisp two-minute drive before halftime, capped by a touchdown to stretch the lead to 14. Tennessee’s defense opened the second half with a stop, and on the very next drive, Aguilar hit Matthews for a 62-yard strike that put the game out of reach.

The game ball belongs to Aguilar. His accuracy and poise carried Tennessee’s offense. With the defense struggling, Aguilar’s ability to sustain drives and create explosive plays has become essential. He’s the difference between Tennessee being a good team or a bad team.

The question moving forward is whether this defense can improve. Missed tackles, poor technique, and mental lapses continue to plague the group. Head coach Josh Heupel said afterward, “It was good and bad. The bad was bad and the good was good. That’s not who we want to be.” He’s right. The Vols can’t rely on scoring 50 every week, especially with tougher opponents ahead.

Tennessee’s offense looks like it can hang with anyone. The defense looks like it could let anyone hang around. If that balance shifts even slightly in the coming weeks, this team could turn from entertaining to elite. But for now, Vol fans can celebrate a road win. They typically don’t come easy in the SEC.

Oklahoma Comes to Knoxville: De Facto Playoff Game

Tomorrow night the Tennessee hosts Oklahoma in what feels very much like a College Football Playoff eliminator. Both programs already have two losses. The Vols enter ranked No. 14, the Sooners No. 18. Tennessee opened as a 3.5-point favorite and the over/under sits around 56.5.

For Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel (in his fifth season, 43-16) this game carries added weight. Many know that Heupel is a former Oklahoma quarterback and coach who was spurned by Bob Stoops when he fired Heupel at the end of the 2014 season. Many saw the emotion from Tennessee’s coach when the Vols went into Norman last year and left with a win.

What’s really at stake: a win keeps playoff hopes real. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, Tennessee’s chance of making the playoff sits near 23 percent. Oklahoma’s is about 19.4 percent after last week’s home loss to Ole Miss. If either team wins out to finish 10-2, those odds jump dramatically.

Tennessee comes in off a dominant 56-34 road win at Kentucky. Oklahoma, however, dropped a 34-26 home matchup to Ole Miss. The Sooners do have quality wins against Michigan and at South Carolina, but their consistency on offense has wavered, especially since the hand injury to quarterback John Mateer. Oklahoma’s offense ranks around 11th in the league in scoring (28.4 ppg) and total yards (376 yds/game). They’re very efficient in the red zone, but their third-down conversion and turnover numbers do raise some concerns.

Defensively, Oklahoma at least ranks as “elite.” They lead the league in scoring defense (12.5 ppg allowed) and total defense (240.3 yds/game). They also rank first in pass defense (~155 yds/game) and third in run defense (~84.9 yds/game). Their sack numbers and tackles for loss are among the nation’s highest. For Tennessee this is the toughest front they will face.

However, those numbers don’t tell the entire story. Here are the total offense (yards per game) rankings of OU’s opponents this season:

-Illinois State: 132nd
-Michigan: 52nd
-Temple 69th
-Auburn: 107th
-Kent State: 134th
-Texas: 78th
-South Carolina: 127th
-Ole Miss: 9th

When playing a prolific offense like Ole Miss last weekend, OU gave up 431 yards and 34 points. Oklahoma might have a solid defense, but it is not an elite unit despite what the defensive rankings suggest.

For the Vols, it is paramount that they keep their offensive momentum going from last weekend’s win against Kentucky. Tennessee’s offensive line must continue protecting Aguilar and allow the run game to provide balance. The ground game has been inconsistent this season and against a defense like Oklahoma’s front seven, Tennessee cannot afford to be one-dimensional.

On defense, Tennessee needs radical improvement, but I wouldn’t expect that unit to magically improve. Oklahoma will likely challenge them through the air. The Vols’ secondary has been vulnerable and Oklahoma knows how to finish drives. If Tennessee’s front four cannot generate pressure and the secondary cannot tighten up, the Sooners will exploit that.

Key matchups to watch: Tennessee’s passing attack vs. Oklahoma’s secondary. The Vols have been lethal throwing the ball; the Sooners have been stingy defending it. On the other side, Tennessee’s rush defense vs. Oklahoma’s offensive line and running backs. Both have shown flashes, though Oklahoma’s ground game remains somewhat inconsistent.

The home crowd at Neyland Stadium, a prime-time kickoff, and the emotional edge for Heupel give Tennessee a slight advantage. But Oklahoma’s defense could very well hold up under pressure. The Vols’ offense has to carry a heavier load and the defense must make enough stops. This one feels like a total tossup.

Injury Notes: Expect Colton Hood to go. The elite corner suffered a calf strain against Kentucky, but it has been reported Hood plans to play given the importance of this game. The Vols other cornerback, All-American Jermod McCoy, will still remain out for this matchup. He is predicted to return after the bye week. Arion Carter is going to be doubtful which is a huge blow to this defense. Carter is dealing with turf toe in both feet.

If Tennessee can find a way to pull this one out, they will have reinforcements on the way with the return of McCoy and Carter.

Get ready for a wild night. If Tennessee wins, the playoff hopes remain alive. This is one of the biggest games of the season so far, and the Vols must bring everything they have.

Tennessee Hoops Exhibition vs Duke

The atmosphere at the Food City Center was electric as the Tennessee Volunteers hosted a sell-out crowd to face the Duke Blue Devils in a high-profile exhibition last Sunday. The Vols jumped out to a 43-37 halftime lead and looked the part of a confident, new-look squad. However, momentum changed in the second half as Duke surged for a commanding 83-76 win.

Tennessee’s offense showed promise early. Senior guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie led the way with 18 points and eight assists, and freshman five-star Nate Ament posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Ament, the highest-rated recruit in Vols history, clearly flashed his talent, but with his 5-of-19 shooting and 0-for-5 from three it was also a reminder he’s at the beginning of his college career. Freshman forward DeWayne Brown contributed 10 points off the bench and starting center Felix Okpara added 11 points and eight boards.

The second half did expose some vulnerabilities that Barnes will need to address. Duke opened with a dominant 23-9 run that flipped the game’s momentum and put the Vols on their heels. The Blue Devils out-rebounded Tennessee on the glass (48-39) and made 20-for-20 at the free throw line in the second half. The Vols went from 48 % shooting in the first half to just 34 % after the break. Ultimately, the Vols held Duke to 35 % shooting, but could not overcome the rebound and free-throw margins. The narrative of the game was the performance of freshman Duke star Cameron Boozer, who put up 24 points, 23 rebounds and six assists in 39 minutes of dominance.

Coach Rick Barnes didn’t hide his critique: physicality, rebounding and playing through the post all need work. He praised Ament for his maturity and noted that for Gillespie a few less contested shots would serve him better. He highlighted that the Vols have five tune-up games before the regular season begins, and that’s how he views this one, as an opportunity to learn and grow, not one to panic.

There is potential in this group, but the Vols will need to make some corrections as the off-season comes to an end if they want to live up to expectations. Rick Barnes did not appear overly-concerned as he views many of the mistakes as fixable. If Tennessee can continue to improve throughout the season, don’t be surprised to see the Vols make a late postseason run.

The Tennessee Titans finally made the call to fire head coach Brian Callahan this week, and honestly, it was way overdue.

Callahan took the reins in January 2024 after a stint as the Bengals’ “offensive coordinator.” I put offensive coordinator in parentheses as BC did not call plays in Cincinnati. That responsibility was with Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor.

It was a head-scratching hire (there have been a lot of those recently in Nashville) as he was brought in to resurrect a declining franchise and develop young quarterback talent. The results were pretty much as expected. After a 3-14 campaign in 2024 and an abysmal 1-5 start to 2025, the Titans’ organization decided it was time for a change.​

Titans President of Football Operations Chad Brinker and General Manager Mike Borgonzi addressed the media, “We are not seeing enough growth from this football team,” Brinker stated. “We are all frustrated. We know the fans are frustrated. We are doing everything we can to build a football program that you can be proud of.” The sentiment was echoed in the official team statement, which highlighted that the players, fans, and broader Tennessee community deserve a football team that meets a higher standard and that sufficient progress had not been demonstrated.​

Callahan’s tenure lasted just 23 games, ending with a tough 4-19 record. The offense never found its rhythm and were plagued by mediocre quarterback play and an offense that ranked at or near the bottom of the league in yards and points per game. Hopes for a turnaround with 2025’s No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Cam Ward, were dashed as the rookie struggled behind a porous offensive line, and the Titans found themselves with the worst offense in the NFL through six weeks, managing just 13.8 points per game.​

The move to fire Callahan was necessary. Titans’ controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk was reportedly heavily involved in the discussions. “Amy has entrusted me to make tough decisions in this organization,” Brinker said, “and after meeting with her … we just felt this was the right time to make a change.”

With Callahan departing, the Titans announced Mike McCoy as their interim head coach. McCoy is a well-traveled veteran, having served as an assistant and head coach for several NFL teams, including the Denver Broncos and the San Diego Chargers. He joined the Titans as a senior offensive assistant in March 2025, and now has the challenging task of salvaging the season and developing young talent under the glaring spotlight of struggling results. “We have full confidence in Mike that he’s going to be able to steer the ship here,” Borgonzi told reporters. The goal now, everyone in the organization agrees, is to rally around McCoy and see if a new voice in the locker room can turn things around with 11 games to play, including an immediate focus on their next Sunday matchup with the Patriots.

Yes, the Patriots’ head coach is former Titans coach Mike Vrabel. If you read between the lines, it is obvious that Titans majority owner Amy Adams Strunk did not want to give Vrabel the opportunity to come to Nashville to put a beat down on his replacement in Brian Callahan.

Vrabel was asked about the firing of Callahan this week. “I don’t want to see anyone who shares a job with you get let go. That’s a tough feeling with family and school, whether it’s college or pro,” Vrabel said. “Nobody texts you when you lose; they all text when you win. That’s a good reminder.”

While a broader coaching search will certainly commence, the Titans’ leadership say they are focused on giving McCoy every chance to lead and “pour everything we can into Mike McCoy and give him every opportunity from here on out.”

Titans ownership has made a series of head-scratching decisions over the past several years. Former GM Jon Robinson was let go in December of 2022 after several dismal drafts and roster mismanagement. He was replaced by Ran Carthon in early 2023. Just a year later, head coach Mike Vrabel was let go in January of 2024. Brian Callahan was then hired as head coach. After a poor 2024 season, GM Ran Carthon was fired in January 2025 with the subsequent hiring of new GM Mike Borgonzi. Now we have the firing of Brian Callahan.

Since Jon Robinson’s firing, the Titans have made eight major hirings & firings involving their head coach and front office. Owner Amy Adams Strunk has overseen and initiated much of this reshuffling.

Now the Titans will roll the dice again for a new head coach. But some people are now asking, “shouldn’t there be some changes of the person who has overseen these disastrous few years?” Only time will tell on that one, but for now, lets hope the Titans can make one good hire after a string of abysmal ones.

Vols & Tide Square off in Tuscaloosa

It’s that time again. The Third Saturday in October. Alabama vs Tennessee remains one of the SEC’s greatest rivalries that sort of flies under the radar. This is most likely attributed to the rivalry having a series of streaks by each team. It’s like a pendulum that swung back & forth as Alabama won 15 straight against the Vols from 07-21. Prior to that, Tennessee had won 10 of the last 12, including seven in a row from 95-01.

However, it seems like we are now back to this game being a coin flip each year. Tennessee is ranked #11. Alabama is ranked #6. Look for quite the showdown in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night.

For the Vols, the offense has been the story of the season. Tennessee leads the nation in points per game at 48.2. It’s a remarkable feat considering the offseason uncertainty after Nico Iamaleava’s departure and the late arrival of Joey Aguilar. Aguilar has not only stabilized the quarterback position, but somehow elevated it; the Vols are producing big plays at a torrid pace and are a missed FG away from being 6-0.

The real surprise is just how dynamic Tennessee’s passing attack has become. Aguilar’s deep-ball ability and quick assimilation to Heupel’s system, combined with the emergence of Chris Brazzell, Mike Matthews, and Braylon Staley as bona fide threats, have transformed what many thought would be a “rebuilding year” into what seems like a remake of the 2022 offense. Don’t forget that Heupel also likes to run the ball, and his teams always seem to do it well. The Vols average 210 YPG on the ground.

But as good as the offense has been, the defense has taken a worrying step backward. Last year’s unit was a strength, essentially dragging Tennessee’s offense to the playoffs single-handedly. But this fall with key injuries to Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson and inconsistent safety play, Tennessee has struggled, ranking last in the SEC in pass defense.

It’s not just the back-end of the defense that has struggled. The Vols have allowed some big games for opposing running backs, ranking 10th in the SEC in rush defense with 136 YPG allowed. On paper, this looks like Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is poised for a huge day as he has been very effective both through the air and on the ground.

Strangely enough, Tennessee’s defense leads the nation in sacks and forced fumbles, are second in fumble recoveries and defensive touchdowns, and rank fifth in tackles for loss. The Vols have been aggressive & opportunistic on defense. Sometimes causing havoc, but also sometimes getting burned. It’s a strange mix: elite in splash plays, but unreliable when it comes to limiting yardage and points. If Tennessee can force a crucial turnover or two, or get to Simpson just enough, it could swing the momentum.

Given these trends, expect a shootout. Alabama will be eager to exploit the Vols’ defensive weaknesses, and Simpson has the weapons and efficiency to do just that. For Tennessee to pull off the upset, they’ll need to keep their offensive pedal to the floor. Don’t be surprised if this game is decided by whichever team reaches 40 or 45 points first. If the Vols can keep scoring the way they have, and perhaps capitalize on one or two defensive splash plays, they’ll have a real shot. But the margin for error is thin.

Tennessee hasn’t beaten the Tide in Tuscaloosa since 2003. If they want to snap a multi-decade streak, they will need their defense to make multiple big plays.

Tennessee Basketball Takes on Duke in Exhibition Game

Tennessee basketball fans have plenty of reasons for excitement as the Vols prepare for their much-anticipated exhibition against Duke on October 26th. The Vols & Blue Devils are scheduled for a 7 p.m. Eastern Time start at Food City Center in Knoxville. Tickets for the game sold out within minutes of going on sale for the general public on August 15th.

This is a matchup with legitimate national intrigue given both teams’ high preseason expectations. Tennessee and Duke have split their all-time series 8-8, with the Vols taking a memorable 65-52 win the last time they met in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.

Head coach Rick Barnes enters his 11th year at the helm with one of the most versatile squads in the country. Ranked No. 23 in ESPN’s early Top 25 and projected between No. 18–26 by analytics outlets, this Tennessee roster is a fascinating blend of seasoned veterans and top-tier newcomers. Season tickets are sold out for a third straight year and the program continues its streak of record-setting attendance.

And there is reason for optimism. Tennessee finished with a top-10 recruiting class, highlighted by five-star wing Nate Ament, the No. 2 overall prospect in the nation. Ament’s buzz around the program is tangible. He’s already being discussed as a possible National Player of the Year candidate. If he can provide consistent scoring on the wing, Tennessee’s offense may reach new heights.

Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie steps in at point guard after leading the Terps to a Sweet 16 appearance. Gillespie was considered one of the top transfer players in the country, and he is a point guard that can both facilitate and score. He averaged 14.7 ppg and 4.8 apg last season at Maryland. He’s flanked by Amaree Abram, a scoring guard from Louisiana Tech, high school Top 100 shooting guard Amari Evans, plus steady options like Troy Henderson and international standout Clarence Massamba. Barnes isn’t worried about his ball-handling depth. With four or five viable choices behind Gillespie, the Vols’ backcourt is one of the deepest he’s had.

The front court features some elite rim protection with returner Felix Okpara (7.1 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.7 blk), a veteran big who anchors Tennessee’s always-stout defense. Okpara is joined by Jaylen Carey, a physical forward who arrived via Vanderbilt, versatile scorer J.P. Estrella, and veteran junior Cade Phillips. Estrella is currently nursing an ankle injury and Phillips’ shoulder will be monitored, but neither is expected to be a long-term concern.

Among the nine new faces are international recruit Ethan Burg, fresh off the FIBA Eurobasket finals. While he may not be the most explosive athlete, Burg’s maturity and exposure to high-level competition should help him acclimate quickly, and there’s a positive feeling around the program he’ll carve out a meaningful role as the season unfolds.

Barnes’ squad has the tools to play elite defense and contend with anyone in the country. The Vols have advanced to the Elite Eight in consecutive years and, with Ament’s arrival and the integration of quality transfers, it wouldn’t be shocking if they break through for the program’s first-ever Final Four.

The Vols open regular-season play against Mercer, and have a non-conference slate featuring Houston, Louisville, Illinois, and Syracuse. All eyes, however, are on this exhibition with Duke. This game offers a huge early test, both for Tennessee’s new faces and returning leaders, against a Duke squad perennially among college basketball’s best.

With star power, depth, and multiple veterans, expectations are for this Tennessee team to be a top contender in the SEC and nationally.

You knew going on the road in the SEC is hell. Noise, refs scared to make the hard call against the home team, mistakes are magnified. Saturday night in Starkville was exactly that. But Tennessee found a way to pull off a 41–34 win over Mississippi State in overtime for what really was a hell of a game.

After the OT loss to Georgia in Week 3, I thought I had a pretty decent grasp of what this team was, but after last night, I feel like I now have more questions than before.

The Frame of the Fight

Mississippi State jumped out early. A muffed punt by Braylon Staley gifted field position. Fluff Bothwell pounded the ball inside, and the Bulldogs quickly made a statement that this wouldn’t be easy.

But Tennessee didn’t wilt. They fought. And the real story is in the quick transitions where momentum flipped regularly.

Colton Hood’s early-game pick-6 and Joshua Joseph’s scoop & score in the 4th quarter kept Tennessee in striking distance as State tried their hardest to pull away.

Those two scores by the defense gave the Vols the opportunity to march down the field to tie the game up. And Joey Aguilar, under pressure, with a stadium screaming, did just that, with a gutsy 6-yard run.

In overtime, the Vols flexed their muscles. Bishop with the TD on the first play in OT, and the defense with their goal-line stand, Tennessee showed who has the better team.

That’s theater. But it was messy theater. There are parts of this you’ll show film and wince at.

Who Delivered, Who Didn’t, and Who’s In Between

Joey Aguilar: Is there a more perfect fit of a portal QB in college football? 335 yards through the air with a TD and a 6 yard run to send the game to OT. Yes, the stat sheet will show he had 2 interceptions. It won’t show you that the picks came from his receivers letting the ball hit them in the hands before popping it up for grabs.

DeSean Bishop: Quiet workhorse. 11 carries, 72 yards, but man, that 25-yard OT run is the sort of dagger you keep in your back pocket. That’s not luck. That’s trust in your read and your body.

Matthews & Brazzell: Absolute dogs. Chain-movers. In stressful moments, your go-to guys gotta step up. Both did. Both climbed over 100 yards. They’ll be hallmarks of what this offense can be under duress.

Defense: This team needed you to win tonight. And to their credit, they delivered. Five sacks. Eleven tackles for loss. Two defensive scores. The stop in OT on fourth down inside the 5? That’s fight. Now they will catch a lot of flak for the score and the rushing yards. Yes, the rushing defense in first 3 quarters was BAD. That needs to be fixed. But the 34 points allowed can be attributed to State being gifted prime field position due to Tennessee turnovers.

What didn’t work: The run game. Tennessee got outgained on the ground (198 to 131). In spots where you expect to sustain, they got bottled. Turnovers were ugly. Every pass catcher needs to hit the jugs machine daily. Special teams handed MSU short fields. Those are the quiet killers in close games.

Coaching & Clock: Heupel’s Moment of Fire

Let’s talk about that final minute in regulation. Tennessee had the ball at its own 26, 1:23 on the clock, and all three timeouts. Instead, they let time erode. They used a timeout late. Then threw a scramble that ran it down to 4 seconds. Then a Hail Mary. Then OT.

That’s bad. You never carry unused timeouts like that in a one-score game. Heupel later said he thought the second play was ready, so he held off burning a timeout. Maybe. But in hindsight, that’s risky, especially when your kicking game isn’t guaranteed (remember Gilbert’s earlier miss). You need precision in those final 90 seconds. Tonight, they got lucky. Don’t count on luck always.

The gamble worked. But betting your season on that kind of sloppy situational work is dangerous.

Bigger Picture & Why This Matters

Saturday evening wasn’t just a win. It’s evidence that this Tennessee squad can survive on the road, in pressure, in noise. But it’s also proof that they can’t keep leaning on late-game heroics. Mistakes like we saw against State will get you beat against the upper-echelon of the conference.

What has to improve:

• Run game consistency — you can’t always live off big throws or defensive scores.

• Turnover discipline — those mental errors are fatal.

• Situational precision — clock, third downs, late game.

• Special teams steadiness — no more freebies.

This win provides belief or doubt depending on who you ask. Use the bye week. Get healthy. Patch the holes.

Because you have your toughest 4-game stretch of the season coming up after the bye.

Tennessee’s First True Road Test

For Tennessee, today’s trip to Starkville is a chance to prove last year’s road woes are in the past. Josh Heupel’s teams have gone just 8-10 in true road games since he took over in 2021. Now, a significant amount of those losses are at Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. However, there have been head-scratching losses on the road the past several years with the South Carolina loss in 2022, the Missouri loss in 2023, and the infamous Arkansas debacle in 2024. You can’t drop games like that if you want to stay in the SEC hunt, especially against an improved Mississippi State team that is off to a 4-0 start.

The Vols enter Davis Wade Stadium at 3-1 after hammering UAB last weekend 56-24, bouncing back from the heartbreaking 44-41 overtime loss to Georgia. This is Tennessee’s second SEC win opportunity of the year, while Mississippi State is opening its conference slate after wins over Southern Miss, Arizona State, Alcorn State, and Northern Illinois.

This matchup also brings some familiarity: Jeff Lebby, now Mississippi State’s head coach, spent two years with Heupel at UCF running his offense. You’ll see plenty of tempo, spread looks, and big-play opportunities for both teams today.

Lebby’s group is averaging 39 points per game on 444 total yards, and the Bulldogs have been perfect in the red zone (16-for-16). Quarterback Blake Shapen is healthy after missing most of 2024 and is completing 67 percent of his throws for 884 yards, seven touchdowns, and just two picks. He’s also added 100 rushing yards and another score, which gives State a true dual-threat option at quarterback.

On the ground, transfer Fluff Bothwell (yes, his name is Fluff) has been a steady workhorse, averaging 5.8 yards per carry with four touchdowns. Davon Booth rotates in as well and gives them a second physical runner. Through the air, Anthony Evans III and Brenen Thompson have been Shapen’s top targets, combining for 37 catches, nearly 600 yards, and five scores.

The one question mark is the offensive line. Injuries have forced a new starting five every week, and they’ve already given up six sacks. Tennessee’s front will need to exploit that instability to get Shapen uncomfortable early.

The biggest difference in Starkville might be on the other side of the ball. After fielding one of the worst defenses in the league last season, Mississippi State has allowed just 11 points per game through four contests. They’ve forced seven turnovers and are holding opponents to 31 percent on third down.

STAR safety Isaac Smith is the heartbeat of the unit, leading the team in tackles. The Bulldogs have already matched half of last year’s sack total with five and have looked sharper in coverage with four interceptions spread across the secondary.

Now lets state the obvious. It’s not like Mississippi State has had the most difficult of schedules through the first several weeks of the season. Southern Miss, Alcorn State, and Northern Illinois aren’t going to be true barometers for an SEC football team, however, State did beat a Top-15 team in Arizona State at home. Time will tell how talented the Sun Devils are this year.

Of course, Tennessee’s offense will be their toughest test yet. The Vols have been rolling behind Joey Aguilar and a ground game that continues to churn out chunk plays. If Tennessee can keep the chains moving and avoid turnovers, there will be chances to hit explosives against a defense that hasn’t faced this level of speed.

Mississippi State is calling for a white out in the stands and honoring its 2000 “Snow Bowl” team, so expect a raucous Davis Wade Stadium. Tennessee will be in its all-orange look.

For Heupel’s group, this is the kind of game that separates good teams from contenders. Win, and you keep pace in the SEC hunt. Lose, and the margin for error vanishes before October even starts.

SEC Announces Schedule Changes

The SEC is restructuring. Beginning in 2026, each conference team will play nine SEC games instead of eight. To keep tradition in place, every team will also have three permanent annual opponents, with the other six SEC matchups rotating.

For Tennessee, the three fixed rivals are Alabama, Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Next season, UT will host Alabama, Kentucky, LSU, Auburn, and Texas, and travel to Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt. In future years, the rotating slate will bring matchups like Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Georgia, Missouri, and others in various home/away configurations.

One striking change: the 2026 season will be the first since 1992 without Georgia and Florida on Tennessee’s schedule. Also, UT has never played Texas in the regular season. Under this new model, they will, adding a fresh and intriguing matchup for fans.

Why the shift? Basically, it comes down to money. An extra SEC game brings in more TV money. The three permanent opponents is a move to keep old rivalries alive and not completely kill these historic matchups. Under the new format, every SEC team will face each opponent at least once every two years and play home and away over a four-year period. The fixed rivalries themselves will be reviewed every four years to maintain competitive fairness.

This change matters for Tennessee in several ways. The matchups with Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky give the Vols a more favorable set of permanent opponents, while also allowing the Vols to play teams in the conference they may have rarely seen otherwise. With Tennessee having two weaker permanent opponents in Kentucky and Vanderbilt, the SEC office made sure tougher rotational opponents appeared on the Vols schedule. LSU, Texas, A&M, and Auburn all increase Tennessee’s SOS.

A tougher, more varied schedule raises the stakes every fall, but it also gives Tennessee more opportunities to prove it belongs in the playoff conversation. There’s no hiding from anyone in this league, and that’s how most competitors want it.

With the shift to the nine game SEC schedule, you can take it to the bank that Greg Sankey is already in the ear of the Playoff Committee selling 9-3 SEC teams as worthy opponents for the College Football playoff moving forward.

Winless Titans Look for Answers

The Tennessee Titans have opened the 2025 season at 0-3, and the early signs point to a team already scrambling for answers. What once was hope with a rookie quarterback and revamped offensive line is slipping fast.

Friday’s practice report did little to calm the waters. Oli Udoh will make his first career start at right tackle after JC Latham was ruled out. John Ojukwu may also be inactive. Meanwhile, the Titans elevated Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson to the 53-man roster as depth at tackle. At receiver, Bryce Oliver (knee) remains sidelined. On defense and special teams, injuries and questions linger across multiple positions.

One real pivot came this week: Brian Callahan ceded play-calling duties to quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree. Callahan insisted it’s not a surrender but a reallocation of energy. He still plans to interject when needed, but Sunday’s scripts will be drawn up by Hardegree. You can bet that this was not Callahan’s decision. This was a message from the top of the organization. It’s obvious that the Titans front office & ownership are not happy with the status quo through three games.

And they have reason to be unhappy. The Titans are allowing the most sacks in the NFL, putting Cam Ward under duress constantly. In their 41-20 loss to Indianapolis, the defense gave up 41 points and 365 yards, and the Colts never punted. That kind of dominance from an opponent amplifies the roster gaps Tennessee is trying to mask.

So are there any positives? Cam Ward remains steady in interviews and seems to trust Hardegree’s vision. Young players like Elic Ayomanor and Chim Dike have shown bursts of production. Callahan even admitted “everything’s on the table” right now meaning rotations and roles. Nothing is safe from evaluation.

Tomorrow, the Titans will face off with the also winless Texans. If there is any game on the schedule that Amy Adams Strunk wants to win, it is against Houston. She does not want to be embarrassed in front of her hometown.

If the Titans go out and perform the way they did against the Colts, I wouldn’t be surprised if coaching changes were made by ownership. Some may think changes this early in the season are too harsh, but for those who have been paying attention to Brian Callahan, a firing would be anything but ruthless. The Titans obviously lack talent across the roster, but Callahan’s lack luster coaching (and 3-17 record) does not warrant optimism for the future.

Loss to Georgia Will Sting

Tennessee and Georgia delivered an instant classic last Saturday in their SEC opener, but for the Big Orange faithful, it ended in heartbreak. Despite a dream first quarter and a late lead, No. 15 Tennessee fell to No. 6 Georgia 44-41 in overtime at Neyland Stadium.

If you were scripting a start for Tennessee’s SEC opener, you couldn’t have drawn it up any better. Joey Aguilar was electric, completing his first 14 passes for 213 yards as Tennessee scored touchdowns on all three opening drives. Chris Brazzell II picked up right where he left off last week, hauling in two first-quarter touchdowns en route to a career-high day. The Vols rolled up 224 yards in just 15 minutes and led 21-7 after one quarter. Aguilar, making his first SEC start, finished with 371 yards and four touchdowns, giving Vol fans plenty of hope for the future of the offense. Brazzell appeared to put on a Jalin Hyatt-Bama 2022-type performance, totaling 177 yards and three scores, already surpassing his production from all of last season.

But as hot as Tennessee was early, the second quarter brought a complete reversal. The Vols managed only 35 yards on 13 snaps, went 0-for-3 on third downs, and Aguilar threw his lone interception. Georgia seized the momentum, scoring 17 unanswered points to take a 24-21 lead in the third quarter. Tennessee’s defense had its moments as Dominic Bailey and Bryson Eason combined for 11 tackles, a sack, and a huge fumble recovery, but fourth downs continued to be a problem. Georgia converted two critical fourth downs, including a 28-yard touchdown strike from Gunner Stockton to London Humphreys on 4th-and-6 late in the fourth quarter. That score, followed by a two-point conversion, tied the game at 38-38.

Tennessee still had its chance. After driving to the Georgia 20-yard line with six seconds left, kicker Max Gilbert had a 43-yard attempt for the win. A false start penalty kept the Vols from centering the ball, and Gilbert pushed it wide right. He redeemed himself with a make in overtime, but Georgia answered with a touchdown to steal the win.

The game was filled with big moments. When Tennessee trailed 27-21 and desperately needed a spark, Brazzell climbed the ladder for a 56-yard score to end the third quarter. Later, Joshua Josephs forced a critical fumble with 6:40 left, and Eason recovered to set up a field goal and an eight-point lead, but three straight runs prevented the Vols from putting the game away with a touchdown. Georgia’s two fourth-down conversions were backbreakers, directly leading to 14 points.

Joey Aguilar was the bright spot of the night, earning the proverbial game ball. He was everything Tennessee needed him to be: poised, accurate, and explosive. His performance should have been enough to win.

The biggest question now is how Tennessee responds. Josh Heupel made it clear postgame that this team must learn from the loss and use the disappointment to fuel them. Depth continues to be a concern, especially at cornerback and defensive tackle. This week’s game against UAB will be crucial for developing young players like Ty Redmond and giving veterans like Bailey and Eason a breather. The Vols are 2-1 with a long season ahead. If Aguilar and Brazzell keep playing at this level and the defense tightens up on key downs, Tennessee can still contend for a shot at the playoffs. Saturday hurt, but there’s still everything to play for.

Titans Crumble Again in Second Half

The Titans’ home opener on Sunday felt like it could be the day the franchise finally turned a corner. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward brought electricity to Nissan Stadium with a highlight-reel first career touchdown pass, a play that looked destined to mark his coming out moment. For a while, the Titans traded punches with the Rams, even taking a halftime lead. But once again, the second half told a different story, as Los Angeles took control and handed Tennessee a 33-19 loss, dropping them to 0-2.

Ward showed plenty of promise and reminded everyone why he was the first overall pick. He completed 19-of-33 passes for 175 yards and that touchdown, a dazzling nine-yard strike to fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor, who made a one-handed grab earlier in the drive to keep the possession alive. Ward rolled right, threw across his body, and found Ayomanor streaking back across the field for the score. Nissan Stadium erupted, and for a moment, it felt like the start of something special. Ayomanor does continue to impress as one of the few bright spots for this Titans team.

But for all the excitement Ward created, the Titans once again let a winnable game slip away. After taking a 13-10 halftime lead, Tennessee extended it briefly to 16-13 on Joey Slye’s third field goal of the day. From there, the Rams imposed their will. Matthew Stafford led a lightning-fast touchdown drive to reclaim the lead late in the third quarter, and Ward’s costly fumble early in the fourth set up another Rams touchdown to make it 27-16. By the time Blake Corum punched in a one-yard score with under seven minutes to go, the game felt out of reach.

The Titans had plenty of chances to win this game but kept sabotaging themselves. Ward was sacked five times, the offense stalled in key moments, and penalties once again proved costly. A 57-yard punt return touchdown by Chimere Dike that could have blown the game open was wiped out by an illegal blindside block. Tennessee finished with 10 penalties for 62 yards, a week after being flagged 13 times in Denver. Through two weeks, the Titans have racked up 21 penalties for 142 yards. This team simply isn’t good enough to overcome that level of self-inflicted damage.

Defensively, Tennessee looked overmatched against Stafford and a talented Rams offense. Los Angeles rolled up 439 total yards and four touchdowns. Cody Barton’s first-half interception was a bright spot, and the defense did hold the Rams to field goals in two goal-to-go situations, but there weren’t enough big plays to turn the tide. Tennessee sacked Stafford just once and struggled to get off the field when it mattered most.

The Titans are 0-2, and while both losses came against good football teams, they are both games the Titans could have won. Ward has shown flashes of being the franchise quarterback Tennessee hoped for, Pollard ran hard, and Slye remains perfect on the season. But until this team cleans up the penalties, protects its rookie quarterback, and finds a way to finish games, those positives will keep getting lost in the frustration.

Next week’s matchup against the Colts is massive. Division games matter, and at 0-2 the margin for error is shrinking. As Jeffery Simmons said after the game, the mindset has to be simple: go 1-0 this week. Nissan Stadium is still waiting for a true breakthrough moment, and the Titans have to deliver one soon.

Syracuse Win, Injuries, and ETSU on Sat

Tennessee kicked off the 2025 season with a 45–26 statement win over Syracuse. There were numerous unknowns about this team heading into the season opener, and we got a lot of answers, starting with the man under center.

QB Joey Aguilar played like a veteran, going 16-of-28 for 247 yards and three touchdowns, with no turnovers. Aguilar will look to throw first, but is a willing and capable runner when he needs to be. He broke off a 25 yard run and finished with 6 rushes for 34 yards (5.7 ypc). That style of QB play really excels in Josh Heupel’s offense.

We can always count on Tennessee having a strong rushing attack under this coaching staff, and last Saturday did not disappoint. Star Thomas finished with 92 yards on just 11 carries and a touchdown while DeSean Bishop totaled 82 yards with another score. Peyton Lewis also punched in a goal-line touchdown to round out a deep and versatile backfield.

Offensive line play was quietly dominant with the Vols racking up nearly 500 yards of total offense (246 rushing yards and 247 through the air). Aguilar was kept clean all evening and finished with zero sacks.

On defense, Tennessee started off dominant, and sort of faded as the game went on and some injuries were sustained. However, Tennessee’s secondary really excelled against a talented group of Syracuse receivers.

Despite missing Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson leaving the game early with an injury, Colorado transfer Colton Hood and true freshman Ty Redmond showcased how deep & talented the Vols are at CB. With PFF grades of 75.4 & 76.4 respectively, Hood & Redmond were the highest-graded defensive players per PFF.

Hood finished with a fumble recovery for a score and three pass breakups while Remond had two pass breakups and was sticky in coverage all game. Star Jalen McMurray had a sack, seven tackles, and a tipped pass that led to an interception.

Rickey Gibson’s injury appears to be a shoulder, and he is reported to miss an “extended” period of time this season. No timeline has been provided by the coaches, but that would point to Gibson likely missing at least the next month.

There were still some areas for improvement in zone coverage, and Tim Banks will want to clean up some of that communication, but overall the secondary played well.

The front seven played OK, but were slowed down by injuries throughout the game. Jaxson Moi was injured on the first drive and tried to return later in the game but was unable to go. The good news is the coaching staff expects Moi to return in the next 2-3 weeks. The Vols were already without five-star DT Daevin Hobbs who suffered an injury in camp, but is expected to be back somewhere around the Mississippi State game.

Tim Banks was obviously not afraid to play some of the younger players on Saturday, as Ethan Utley, Jaedon Harmon, and Jamal Wallace all played several snaps.

The Vols came out of the opener looking efficient on offense despite breaking in a new QB, offensive line (outside of Lance Heard), and young WR corps. Defensively, Tennessee flashed their talent at times, but will need to get and stay healthy.

This Saturday, ETSU comes to town. It’s a perfect chance to maintain momentum, rest some of the injured starters, and keep sharpening Aguilar’s rhythm. We will also look to see if five-star freshman left tackle David Sanders will make his first start. He was kept out of the opener by the medical staff as a precautionary measure due to a minor injury in practice. It is not expected to be anything significant or long-term.

Recruiting Flips

Tennessee traded some recruits this week as the Vols landed a key defensive target, but also lost out on a offensive line commitment.

On Monday, Top 100 recruit nationally, DE Hezekiah Harris, flipped hit commitment from Auburn to the Vols. Harris had been committed to Auburn for over a year, but Tennessee’s coaching staff never gave up on this one.

Coach Levorn “Chop” Harbin had been working Harris & his family relentlessly dating back to the spring. Coach Chop’s hard work paid and relationships paid off as Harris made his “final” commitment to play in Knoxville.

It wasn’t all positive as offensive tackle JB Shabazz flipped to North Carolina on Thursday morning. The Tar Heels were in desperate need of a tackle and were willing to increase their NIL offer. Tennessee refused to match, so Shabazz decided to go with the Tarheels.

Despite the loss of Shabazz, Tennessee still remains in the Top-10 with the No. 8 recruiting class nationally according to Rivals. The Vols have (2) five-star commitments, (12) four-star commitments, and (10) three-star commitments for a total of 24. Tennessee is one spot behind Alabama and one spot ahead of Ohio State in the recruiting rankings.

Titans Prepare for Season Opener

The Titans took another meaningful step toward Sunday’s season opener against Denver when they returned to practice Thursday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park. It was a good day, especially for left tackle Dan Moore Jr., whose return likely calmed the worries of Titans fans.

Moore looked sharp on the field, declared himself fully cleared from his ankle issue, and is poised to anchor a rebuilt offensive line. “As a collective, there’s cohesion… hanging around each other, building that relationship… that’s going to play the biggest part in communication on the road on Sunday,” he said. His confidence is a welcome boost for a line that needs to protect rookie quarterback Cam Ward and lay the foundation for the Titans offense.

Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and safety Kevin Winston Jr. both remained limited participants as they work back from injuries, a cautious but encouraging sign. Meanwhile, two rookies in receiver Elic Ayomanor and edge rusher Femi Oladejo, are looking to seize their opportunities in the NFL. Ayomanor called it a dream to simply “get the opportunity… and take advantage of it,” while Oladejo is eager to match the intensity that Week 1 will bring.

Ayomanor was listed as a started on the depth chart at receiver alongside veterans Tyler Lockett and Calvin Ridley. That’s a testament to the rookie’s talent and work ethic as he overtook another veteran, Van Jefferson.

On the opposing sideline, the Broncos’ latest injury report shakes up their Week 1 outlook. DT Malcolm Roach landed on the report with a Grade 2 calf strain, meaning he’s expected to miss multiple weeks, potentially even hit short-term injured reserve. Broncos linebackers Dre Greenlaw (quad) and Dondrea Tillman (hamstring) also were added to the Injury Report as Limited Participants.

The Titans will head to Denver on Saturday and will look to bring a team that is relatively healthy.

5-Star Receiver Commits to Vols

It was already a big weekend for Tennessee. They kick-off their 2025 football season in Atlanta tomorrow against Syracuse at Mercedes Benz stadium (Noon EST).

But a kid from Hattiesburg, MS made the weekend even bigger.

Thursday, five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys, the top-ranked wideout in the country and the No. 7 overall prospect, decommitted from LSU and pledged to play for the Vols.

This is the type of recruiting victory that changes narratives. When Keys first committed to the Tigers back in March, it caught many off guard. LSU had momentum, but the Vols never went away. Josh Heupel and his staff stayed relentless, keeping the pressure on and continuing to make Keys feel like Knoxville was home. That persistence paid off in a major way.

Keys brings everything you’d expect from a No. 1 receiver in the nation. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, he’s an elite contested-catch weapon who combines length, body control, and a massive catch radius. His junior season numbers (58 catches for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns) show why he’s coveted. He’s a natural ball tracker, polished enough as a route runner to create separation, and physical enough to attack defenders after the catch. He’s the type of player who can step on the field at Neyland early in his career and make an immediate impact.

Tennessee’s 2026 recruiting class now features a loaded wide receiver group. With Keys joining Tyreek King, Legend Bey, and Salesi Moa, the Vols have assembled a pass-catching corps that looks to have the potential to take Tennessee to the next level. Keys himself compared the Vols’ receiver class as the “2016 Golden State Warriors.” Pair that group with five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, considered by some sites as the No.1 QB in the country, and it’s easy to see why fans are buzzing about the future of Heupel’s offense.

The timing also couldn’t be more fitting. Tennessee recently announced its future move back to Adidas, and the brand was quick to celebrate Keys’ commitment on social media. Keys himself signed an NIL partnership with Adidas earlier this summer, underscoring how the program’s new apparel deal could provide another layer of recruiting firepower in the years ahead.

With the addition of Keys, Tennessee now moves into the Top 10 of the recruiting rankings, landing at the No. 9 spot nationally per On3’s Industry Rankings.

The Vols aren’t finished just yet. They will try to flip the No. 99 player nationally, Huntsville, AL edge defender Hezekiah Harris, away from Auburn on Monday.

Tennessee will also continue to evaluate senior film throughout the fall to see if there are any under-the-radar players they can identify.

The Vols may have missed on 5-star running back Savion Hiter earlier this month, but flipping Tristen Keys more than makes up for it. It’s a program-defining recruiting win, and it’s a reminder that Tennessee’s rise on the national stage is only just beginning.

Titans Roster Taking Shape

The Titans have trimmed their roster down to the final 53 this week as we wrap up the final week of the off-season. Tennessee beat-writer Jim Wyatt provided a breakdown of the roster by position:

Quarterbacks (2):

• Cam Ward

• Brandon Allen

Running Backs (3):

• Tony Pollard

• Julius Chestnut

• Kalel Mullings

Receivers (6):

• Calvin Ridley

• Van Jefferson

• Tyler Lockett

• Bryce Oliver

• Elic Ayomanor

• Chimere Dike

Tight Ends (3):

• Chig Okonkwo

• Gunnar Helm

• David Martin-Robinson

Offensive Line (9):

• C Lloyd Cushenberry

• LG Peter Skoronski

• LT Dan Moore Jr.

• RG Kevin Zeitler

• RT JC Latham

• OL Blake Hance

• G Jackson Slater

• T Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson

• T Olisaemeka Udoh

Defensive Line (6):

• DT Jeffery Simmons

• NT T’Vondre Sweat

• DE Sebastian Joseph-Day

• DL James Lynch

• DL C.J. Ravenell

• DT Shy Tuttle

Linebackers (9):

• ILB Cody Barton

• ILB Cedric Gray

• ILB James Williams Sr.

• LB Dorian Mausi

• OLB Arden Key

• OLB Dre’Mont Jones

• OLB Jaylen Harrell

• OLB Oluwafemi Oladejo

• OLB Jihad Ward

Cornerbacks (7):

• L’Jarius Sneed

• Darrell Baker Jr.

• Jarvis Brownlee Jr.

• Roger McCreary

• Jalyn Davis-Armour

• Samuel Womack III

• Marcus Harris

Safeties (5):

• Amani Hooker

• Xavier Woods

• Quandre Diggs

• Mike Brown

• Kevin Winston Jr.

Specialists (3):

• K Joey Slye

• P Johnny Hekker

• LS Morgan Cox

Practice Squad (13; 3 spots open)

• WR Mason Kinsey

• WR Xavier Restrepo

• WR James Proche II

• QB Trevor Siemian

• OL Andrew Rupcich

• DT Isaiah Raikes

• DE Ali Gaye

• RB Jordan Mims

• DB Kendell Brooks

• DT Cam Horsley

• RB Jermar Jefferson

• DB Amani Oruwariye

• DE Carlos Watkins

• TE Thomas Odukoya

Rick Barnes Agrees to Lifetime Contract

When Tennessee hired Rick Barnes in 2015, it was viewed as a “stabilizing” hire that would provide damage-control to the mess created by its predecessors. Coming off the Donnie Tyndall fiasco, the program needed credibility and stability, and Barnes looked like a short-term fixer rather than the face of the future. A respected veteran, yes, but one many assumed was just a temporary bridge until Tennessee found its long-term guy.

Instead, the coach who was supposed to steady the ship became the captain of the program’s most successful run in school history.

Under Barnes, Tennessee has soared to heights not seen over the decades of the program. The Vols have made seven straight NCAA Tournament appearances, gone to two consecutive Elite Eights, and collected multiple Sweet 16 trips. They’ve stacked more than 200 wins since 2017, captured two SEC regular season titles, and won their first SEC Tournament since 1978. Just as important to fans, Barnes has turned the Kentucky rivalry upside down, going .500 against the Wildcats and breaking through in Rupp Arena after decades of futility.

It’s no wonder athletic director Danny White wanted to erase any doubt about Barnes’ future. The newly announced “lifetime contract” ensures Barnes can coach in Knoxville as long as he chooses. It’s less about the technical details and more about sending a clear message: Tennessee basketball is his program for as long as he wants it.

What’s remarkable isn’t just the results, but it’s the way Barnes has adapted. While many coaches of his generation have walked away from the chaos of NIL and the transfer portal, Barnes has leaned into it. His straight-talking, no-frills approach resonates with veteran players who want honesty, opportunity, and development. Dalton Knecht’s rise to All-American status during the 2023/2024 season was the perfect advertisement for what Barnes can do with driven transfers, and newcomers like Chaz Lanier only reinforced that reputation.

Barnes hasn’t abandoned the high school ranks either. Just this summer, Tennessee landed blue-chip forward Nate Ament, beating out traditional powers like Duke. His recruiting, both with transfers and prep stars, remains as sharp as ever.

At 71, Barnes insists he’ll only quit when the fire goes out, and from all indications, that moment isn’t close. What once looked like a short-term patch has become the foundation of something lasting. On Rocky Top, Rick Barnes is here to stay.

Vols Football Recruiting Bounces Back

Recruiting rarely moves in straight lines, and the last few weeks for Tennessee have proven just that. After swinging and missing on one of the nation’s top prospects, the Vols quickly rebounded with a statement win on the trail.

Tennessee’s pursuit of five-star running back Savion Hiter was one of the biggest storylines of the summer. Hiter is regarded as the top back in the 2026 class, and the Vols were in the mix until the very end. When decision day came, however, Hiter chose Michigan over Tennessee.

Heupel’s staff bounced back quickly as just days later, the Vols landed a major flip: four-star offensive tackle Kamari Blair, an in-state prospect who had only recently pledged to South Carolina.

Tennessee’s staff never backed off, continuing to recruit him even after his initial commitment to the Gamecocks. The relationships won out in the end for Blair, staying home and representing Tennessee was too much to pass up.

Blair brings plenty of upside with him. Standing at 6’6” and now up to 285 pounds, he’s a raw but athletic lineman who moves well in space and has only begun to scratch his potential. His frame and growth in the weight room suggest he could become a potential anchor at the offensive tackle position for the Vols in the future.

Blair’s commitment shows that the Vols can win recruiting battles even after initial setbacks. It reinforces the staff’s ability to lock down high-end talent within state lines, something every elite SEC program must do consistently to compete for championships.

With Blair in the fold, Tennessee continues to build a strong 2026 class around quarterback Faizon Brandon and several other blue-chip talents. They will continue to work to flip LSU commit Tristen Keys, the No. 1 WR in the country, and add another blue-chip prospect to their current recruiting class.

Titans Preseason Continues: Sneed Returns

The Titans hit the practice field again this week at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park, sharpening up before Friday night’s preseason matchup with the Vikings at Nissan Stadium.

The headline was the long-awaited return of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who was officially activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. After battling a quad injury last season and undergoing a knee clean-up in May, Sneed’s presence was a welcome sight. His workload was limited, but the Pro Bowl-level corner sounded optimistic about being ready for Week 1. Conditioning will likely need to improve, but Sneed’s confidence is apparent.

On the offensive side, rookie quarterback Cam Ward delivered perhaps his sharpest day of camp on Wednesday. Ward threw five touchdown passes across red-zone periods, finding Chig Okonkwo, Bryce Oliver, Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson, and Chimere Dike for scores. He finished 15-for-22 overall with only one real miss, a deep overthrow to Elic Ayomanor.

Ward wasn’t the only bright spot. Okonkwo opened practice with a pair of big grabs, while Oliver made the catch of the day by elevating over a defender for a touchdown. Dike also posted three catches and a score, continuing a solid camp. Veterans Lockett and Jefferson added multiple receptions, with Jefferson stacking back-to-back strong sessions.

The run game had its moment too, as Tony Pollard flashed his burst on a long touchdown run and added another score near the goal line. Depth battles on defense also remain interesting. Linebacker Cedric Gray broke up a would-be touchdown in the end zone, and Cody Barton pressured Ward into a throwaway.

Not all news was positive. Calvin Ridley, Tyjae Spears, Kevin Winston Jr., T’Vondre Sweat, and several others were sidelined. Right tackle J.C. Latham also missed practice after leaving Tuesday’s session, and kicker Joey Slye didn’t kick, though he remains steady overall in camp work.

With one preseason game left before roster cuts, the Titans are working to piece things together. Friday night against Minnesota should offer another big measuring stick as any starters that are able to play will likely receive an increased workload.

Tennessee Back to Adidas Starting 2026

Time is a flat circle.

Tennessee had made the announcement they are saying goodbye to Nike and will be returning to Adidas as their apparel provider starting July 1, 2026. This has been the worst kept secret in Knoxville for some time now, but it’s now official. The Volunteers and Lady Vols previously donned Adidas gear from 1995 to 2014, and Tennessee football was the last program to win a national championship in football wearing Adidas uniforms.

While the specifics of the financial incentives are not made public by either side, there are still ballpark figures that have been mentioned.

What truly elevates this partnership beyond typical apparel accords is its unprecedented integration of NIL offerings. Adidas will initiate NIL ambassador opportunities immediately in the 2025‑26 school year, well ahead of the uniform rollout. Through programs like Adidas’ “NIL Ambassador Network,” Vol athletes across all 20 varsity sports will be able to explore individualized NIL pathways, aiming to set the new standard in the NIL-commerce landscape.

Tennessee’s internal creative leadership remains intact, a decisive victory for fan-first aesthetics. The university’s in‑house design team will retain primary control over uniform design, collaborating closely with Adidas to ensure a look that both honors tradition and excites the future fanbase.

Athletic Director Danny White framed the partnership as a strategic accelerator of Tennessee’s revival which has been backed by sell‑out crowds, robust licensing, and loyal fan energy. Adidas, recognizing those assets, reportedly presented an offer that essentially made Tennessee the flagship school for their collegiate branding.

In the words of Adidas VP Chris McGuire, “Adidas is establishing a new standard for investment in NIL,” one designed to sustain UT’s competitive edge across college sports.

Vols Hold Second Fall Camp Scrimmage

We are racing toward the kickoff of the 2025 season, with Tennessee playing Syracuse in Atlanta exactly two weeks from tomorrow. The biggest question mark going into this season has easily been the quarterback room. It sounds like we are starting to get some answers to that question.

Heuepel has publicly praised all three quarterbacks, but reports are that Joey Aguilar has started to pull away from the pack and will likely start in the opener.

Aguilar’s daily improvement and command of the offense is notable. Heupel praised his increasing comfort and control, especially during intense night walkthroughs: “He handled himself extremely well… he’s extremely comfortable in what we’re doing right now.” Freshman George MacIntyre, though not seeing first-team reps in the scrimmage, continues generating buzz with his accuracy and poise, which helps provide a clearer picture for the future of the quarterback room.

From all the reports, the offense as a whole operated significantly better from scrimmage one on Saturday. The Vols offense hit on several deep shots to Mike Matthews and Amari Jefferson, while reports also state that true freshman tight end DaSaahn Brame continues to shine. “The game has slowed down for him… he’s made some plays… and should be a big part of what we do this fall” said Heupel.

CJH says he was encouraged by how the team performed on both sides of the ball: “We saw strides in how we operated… and special teams got good work too.” But he cautioned that with two weeks left, there’s “growth that we’ve got to go get before we go kick off.”

Boo Carter has returned to live action after a sidelined start to camp, though participation remains day-to-day. “He’s done some things in a good way,” Heupel said. Carter was reported to have been getting reps with the third-team defense as he works to getting his way out of the dog house.

The offensive line continues to gel. It seems that Sam Pendleton and Jesse Perry have separated themselves as the likely two players to fill out the remaining positions on the interior. If Tennessee were to play today, the offensive line would be the following (starting from L to R): Lance Heard, Wendell Moe, Sam Pendleton, Jesse Perry, David Sanders.

The running backs are apparently solid and deeper than in years prior. Duke transfer Star Thomas has emerged strongly, and with freshman Daune Morris rising, Heupel called it “probably as deep as we’ve been,” praising their fundamentals and growth. Bishop, Lewis, and Thomas are all likely to get significant carries.

You won’t here as much today regarding the defense as they were only “thudding” instead of taking players completely to the ground, but it sounds like coaches really like what they have in the secondary, especially with their young guys.

What to Watch: Titans Preseason Game 2 Against Falcons

As the Tennessee Titans gear up for their second preseason game tonight against the Falcons, the spotlight remains fixed on Brian Callahan’s final tweaks before the regular season.

Quarterback Cam Ward, following a solid debut in Tampa Bay should get similar run tonight. The goal: find rhythm and build chemistry before handing the reins back to backups.

Speaking of connections, the bond between Ward and Calvin Ridley is evident. Ridley hauled in three of his passes for 50 yards in the first preseason game, showcasing why that duo could be the most electric link in Tennessee’s passing game. Look closely at how rookie receivers like Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike contribute next, as they will be getting plenty of snaps tonight.

Concerns linger about run defense after yielding 178 rushing yards in the opener. That was without key linemen like Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat in the lineup. Improvement in tackling and execution is paramount.

The preseason opener also intensified the battle for remaining roster spots. Inside linebacker James Williams Sr. earned looks with the first team while Cedric Gray continues to compete. Same goes for the receiver room, where late-bloomers could earn keeps.

Turnover reduction remains a priority. The Titans coughed it up three times in Tampa Bay, two costly interceptions by backup QBs Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle.

Speaking of Boyle, the franchise released him earlier this week after the rough outing, and brought in veteran Trevor Siemian as a replacement . Siemian, who has prior experience with Tennessee, brings a steadier hand and serviceable depth behind Ward.

Return game reps remain up for grabs, with James Proche II, Jha’Quan Jackson, Chimere Dike, TJ Sheffield, and Matt Landers all getting looks. A clear standout could emerge tonight.

Observations From Current Week Vol Practices

Tuesday

Tennessee’s fall camp rolled into its second week with back-to-back practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. They had an off-day on Thursday, and resumed practice on Friday. We are able to take what the media observed during their limited viewing and provide the breakdown.

Tuesday was the fifth practice of camp, with the Vols once again in shells for the third straight practice. The big news was sophomore Boo Carter joining his teammates in full participation for the first time after missing the opening week. Instead of just stretching and working off to the side, Carter jumped into individual drills and special teams work, rotating at both STAR and corner. With Rickey Gibson not spotted during the viewing period, the corner rotation opened with Colton Hood and Jalen McMurray, followed by Tyler Redmond and William Wright. McMurray also slid inside to STAR when Carter was at corner, with Edrees Farooq and Andre Turrentine at safety and Kaleb Beasley rotating in. Beasley has earned praise from the coaches, so it appears that the safety position will be a rotation-heavy group this fall.

The defensive line again is the deepest group on the roster.

Over on offense, the viewing period was sharper than what the media had seen over the weekend. All three quarterbacks threw the ball well during red-zone routes-on-air from the 10-yard line. Merklinger was especially crisp, delivering accurate throws with good pace. The wide receivers and tight ends didn’t have a drop, with only a couple of contested balls going incomplete. Amari Jefferson, who had been quiet early in camp, flashed with two standout catches from the slot, including a one-handed snag after coming in motion. Freshman tight ends Jack Van Dorselaer and DaSaahn Brame continued to be red-zone threats, with Brame climbing the ladder to haul in an elevated pass from walk-on QB Mason Phillips.

The offensive line picture remained fluid. Sam Pendleton and William Satterwhite split reps at center, with Lance Heard and David Sanders manning the tackle spots. Wendell Moe held down one guard position, with Sham Umarov and Jesse Perry vying for the other.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s practice marked the first day in full pads, and there was an added intensity which is to be expected. Josh Heupel could be heard saying, “This is the only day we got — take advantage of it.” The Vols opened with special-teams work, focusing on kickoff and punt coverage lane discipline, before position groups split up. Quarterbacks worked mesh points with running backs while the defensive line attacked the bags. LEOs drilled on the one-man sled with an emphasis on keeping their outside arm free, safeties and corners combined sled hits with tackling a pad, and linebackers repped run fits.

The offensive line’s first-team grouping looked slightly different, with Lance Heard, Wendell Moe, William Satterwhite, Jesse Perry, and David Sanders across the front. Pendleton was limited. In routes-on-air, the quarterback order flipped, with Aguilar taking the first reps, followed by Merklinger and MacIntyre. Mike Matthews had a good showing, making a pair of high-point grabs and catching the ball away from his body. Amari Jefferson dropped one over the middle but otherwise, drops remained rare. Aguilar’s deep ball lived up to its reputation. Of his four attempts beyond 20 yards, three were completions. Merklinger’s lone deep attempt was a strike to tight end Miles Kitselman down the seam, and his intermediate accuracy remained a camp strength.

A new wrinkle appeared in the passing game: a tight end screen that sent the TE in motion, planted at the C-gap, then reversed back to the quarterback behind the line. It’s not a staple in Josh Heupel’s playbook, but with four tight ends looking the part, it may be an added weapon. Walk-on wideout Trey Weary again impressed with smart play and a deep catch that drew notice from the media on hand.

On defense, position coach Rodney Garner singled out veteran Dominic Bailey as the “MVP” of the defensive line so far, praising his leadership, consistency, and production. The depth behind him including Tyre West, Daevin Hobbs, Caleb Herring, and Jordan Ross continues to give Tennessee options across the front.

Friday

Friday marked the seventh practice of fall camp (last practice before Saturday’s scrimmage) with the Vols back in shells for the second time this week. Scouts from both the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings were in attendance.

The injury list saw some movement. Corner Jermod McCoy, still working back from a torn ACL, took the next step in his recovery by participating in stretches and individual drills in a helmet but no shoulder pads.

In the defensive backfield, Jalen McMurray worked with the STARs during individual periods, showcasing his positional versatility. Boo Carter continued his run of full practices. With Gibson, Wright, and Van Dorselaer out, younger corners like Tyler Redmond, Trey Poteat, Marcus Goree, and Colin Brazzell saw increased work.

On offense, Bennett Warren split time at both right and left tackle during indy periods. Routes-on-air from the 10-yard line were clean and efficient, with Joey Aguilar and Jake Merklinger alternating first reps and George MacIntyre going third. Both Aguilar and Merklinger showed good velocity and accuracy. Kitselman pulled down a high ball over the middle, while Radarious Jackson stretched out for a tough catch from Merklinger after some one-on-one coaching from a GA. The quarterbacks and running backs also repped mesh drills out of the pistol formation and throws on the run. Aguilar looked especially comfortable in this drill and MacIntyre flashed as well. Merklinger wore the GoPro during the session, while defensive back Ben Bolton carried the camera for the defense.

Titans Joint Practice in Tampa

The Titans got their first taste of live competition against another team on Thursday, squaring off with the Buccaneers in steamy Tampa. It was the kind of weather where even the Gatorade needs Gatorade, but the work got done.

All eyes were on rookie quarterback Cam Ward in his first joint practice, and for the most part, he delivered. Ward came out sharp in early 7-on-7, completing five of his first six passes, including deep connections to rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor. In the first full team period, he found tight end Gunnar Helm wide open over the middle for what one nearby observer called his “best throw of the day.” Ward also went 6-of-11 in a two-minute drill before halftime, highlighted by a great sideline grab from Calvin Ridley, and he capped his work with touchdown passes to Bryce Oliver and Dike in the low red zone.

It wasn’t flawless, however. Ward threw an interception to Buccaneers linebacker Haason Riddick to start that two-minute period and had a couple of other passes that could’ve been picked. But he consistently bounced back, finishing 15-of-24 in team work and 20-of-30 overall on the day.

The day wasn’t without some extracurriculars. Midway through practice, tempers flared in a skirmish that started between Titans linebacker Cody Barton and Bucs center Graham Barton. Jeffery Simmons and Dre’Mont Jones joined the fray, along with several others. It was more shoving and jawing than actual punches.

On defense, the Titans had their moments against Baker Mayfield’s offense. Darrell Baker recovered a fumble, Kendall Brooks nearly had an interception, and safeties Amani Hooker and Xavier Woods both broke up end-zone throws in the two-minute drill. Woods later snagged a tipped-ball interception off a James Williams deflection. Simmons was his usual physical self, and Arden Key brought energy throughout the day.

In one-on-one drills, the Titans’ receivers had some wins but also suffered from timing issues and a few overthrows. Ridley’s route in one rep went viral online after he crossed up a Bucs defensive back. He finished with four catches on the day. Ayomanor also impressed with three receptions and a bit of trash talk to go with them. Helm had arguably his best day yet, catching four passes and consistently finding space over the middle. Rookie Xavier Restrepo looked right at home back in Florida, hauling in four catches and a touchdown while mixing in some verbal exchanges with defenders. Dike continued to flash, adding multiple receptions.

The crowd in Tampa didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for the Titans, with multiple chants of “Titans suck” echoing through practice. One fan loudly claimed Tennessee only won one game last year, conveniently forgetting about the other two. Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee, for one, wasn’t thrilled with the commentary.

Behind Ward, Brandon Allen quietly had one of the best statistical days, going 16-of-20 overall, including a touchdown to James Proche and another to Restrepo in the red zone. Tim Boyle had a smaller workload, completing all three of his passes across 7-on-7 and team sessions.

Special teams saw Joey Slye connect on six of seven field goals, making him 42-of-48 in camp. Proche, Jha’Quan Jackson, Dike, TJ Sheffield, and Tyjae Spears rotated as returners, though Spears did mishandle one attempt.

Several players sat out, including safety Kevin Winston Jr., defensive linemen Carlos Watkins and T’Vondre Sweat, and offensive lineman Blake Hance (calf). Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and center Lloyd Cushenberry remain on the PUP list.

Tennessee’s Fall Camp Begins

Fall camp is officially underway for Tennessee Football, and we are here to give you the summary of the first couple of days of practice. Media is able to attend the first few periods of camp, and we have pulled together their observations.

On Thursday, the Vols held their second practice of camp, with media on hand for the first four periods. Players were still in helmets and shorts, easing through install work, position-specific drills, and conditioning. While the format is familiar, the buzz around a few names is beginning to grow louder.

Let’s start with the quarterbacks. There’s no separation yet—and no disappointment either. Joey Aguilar had the sharpest showing on Thursday, especially throwing on the move. His ball placement stood out during bootleg drills, including a left-handed rollout where he delivered a strike across his body. Jake Merklinger wasn’t quite as sharp as Day 1 but still looked solid, while George MacIntyre misfired a bit more but continues to show natural poise. No one is lost. No one is lagging. The real evaluations will come as the team gets into more 11-on-11 team work and live reps, especially next weekend’s first scrimmage.

Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle emphasized what they’re looking for in the QB competition: someone who can manage the offense, make the guys around him better, and play smart, aggressive football. It’s less about raw arm strength and more about leadership, decision-making, and rhythm.

Among the pass-catchers, true freshman tight end DaSaahn Brame was everywhere Thursday morning. He ran crisp routes, worked back to the ball, and showed he can be a weapon in space. While his in-line blocking still needs polish, his athleticism and hands are already earning praise. Wide receiver Travis Smith Jr. looked good outside of one drop where he was quickly made to do pushups, joined by Mike Matthews in a nice teammate moment.

The offensive line continues to shuffle combinations. Jesse Perry got good looks at right guard, with freshman David Sanders Jr. next to him at tackle. Sanders, who added over 30 pounds since arriving, is one of the offseason’s biggest physical transformations and has earned attention for his work ethic. Sanders voluntarily spent Sundays studying film all summer. He’s starting to look the part, both physically and mentally.

On the defensive side, it was all about fundamentals. The unit worked turnover circuits, tackling angles, sled drills, and individual technique. Linebacker Edwin Spillman received hands-on coaching from William Inge and continues to flash athleticism, even if he’s still raw from a reps standpoint due to his lack of playing time last year due to injury. In the secondary, Jalen McMurray was vocal in his STAR role, helping bring along young players like Dylan Lewis and Tyler Redmond, both of whom are making early impressions.

Boo Carter remained in a limited role Thursday. He took part in stretches without a helmet, then left the field before full team drills began. However, there may be some positive movement. Apparently, Carter addressed the team earlier this week, a key first step toward reestablishing trust. Whether that translates to reps on the practice field soon remains to be seen. Josh Heupel has not announced a return timeline, and there’s a sense that Carter’s path back will depend entirely on day-to-day behavior and buy-in.

Injury-wise, wideout Chris Brazzell (knee scope) missed his second straight practice but is expected back next week. Tight end Miles Kitselman worked in a red non-contact jersey, while Cole Harrison was absent. Defensive linemen Jamal Wallace and Nathan Robinson, both recovering from spring injuries, were active.

With Tennessee off Friday and returning to action Saturday morning, the first real test will be during the full-team scrimmage now just over a week away. That will be the first true litmus test for the quarterback battle and other position competitions.

As far as the apparel update goes, yes, Tennessee is closing in on a new Adidas apparel deal, with a formal announcement expected next week.

Heupel Gets Two Big Commitments

Josh Heupel and his staff continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail, securing commitments from two elite athletes in Joel Wyatt, an in-state standout from Murfreesboro, and Salesi Moa, one of the top players in the country out of Utah.

Starting with Joel Wyatt.

The No. 3 athlete in the country according to Rivals and one of the top overall players in Tennessee, Wyatt had no shortage of suitors. Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and others pushed hard, but it was Wyatt’s relationships in Knoxville that won out in the end. Wyatt cited the family-first approach of the Tennessee staff, saying, “When my grandma is able to trust you… that just felt good.”

Outside linebackers coach Levorn “Coach Chop” Harbin and head coach Josh Heupel played massive roles in this one. Wyatt’s blend of size, speed, and versatility makes him a potential star on either side of the ball. Tennessee originally saw him as the next James Pearce with a 6’4 frame and room to grow into that size. However, Wyatt expressed his mind was made up that he wanted to play in the secondary, specifically at safety. Tennessee has agreed to give him a shot in the back end.

Then there’s Salesi Moa. This one was a huge win for the Vols out West.

The top-ranked player in Utah and No. 2 athlete nationally per Rivals, Moa is a smooth, explosive two-way threat with high-level ball skills and elite movement. His athleticism and football IQ jump off the screen.

While Tennessee sees him initially as a wide receiver, Moa was drawn to the program’s transparency and willingness to let him explore both sides of the ball. “They said if I want to work on offense, I can, and if it doesn’t work out, then I can go over and try out defense,” he said. That flexibility, along with his relationship with wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope, was a key factor in his decision.

Recruiting experts rave about Moa’s upside. Rivals’ Cody Bellaire called him “one of the most versatile playmakers in the country,” while On3’s Steve Wiltfong praised him as an “alpha competitor” with the traits to dominate on either side of the ball.

We will continue to monitor the status of No. 1 wide receiver Tristen Keys, as his decommitment from LSU sounds like it’s imminent. Tennessee has continued to have good dialogue with the Mississippi standout.

No. 1 running back Savion Hiter announced a commitment date of August 19th. It sounds like this has come down to a Michigan/Tennessee battle with just over two weeks left to go.

Nate Ament Update

We are keeping this short. It was reported that Tennessee basketball standout freshman Nate Ament injured his wrist during practice.

Rick Barnes confirmed the injury, but cleared up that it is minor. “If we were playing games,” Barnes said, “Nate would play.”

That should be all we need to cover on that.

Titans Training Camp Updates

Titans beat reporter Jim Wyatt gave a list of “Six Things” he noticed during the first week of Titans training camp.

Cam Ward

If you expected Cam Ward to show up and immediately look like a 10-year vet, let’s go ahead and reel that in. Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has flashed serious potential and made some very rookie mistakes. After a strong showing during the Saturday night open practice at Nissan Stadium, he followed it with four interceptions over the next two practices. He called the offense “very mid” this week, and it’s a fair self-assessment. That said, it’s July. He’s learning, pushing the ball downfield, and doing exactly what the coaching staff wants from a young QB: test the system, learn from mistakes, and grow. No need to panic. No reason to throw a parade either.

Ward & Ridley’s Relationship

If there’s one thing to be optimistic about early, it’s the chemistry forming between Cam Ward and Calvin Ridley. The two began building a relationship shortly after the draft, with Ridley welcoming Ward into his home and helping him adjust to life in the league. On the field, it’s starting to show. The duo has linked up on some of the biggest plays in camp so far, and it’s clear Ridley is going to be the guy in this receiver room. Ward still misses from time to time, but the trust is there. That’s a huge piece of the puzzle for a rookie QB.

The Defense

While Ward has thrown a few to the wrong team, don’t sleep on what the defense has done to earn those takeaways. Eight different Titans defenders already have interceptions in just five practices, including Cody Barton, Kevin Winston Jr., James Williams Sr., and Roger McCreary. Barton has been especially active, tipping passes and reading Ward well in zone coverage. The defensive front has batted down throws, and the secondary has been physical at the catch point. First-year defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has to like what he’s seeing so far.

Jeffery Simmons

Titans All-Pro Jeffery Simmons showed up to camp 20 pounds lighter. He has been disruptive every day, collapsing pockets, blowing up run plays, and generally making life hard for the offensive line. He’s also been vocal, letting the offense know every time he makes a play (which is often). His energy and conditioning appear to be top-notch. Simmons continues to be one of the most underrated players in the NFL.

Tyjae Spears

Second-year back Tyjae Spears has been one of the biggest bright spots in the early going. The offensive line is far from a finished product, but Spears has consistently found creases and exploded through them. He’s running with vision and confidence. Tony Pollard is expected to lead the way in the backfield, but Spears looks like he’s ready to carve out a major role.

Joey Slye

The decision to move on from Nick Folk raised some eyebrows, but kicker Joey Slye is making a strong case to quiet the critics. Through one week, he’s hit 20 of 21 field goals, including bombs from 51, 52, 53, and even a 66-yarder at Nissan Stadium. His lone miss was a 59-yarder that had the leg but clanged off the upright. The Titans may have gained range with this swap and that could matter in some tight games this fall.

Titans Training Camp Begins (Day 1 & 2)

The Titans kicked off training camp this week with back-to-back open practices at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park. We will provide you the highlights that were reported on by TennesseeTitans.com.

Rookie quarterback Cam Ward was front and center, describing his first day as “mid,” though his performance Day 1 was far from that. Ward went 12-of-17, starting 4-for-4 in 7-on-7 drills and connecting on a dart to tight end Chig Okonkwo. He missed a couple of throws, including one that sailed over Calvin Ridley, but avoided any major mistakes. Ridley, by the way, showed off his elite catch radius with a leaping grab and added another reception later in the day.

Tyjae Spears picked up where he left off last season. He turned a simple screen into a chunk play and routinely found space in the defense. Tight end David Martin-Robinson led all pass catchers with four grabs, and rookies Elic Ayomanor and Gunnar Helm added three each. 16 Titans caught passes in total, showing off early rotation and depth.

Quarterbacks Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle also had efficient outings, combining to go 16-of-17 on Day 1. Julius Chestnut had a few strong runs but fumbled on a failed trick play, while Tony Pollard flashed veteran footwork with a sharp jump-cut.

Defensively, Jeffery Simmons was as loud as he was disruptive. Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. made a pair of nice breakups (including one on Treylon Burks) before he eventually blew chunks on the field. Rookie safety Kevin Winston Jr., just recently cleared for full practice, already looks the part with strong positioning and awareness.

Day 2 shifted momentum heavily toward the defense. From the start of Day 2 the defense were getting significant pressure, picked off two passes, and made life uncomfortable for all three quarterbacks. Cody Barton continues to impress, picking off Ward in 7-on-7 and nearly snagging another on the final play. That makes three interceptions for him in camp so far.

Winston Jr. added a highlight turnover while ripping the ball away from tight end Josh Whyle and securing what was ruled an interception. Ward finished Thursday 9-of-14 with the pick, often forced into rushed throws due to constant pressure. Allen went 5-of-7 with a pick of his own, though he delivered a strike to Burks across the middle. Boyle cooled off a bit but is still 14-of-19 through two days.

Tyler Lockett led receivers with three catches on Thursday, turning short routes into solid gains. Van Jefferson, James Proche II, and Xavier Restrepo each added two grabs. Kalel Mullings showed intriguing size-speed potential, and Spears again stood out with his burst.

The defensive front was relentless. Dre’Mont Jones was flying to the ball, Arden Key blew up a play and celebrated accordingly, and rookie Femi Oladejo made noise off the edge. Simmons continued his vocal dominance, reminding everyone the defense was winning, and he wasn’t wrong. Xavier Woods broke up a deep Ward-to-Ridley attempt, and Roger McCreary earned praise for tight coverage on Lockett. Other standouts included Jermari Harris, Amani Oruwariye, Anfernee Orji, and newly signed Jihad Ward, who practiced for the first time in No. 53.

Zakai Zeigler Heading to France

Zakai Zeigler’s next move is taking him across the Atlantic. The former Tennessee point guard is officially headed to France to begin his professional basketball career with Nanterre 92, a Paris-based team competing in the country’s top league, LNB Pro A.

After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, Zeigler joined the Detroit Pistons for NBA Summer League action. In four appearances, he averaged 9.0 points, 3.0 assists, and just under 2 turnovers per game while shooting a solid 39.1% from the field and an impressive 45.5% from beyond the arc. While he didn’t land a full-time NBA contract, Zeigler certainly showed flashes of the same energy and shot-making Vol fans came to love during his time in Knoxville.

With two of his former Tennessee teammates—Chaz Lanier (No. 37 to Detroit) and Jahmai Mashack (No. 59 to Memphis)—hearing their names called on draft night, Zeigler now takes a different, but promising, route to prove his game at the pro level.

Vol Football Quick Hits

Five-Star RB Savion Hiter Sets Commitment Date

One of the biggest names in the 2026 class, five-star running back Savion Hiter, will make his college decision on August 19. The 5-foot-11.5, 200-pound Virginia native is the No. 1 running back and No. 8 overall player in the Rivals Industry Ranking. Tennessee, Michigan, Georgia, and Ohio State are the four finalists, each receiving official visits this summer. The Vols hosted Hiter most recently on June 20, and he’s visited Knoxville multiple times unofficially over the last year. A massive target for the future of Tennessee’s offense. Rumors are this is down to a Tennessee/Michigan battle.

Boo Carter’s Status Remains Cloudy

Freshman defensive back Boo Carter is still officially on the team, but his standing is shaky. He was confirmed to be in the building last week, but there’s been no confirmed presence this week. Sources believe there’s been communication between Carter and the program, but his recent trip to California and ongoing absences from team events haven’t sat well with team leaders. He’s missed multiple workouts and shown up late when he has been present. Tennessee players report Monday night for fall camp. The big question: Will Boo be there? Expect head coach Josh Heupel to address the situation publicly on Tuesday if it isn’t resolved by then.

Heupel Ranked No. 2 Head Coach in FBS (Yes, Really)

Josh Heupel is finally starting to get national recognition (at least from ESPN’s analytics team). Bill Connelly ranked Heupel the No. 2 head coach in college football (minimum four years experience), behind only Ohio State’s Ryan Day. The ranking is based on performance versus expectation, where Heupel’s 15.1 score edged out Kirby Smart, James Franklin, and Dabo Swinney.

Connelly praised Heupel’s transformation of Tennessee, citing four straight top-20 SP+ finishes and two top-10s in the last three years. Despite not cracking ESPN’s own top 10 list back in May, Heupel’s numbers speak for themselves:

• 37-15 overall at Tennessee (20-12 SEC)

• 65-23 career record (including UCF)

• Led Vols to New Year’s Six and CFP in back-to-back years

As Connelly put it: “He might not be getting the credit he deserves.”

Josh Heupel Talks Quarterback Competition, Leadership at SEC Media Days

Josh Heupel didn’t need any gimmicks when he stepped to the podium Tuesday at SEC Media Days in Atlanta. He didn’t bring flashy slogans. Instead, the Tennessee head coach delivered something far more valuable: confidence, and a roadmap for a team wanting to take the next step.

“Embarking into year five,” Heupel began, “I really rewound back to year one and how myself and our staff came to Tennessee and the adversity in which we took the program over. What has crippled other programs in the past, the University of Tennessee and our football program has been able to flourish.”

Flourish indeed. Heupel proudly pointed out the Vols’ 30 wins over the last three seasons. “The most in Tennessee in the stretch of three years since the late ’90s.” He also referenced improved academic culture, increased NFL Draft output, and elite rushing numbers. “Last two years we’ve led the SEC in rushing. Four straight years over 125 yards per game. That’s never been done in the history of Tennessee football.”

But as expected, the biggest question of the day centered on the quarterback position. With Nico Iamaleava bolting to UCLA this spring, Heupel now oversees a true three-man race between transfer Joey Aguilar, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger, and true-freshman early enrollee George MacIntyre.

“We will have a competition at the quarterback position,” Heupel stated. “Joey, Merklinger, and George… what those three guys have done since they’ve been on campus… their ability to compete in a positive way with each other in the meeting room and on the field… I’m really excited about getting on the field with those guys.”

Heupel had high praise for Aguilar’s leadership. “The first week he was here, [he was] taking offensive linemen out to dinner. Those are little steps in developing a relationship with guys where you can eventually lead them.”

Still, the quarterback job won’t be handed out lightly.

“I think it’s really important that everybody on your team sees that guy earn that job,” Heupel emphasized. “The ability to command the offense, handle a bad play and reset, handle a good play and keep going. Those things matter.”

Heupel praised Merklinger for his growth in accuracy and command and called all three quarterbacks “smart, highly competitive guys” who have gained the trust of the locker room.

Beyond the quarterback room, Heupel made it clear that Tennessee’s defense has evolved into a unit worthy of the program’s proud tradition. “You guys maybe heard the quote from me last year that elite defense is required, and it’s our history at Tennessee. It’s the home of Reggie White, Al Wilson, Eric Berry.”

Under DC Tim Banks, the Vols have led the SEC in tackles for loss since 2021 and finished top-10 nationally in six defensive categories last season. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner and new assistants like Marion Hobby and Levorn Harbin have added further experience. “We’ve got a plethora of resources for our guys that sit in that defensive line room,” Heupel said.

Among the players representing Tennessee in Atlanta was linebacker Arion Carter, whom Heupel described as the model of consistency. “Nobody is more consistent in who he is as he comes into the building every single day. There’s nobody putting in more extra work.”

Tight end Miles Kitselman, another media day representative, also drew praise. “He’s our utility knife,” Heupel said. “He can be in-line, off the ball, play in space, block, pass protect, make plays downfield. He’s got great understanding of spatial relationships in the pass game.”

On the offensive side, Heupel addressed last year’s inconsistent starts in games, acknowledging that Tennessee failed to score in the first quarter in six of its final nine contests.

“You want to start fast. That can apply pressure. But when it doesn’t, you’ve got to keep playing,” he said. “You rewind and look at early ballgames last year—we turned it over twice inside the red zone. That comes down to the small details. Fundamentals and technique.”

As Tennessee transitions into fall camp, Heupel said one of his biggest messages has been urgency, especially for young players. “Our young guys don’t have time to be young,” he said. “That’s been a part of the message our leadership has applied to them. I’m extremely excited about the young talent and competitive traits we have, but we’ve got to have a great training camp.”

And with a Power 4 season opener against Syracuse in Atlanta looming, Heupel noted how fitting it is to begin the season in the same city where the Vols gathered for Media Days.

“I know there’s going to be a lot of orange inside that stadium,” he said with a grin, “and we’ve got to make sure it’s the right shade of orange.”

When asked about rivalries against Georgia and Alabama, Heupel didn’t dodge the tough questions. “We haven’t been able to be on the right side of the scoreboard in that [Georgia] game,” he admitted. “It’s about tying all three phases of the game together.”

On the Third Saturday in October: “It’s one of the greatest rivalries I’ve ever been involved in. Looking forward to going down there and competing with this group.”

As for navigating the new world of NIL and roster turnover?

“What it takes to be successful when the ball is teed up has not changed. You’ve got to have tough, smart, relentless competitors who love football and care about the people around them.”

And that’s exactly what Heupel sees in this 2025 Tennessee team.

“Anybody that knows me,” he said with a smile, “knows that I’m ready for talking season to be over. Ready to go tee it up and go play.”

Tennessee Picked to Finish 9th in SEC by Media

Ahead of the Vols in the poll were Texas (picked to win the SEC with 96 first-place votes), Georgia, Alabama, LSU, South Carolina, Florida, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. Just behind Tennessee were Oklahoma, Auburn, Missouri, and the rest of the bottom tier of Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi State.

Despite the ranking, history suggests not to take the projection too seriously. Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee has finished above their preseason media ranking in three of his four seasons, including last year when the Vols were picked seventh but finished tied for second in the league. Tennessee also has double-digit win seasons in two of the last three years and made a playoff push just last fall.

Heupel made it clear at SEC Media Days that the program is still hungry. “Everybody inside of our program will tell you that the taste that was left in our mouth in December… that’s not the goal,” he said. “We want to get in [the playoff], but you’ve got to go win.”

On the individual side, three Vols were named to the preseason All-SEC teams. Cornerback Jermod McCoy earned first-team honors, while Boo Carter (DB) and Arion Carter (LB) were both placed on the third team

Titans Training Camp Kicks off July 22nd

Football is back in the Music City.

The Tennessee Titans report to Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park on Tuesday, July 22 for the official start of 2025 Training Camp, with the first practice kicking off at 9:05 a.m. on Wednesday. This will be Brian Callahan’s second training camp as head coach and the start of a new chapter under newly hired general manager Mike Borgonzi.

While the Titans underwent a significant transformation this offseason, the core message remains the same: compete, develop, and build something sustainable. Callahan, entering Year 2, returns alongside offensive coordinator Nick Holz and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, but special teams gets a shakeup with the addition of longtime NFL coach John Fassel.

Meanwhile, Borgonzi wasted no time putting his stamp on the roster. Since taking over in the spring after 16 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Borgonzi has added 48 new players through free agency, the draft, and waivers. That includes former Lions standout guard Kevin Zeitler, veteran wideouts Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson, and the franchise’s first No. 1 overall pick since 1978: quarterback Cam Ward.

Ward enters camp as the most anticipated Titans rookie in years, coming off a record-setting college career that included a Heisman finalist nod in his lone season at Miami. All eyes will be on the QB room as he begins his NFL journey.

Fans can get a firsthand look at the team during ‘Back Together Weekend’ on Saturday, July 26, with a free, open practice at Nissan Stadium. Tickets must be claimed in advance at tennesseetitans.com.

Joint practices are scheduled against the Buccaneers (Aug. 7) and Falcons (Aug. 12–13), and there will be a nationally televised preseason finale vs. the Vikings (Aug. 22).

Vol Football Recruiting Nuggets

Coach Heupel is trying to put some nice bows on the 2026 recruiting class, and the final targets are some of the most-coveted prospects nationally.

We start with two of the most important football names left on the board: Savion Hiter and Tristen Keys.

Hiter, the No.1 running back in the country, apparently is nearing closer to a decision. There was some July buzz, but August now feels like the more likely timeline for an announcement. While programs like Georgia and Ohio State have lingered in the background, it’s clear that this has become a head-to-head battle between Tennessee and Michigan.

What gives the Vols a real shot? Running backs coach De’Rail Sims has been the driving force here, building a strong relationship with Hiter despite his low-profile, quiet approach to the process. Those around Hiter don’t talk much, but Tennessee feels like it has put itself in a great position to close.

Meanwhile Keys, the No. 1 wide receiver in the country, currently committed to LSU, may not stay that way much longer. Tennessee has always had a strong presence in Keys’ recruitment, and insiders believe the Vols continue to hold the best relationships, especially through his regular conversations with Tennessee QB commit Faizon Brandon.

That said, Texas A&M is making a serious push of its own. The critical question is whether Keys will take more visits this fall. If he does, Tennessee should get another chance to make its case. No timeline is firm yet, but this one could come to a head during the season.

Joel Wyatt, now at powerhouse Oakland in Murfreesboro, has cooled slightly. Tennessee is open to giving him a shot at safety, but this recruitment may stretch deep into the fall as both sides continue to evaluate.

Kamari Blair appeared to be leaning Tennessee’s way until South Carolina swooped in late with a bigger NIL offer. Despite the last-minute flip, Tennessee hasn’t shut the door and plans to stay involved throughout the season.

Salesi Moa is still locked in a two-team race between Tennessee and Utah. Wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope is leading the charge for the Vols and staying in regular contact. Moa is in no rush to end things yet.

Darius Gray is also in SEC territory, with Tennessee battling LSU and South Carolina. No one has pulled away, but Tennessee is firmly in the mix.

Rick Barnes Lands International Transfer

Tennessee Basketball has officially added international combo guard Ethan Burg to its 2025–26 roster. The 22-year-old from Israel committed to the Vols on Friday afternoon after being cleared by the NCAA, and he’s expected to have multiple years of eligibility remaining.

Burg spent the last two seasons playing professionally with Bnei Herzliya in Israel, where he developed into a consistent backcourt presence. Last season, he averaged 11.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game while shooting 44.7% from the field and a strong 37.6% from three over 24 games. He brings a polished offensive skill set and valuable international experience to a Tennessee roster that saw heavy turnover this offseason.

The Vols have been in the market for a veteran backcourt piece, and Burg fits the bill. While he hasn’t played college ball, his professional background and maturity at age 22 could make him an important piece to the roster. Burg becomes the second international player Rick Barnes and his staff have added this offseason, joining French prospect Clarence Massamba.

With Burg’s addition, Tennessee’s scholarship count is now full heading into fall camp. Several outlets have the Vols as a dark horse contender for the Final Four next season, as Rick Barnes has done a phenomenal job of building out the roster after all the turnover from last season.

Sound Familiar? Vols Football Recruiting Continues to Roll

Over the past week, the Vols have picked up five more commitments: defensive lineman Darryl Rivers, in-state athlete Javonte Smith, blue-chip linebacker Brayden Rouse, versatile safety Jowell Combay, and coveted tackle JB Shabazz each announced their commitments to Tennessee, upping the 2026 class to 21 commits.

Darryl Rivers

We will start with Darryl Rivers. The defensive lineman out of McEachern High School in Georgia didn’t mince words about his decision, saying Tennessee was his “dream school.” Defensive line coach Rodney Garner played a major role in sealing the deal on this one. Rivers admitted he didn’t know much about Garner before the Vols offered, but once he learned about his track record and built a relationship, it became a key part of the commitment. Head coach Josh Heupel also made a strong impression, spending time with Rivers throughout his official visit. Rivers is a high-motor defensive lineman who is known to energize a locker room.

Javonte Smith

The in-state win came with 2026 athlete Javonte Smith, a talented prospect who has the ability to play on both sides of the ball. While Arkansas pushed hard with an opportunity to play wide receiver, Tennessee sold him on his future as a defensive back, and it paid off. Smith’s length, explosiveness, and ball skills (given his experience playing wide receiver) make him an intriguing project in the secondary. He’s not the highest-ranked recruit in the class, but Tennessee saw a lot of upside and exactly what they like to develop on the back end.

Brayden Rouse

The headliner of the group is four-star linebacker Brayden Rouse from Kell High School in Georgia. Tennessee had led for months, but Texas made a late charge to try to land the coveted linebacker. Rouse and his family chose the Vols because of the relationships built with Linebackers Coach William Inge and Coach Heupel giving Tennessee a key piece in the middle of its future defense. Rouse is the son of a coach: smart, instinctual, and can make plays all over the field. He has the size and athleticism to play sideline to sideline and cover in space, which is something Tennessee’s linebacking corp has been needing. He is ranked as the No. 100 player nationally and the No. 7 linebacker in the country. Paired with other linebacker commit, TJ White, who is the No. 6 linebacker nationally, the Vols just landed the best linebacker class in the country.

Jowell Combay

Less than 24 hours after Rouse committed, his high school teammate Jowell Combay followed suit. The four-star safety is another versatile, instinctive playmaker who fits the mold of what Tennessee wants on defense. He tallied nearly 100 tackles and 10 pass breakups as a junior, showcasing both physicality and coverage ability. Combay can play deep, drop into the box, and match up with different body types.

JB Shabazz

Shabazz, one of the top 100 players in the country, committed to Tennessee late Friday afternoon at 5pm CST.

Shabazz is a 6’6”, 290-pound mauler from Winston-Salem, NC, with that blend of size, athleticism, and technique that top programs covet. He’s light on his feet, explosive off the ball, and powerful at the point of attack. He is a true “people mover” in the run game and has improved in the pass game with his quickness. The NC native is also a standout basketball player, highlighting his agility and body control.

Ranked among the top offensive tackles in the nation, Shabazz had been heavily pursued by Ohio State and South Carolina, but Tennessee’s staff made a strong impression during his June visit and closed the deal.

Looking Ahead

The Vols will also continue to swing for LSU commit Tristen Keys who is the No. 5 player nationally and the No. 1 receiver in the country. Rumblings are that a possible de-commitment from the Tigers is imminent.

Tennessee is also swinging for Savion Hiter, the No. 1 running back in the country. Hiter doesn’t share much about the recruiting process, but it sounds like this is coming down to a Michigan & Tennessee battle. Some believe that the coveted RB will make a decision in August. We will keep an eye out for that one as well.

Updated Jersey Numbers Heading into Fall

Tennessee updated its official roster for the 2025 season, and that means new jersey numbers for several returning players and assignments for newcomers. On3’s Volquest gave a breakdown of the changes:

Offensive Number Changes

• Travis Smith Jr. → No. 1 (was 80)

• Peyton Lewis → No. 2 (was 27)

• Jack Van Dorselaer → No. 3 (was 89)

• Mike Matthews → No. 4 (was 10)

• Radarious Jackson → No. 5 (was 84)

• DaSaahn Brame → No. 7 (was 88)

• Star Thomas → No. 9 (was 33)

• Daune Morris → No. 19 (was 31)

• Justin Baker → No. 20 (was 28)

• Jeremias Heard → No. 51 (was 60)

• Nic Moore → No. 58 (was 74)

• Sham Umarov → No. 74 (was 79)

• Tommy Winton III → No. 84 (was 30)

• Deon Hardin → No. 88 (was 38)

Defensive Number Changes

• Ty Redmond → No. 4 (was 27)

• Daevin Hobbs → No. 5 (was 53)

• Mariyon Dye → No. 9 (was 52)

• Kaleb Beasley → No. 10 (was 25)

• Jordan Burns → No. 11 (was 54)

• Jaedon Harmon → No. 12 (was 48)

• Ethan Utley → No. 17 (was 97)

• Tre Poteat → No. 21 (was 36)

• Dylan Lewis → No. 24 (was 34)

• Timothy Merritt → No. 25 (was 35)

• Jadon Perlotte → No. 27 (was 41)

• Emmanuel Okoye → No. 34 (was 98)

• Carson Gentle → No. 35 (was 95)

• Steele Katina → No. 41 (was 44)

• Christian Gass → No. 44 (was 46)

Newcomers & First-Time Numbers

• Joey Aguilar → No. 6

• Colton Hood → No. 8

• Mason Phillips → No. 13

• Josh Rosen → No. 47

• Joakim Dodgson → No. 89

• Josh Schell → No. 93

• Grady Dangerfield → No. 97

• Charles House III → No. 99

Late Vols Hoops Addition?

It’s mid-July, and Tennessee Basketball might not be done adding to its roster. On3’s Volquest has provided some info regarding a possible late add.

The Vols recently hosted Ethan Butler Berg, a professional Israeli guard with military experience, for an official visit just before the NCAA’s July dead period. Now, both sides are waiting to see if he’ll be cleared to play college basketball, a process that thanks to NCAA red tape and international eligibility rules, remains unclear.

Sources indicate Tennessee would absolutely take Berg if he’s ruled eligible. He fits the profile of the veteran backcourt presence the staff has been quietly looking for: experienced, mature, and tough. But as it stands, both the timeline and the outcome remain uncertain.

There’s no confirmation yet on whether Tennessee is Berg’s only option, but it’s clear they’d like to get clarity soon. If anything moves, it could come quickly and unexpectedly.

Titans Training Camp

All is quiet when it comes to the Tennessee Titans. Players are working out, trying to get ready for training camp and the upcoming season. You’ve probably seen videos of Cam Ward throwing with receivers down in Miami.

The Titans will kick off their training camp on July 22nd. We will look to have updates there and keep you all in the loop of any other rumblings prior to camp.

July Starts Hot - Vols Football Recruiting

Tennessee fans had been growing restless looking at the recruiting class as we rounded out the month of June. The Vols were able to lock down 4-star edge Kendric Golston II and 3-star IOL Ed Baker on 6/27. They followed up with commitments of 4-star athlete Legend Bey (all-name team) and 3-star CB Zadyn Anderson on 6/28.

That recruiting momentum has carried over into the month of July.

Josh Heupel & staff have already pulled together an impressive haul this month, adding three big-time defensive commits in cornerback Jamyan Theodore, defensive lineman Dereon Albert, and linebacker TJ White. Each brings some unique traits, athletic ability, and leadership potential.

Let’s start with Theodore, a highly versatile corner out of Baylor School in Chattanooga. The 6-foot-1 athlete is a playmaker on both sides of the ball, but he is projected at the next level to play in secondary. Head coach Erik Kimrey likened his two-way impact to a “Travis Hunter-type role,” but it’s his future as an athletic corner that excites Tennessee the most. Theodore brings that high character and maturity that fits the Vols’ culture.

In the trenches, Tennessee landed a gem in four-star lineman Dereon Albert. A powerful, explosive presence out of Jackson Academy (MS), Albert has been a four-year starter with a high football IQ and a reputation as a team-first leader. At 295 pounds, he’s heavy-handed at the point of attack and brings a motor that aligns perfectly with Rodney Garner’s aggressive front. After one visit to Knoxville, Albert canceled his Mississippi State trip and committed on the spot. Rodney Garner tends to have that effect on people.

Finally, TJ White, a top-75 national prospect, gives the Vols a rangy, explosive linebacker with tremendous upside. White, another Jackson Academy product, has elite track speed (11.0 flat in the 100m) and has rapidly developed into a hybrid defender with natural pass-rush instincts.

With decisions looming from Javonte Smith, Jowell Combay, Salesi Moa, and Brayden Rouse, July might just be getting started for the Big Orange.

Zakai Officially Moving On

One of the most beloved Vols in recent memory is officially turning the page. Zakai Zeigler is no longer seeking a fifth year of eligibility at Tennessee, ending a legal battle with the NCAA that had stretched into the summer. Though his appeal for a preliminary injunction was denied in June, his legal team confirmed this week they’ve voluntarily withdrawn the case for immediate eligibility. The broader lawsuit challenging NCAA policy, however, will continue in court.

While the hope was to see Zeigler in orange one last time, he’s shifting focus to the next chapter. After going undrafted, Zeigler signed on to play for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Summer League, where he’ll look to prove that he can play at the next level.

Zeigler leaves Knoxville as a program legend. From late-recruit three-star to an SEC record-breaker in assists, his impact was undeniable. ZZ finished his career with 1,550 points, 747 assists, 257 steals, and a relentless motor that defined Tennessee basketball’s identity over the past four years. He may be moving on, but his legacy in Knoxville will be forever.

New “Smokey Grey” Uniform Revealed

Tennessee Football’s 2025 Smokey Grey uniforms are a tribute to the state’s deep-rooted tradition of service and sacrifice. Designed in collaboration with the Tennessee Military Department, 134th Air Refueling Wing, and Tennessee National Guard, this year’s edition honors the “Volunteer Spirit” by blending military influence with Tennessee heritage.

Set to debut during the Salute to Service Weekend against New Mexico State on November 15, the new uniform continues the Smokey Grey Series, which began in 2022 and showcases a unique design each season.

This version brings bold new elements, including a “Davy Stripe” running down the helmet and jersey sleeves—a modern tribute to Davy Crockett’s legendary frontier uniform. The Smoky Mountains silhouette still adorns the helmet shell, joined by the return of the nostalgic Star Vols logo on both helmet and pants. The jersey features stenciled military-style numbers, two-tone steel grey fabric, and the word “Volunteers” proudly emblazoned across the chest.

The entire design is inspired by military font and armor-like textures, with orange accents providing that Tennessee color that college football fans have come to associate with the Vols.

From a personal standpoint, I think it is a great idea incorporating and honoring our Tennessee servicemembers. The iconic images of the Davy Stripe, the Smoky Mountains, and the Star Vols logo is incredible unique. However, without dishonoring our service men & women, I do think on the whole that this year’s series leaves a lot to be desired from a looks standpoint.

If you aren’t a fan of this year’s style, don’t worry. This is likely to be the last year of Tennessee repping the Nike uniforms as Adidas is rumored to be the new apparel supplier, as they want Tennessee to be their “flagship” school. Look out for news on that front in the coming weeks.

Football Recruiting Fireworks

With the addition of the early signing period in December, high school football recruiting has drastically changed over the years. It used to be coaches and fans anxiously waiting on National Signing Day in February, hoping that talented players would chose Tennessee by faxing in their commitment letter.

Now, most HS players have their commitments made by the summer going into their senior years. They then sign in December and are on their college campus come January.

With us heading toward the end of June/beginning of July, here is where Tennessee currently sits with targets about to announce their commitments. They also added two commitments today with Hayes Fawcett alluding to five commitments on the near horizon per his X post here.

Commitments

• Kendric Golston II - Edge (Ranked as the No. 379 player nationally per On3): Committed today on 6/27/25. A Georgia legacy and versatile defensive lineman. Golston II transitioned from middle linebacker to defensive line over the past year as he has continued to grow. His father, Kendric Golston Sr, played 11 years in the NFL as a defensive lineman. Golston II has a high motor and really excels at setting hard edges, knocking back opponents, and adapting to multiple roles, including outside linebacker and defensive end.

• Edward Baker - OL (Ranked as a 3-star per On3): Tennessee secured the commitment of versatile offensive lineman Edward Baker, beating out Ole Miss and Penn State. Baker’s high football IQ, agile footwork, and leadership at St. Frances show why he was highly coveted despite his low ranking. A priority for Tennessee’s staff, he joins Gabriel Osenda, adding high-upside and positional flexibility to the Vols’ offensive line, strengthening their interior for the future.

Targets

• TJ White - LB (Ranked as the No. 79 player nationally per On3): Set to announce July 1. Insiders like where Tennessee sits here.

• Dereon Albert - DL (Ranked as the No. 346 player nationally per On3): Set to announce July 1. Tennessee apparently is in a good spot here.

• Joel Wyatt - Athlete (Ranked as the No. 58 player nationally per On3): Set to announce July 6. There is some chatter he doesn’t want to play edge where the Vols have Wyatt playing. Some insiders still think the Vols end up with the Webb Bell Buckle athlete.

• Brayden Rouse - LB (Ranked as No. 100 player nationally per On3): No official date set, but late June/early July appears to be the expected timeframe. Vols apparently are sitting well here with Rouse.

• Savion Hiter - RB (Ranked as a 5-star, No. 1 RB nationally, and No. 11 overall player nationally per On3): No official date has been set. Hiter does not speak on his visits. Rumor mill is this is a Michigan/Tennessee battle. Biggest question is when Hiter will decide to commit. Will it be this summer or later in the fall?

• Tristen Keys - WR (Ranked as a 5-star, No.1 WR nationally, and No. 5 overall player nationally per On3): Technically, Keys is still committed to LSU. There is buzz that he really connects with the Tennessee staff and had a great time on his recent official visit. He was just back in Baton Rouge for his final visit. Something a decommitment from LSU is possible. We will have to wait & see on this one.

Chaz Lanier & Jahmai Mashack Drafted

Thursday night was significant for the Tennessee Basketball program, with Chaz Lanier and Jahmai Mashack being drafted in the second round, bringing the total to 10 Vols drafted under coach Rick Barnes. This is a loud message to the basketball world that Coach Barnes has morphed Tennessee into one of the premier programs in college basketball.

Chaz Lanier, a Nashville native, was selected in the second round at No. 37 overall by the Detroit Pistons. In his sole season with Tennessee, Lanier averaged 18 points per game, shooting 43.1% from the field and 39.5% from three. His 123 made three-pointers in 38 games broke Chris Lofton’s program record of 118. Transferring from North Florida, where he averaged 19.7 points and shot 44% from three in 2023-24, Lanier’s senior year earned him First Team All-SEC honors, the SEC Newcomer of the Year award, and the prestigious Jerry West Award for the nation’s top shooting guard. He was also named a third-team All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and The Sporting News.

Jahmai Mashack, selected as the final pick at No. 59 overall by the Memphis Grizzlies (traded from the Rockets), solidified his reputation as an elite defender. The 6-foot-4, 202-pound Fontana, California, native averaged 6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 38 games as a senior. Named to the SEC All-Defensive Team and honored as the Field of 68’s National Defensive Player of the Year, Mashack was praised by The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie as “one of the best perimeter defenders on the planet.” His four-year Tennessee career included 137 games, tying Zakai Zeigler for the most wins (109) in program history. Mashack also set records for NCAA Tournament steals (18 total, 5 in a single game) and appeared in a program-high 13 tournament games.

Under Rick Barnes, Tennessee has now seen 10 players drafted, including notable names like Dalton Knecht (No. 17, 2024, Lakers) and Grant Williams (No. 22, 2019, Celtics). Coach Barnes has had the highest number of players drafted during his tenure at Tennessee compared to all other head coaches that have come through Knoxville.

Can WR Treylon Burks Salvage Lackluster Start to Career?

Burks, the Titans first round pick 2022 Draft, has obviously not lived up to the expectations of a first-round pick. Meant to be the next AJ Brown after the Titans traded away Brown to the Eagles, Burks has struggled to make a significant impact.

So the last thing Burks needed was a major setback, and that is what he faced last October when he suffered a torn ACL during a special teams drill. The injury, described by Burks as a "freak accident," abruptly ended his 2024 season, landing him on Injured Reserve on October 19. However, eight months later, Burks is not only walking but running routes, showcasing a pretty impressive recovery that he says has been fueled by faith & family. Titans beat reporter, Jim Wyatt, wrote a piece on Burks’ recovery.

The wide receiver's journey back to the field has been anything but easy.Burks, who has endured multiple injuries including concussions since entering the NFL, emphasized the importance of mental fortitude, "It really starts with your mental, man," Burks said, reflecting on his recovery. "Tearing an ACL, having any big injury like that, is definitely devastating." He credits his progress to his faith, stating, "I did it by the grace of God, just to make it simple. I wouldn’t be able to do it without Him, without the courage He provides me."

Supported by his wife, daughter, and a tight-knit circle of family and friends, Burks has found motivation in a purpose greater than himself. His optimism was evident during the Titans' Family Day, where he walked hand-in-hand with his daughter after completing the final practice of a three-day minicamp. "I feel amazing, just blessed," he shared, highlighting the perspective that has kept him grounded.

Despite a competitive receiver room, bolstered by veterans Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett and rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, Burks remains focused on his own journey. "I am not going out to prove nobody wrong, I am going out to prove myself right," he declared. With 53 catches for 699 yards over three seasons, Burks is eager to reclaim his place on the field, driven by a renewed appreciation for the game. "It means a lot more to me now," he said, reflecting on how his time away reignited his passion.

As training camp approaches, Burks is ahead of schedule, participating in individual drills at approximately 80 percent capacity during the offseason. While coaches and trainers will determine his clearance, Burks is doing his part to be ready, trusting in his faith and preparation to guide him back to the field.

Happy Friday to all of those who celebrate. I’m having to switch up how I make my Vols & Titans updates. We are switching to a weekly newsletter that gets sent out every Friday, covering everything Vols/Titans related.

I would love to continue to do my daily updates, but as a one-man show, I’m going to have to make this a weekly update. To my one or two readers, I am sorry.

On with the news!

Tennessee Football Land Class of 2027 Legacy Commit

Josh Heupel & Co. have secured a commitment from JP Peace, a standout athlete from West High School in Knoxville. As the son of former Tennessee linebacker Robert Peace and the grandson of legendary head coach Phillip Fulmer, JP’s decision to join Tennessee was most likely never in doubt.

Peace may not be a highly-rated player (411 nationally per On3), but Tennessee’s coaching staff sees a lot of potential. According to Knoxville West Defensive Coordinator Baron Chandler, Peace is a “tremendously hard worker” who has transitioned from outside to inside linebacker, and he’s quickly adapting to the new position. He spends hours studying film, in the weight room, and running track to improve his speed and physicality. Chandler notes that Peace’s curiosity about the “why” behind techniques has helped with his growth. With guidance from his father, Robert, JP continues to learn the nuances of the position.

His versatility allows him to play both inside and outside linebacker, and his frame suggests room for further growth. As he continues to refine his technique, his ceiling will only continue to rise.

JP will start trying to recruit for the Class of 2027. He knows Cooper Witten, another Vol legacy of Jason Witten, and will try to get him to jump in the boat at some point. Cooper is ranked 19th nationally and the number 1 linebacker in the country according to On3.

Rick Barnes New Look Roster

The BasketVols are entering the 2025-26 season with a new-look team that includes some returning players and new quality talent from both high school and the portal. Barnes’s program is well-positioned to build on its record of back-to-back Elite Eight appearances and four consecutive seasons with 25 or more wins.

The roster has undergone significant changes, with only four scholarship players returning: senior center Felix Okpara, redshirt sophomore forward JP Estrella, junior forward Cade Phillips, and sophomore guard Bishop Boswell. Barnes & Co were strategic in adding players to fill out the roster. Tennessee added three transfers—point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie from Maryland, guard Amaree Abram from Louisiana Tech, and power forward Jaylen Carey from Vanderbilt. They also brought in a strong high school recruiting class, headlined by Nate Ament, a five-star small forward and the No. 2 prospect in the 2025 class, according to On3. With the mix of returning players from last season, portal additions, and this most recent high school recruiting class, Tennessee is compiling a talented roster.

Assistant coach Amorrow Morgan, who joined from Florida State, has been pleasantly surprised with the players’ leadership and work-ethic. During early team interactions, he noted their determination on getting to the Final Four and contending for a national title. Assistant coach Steve McClain, previously with Texas, emphasized that the roster was built to sustain Tennessee’s winning culture without having a “rebuilding” year, despite the departure of six seniors.

The team’s chemistry and work ethic have already impressed the coaching staff. With a talented group of upperclassmen and newcomers, Rick Barnes will have quite the arsenal to make a deep postseason run.

Tennessee Football Recruiting Updates

So as a die-hard Tennessee fan, I’m always focused on the state of recruiting, and this final summer weekend recruiting visit prior to the dead-period is shaping up to be pivotal for Tennessee’s 2026 class. The Vols are hosting a loaded group of prospects, and the staff, led by Coach Heupel & Coach Chop are trying to do everything they can to lock up some of these guys. According to Volquest, there are around 17 recruits on campus this weekend, but I want to focus on some of the cornerstone players for this class.

First up, Savion Hiter, a five-star running back from Virginia, is the crown jewel of the weekend. Ranked as the No. 1 running back in the country by both On3 & 247, Hiter’s speed, burst, and vision make him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s running game. This is his fourth visit, and with Michigan as the main competition, the Vols need to deliver a home-run experience to lock this one down. The buzz from his 865 Live visit last month suggests Tennessee has a real shot, but the question is when he’ll decide. Heupel’s offense has always had a successful run game. Adding the #1 running back in the country would be scary for opposing defenses.

Brayden Rouse, a four-star linebacker, is another critical target. Texas made a strong push recently, but Tennessee’s long-standing relationship with Rouse and his family gives them an edge…we think. His tackling and sideline-to-sideline range could elevate the Vols’ defense, and this weekend’s visit is a chance to solidify their lead. If Coach Chop can close the deal, Rouse could be another cornerstone recruit.

Hezekiah Harris, an edge rusher committed to Auburn, is back in Knoxville, and the Vols are making a serious play to flip him. His length and pass-rushing ability align with Tennessee’s defensive scheme, and sources indicate some in his circle are pushing for the Vols. This visit could be pivotal in swaying him to Tennessee.

Craig Tutt, an Oakland defensive back, is a must-get for in-state recruiting. Ole Miss has momentum, but Tennessee’s pairing him with his previous teammate from Oakland High School this weekend, Duane Morris. Tutt’s ball skills and instincts would be a welcomed addition to the backend of Tennessee’s defense.

Offensive tackle Kamari Blair is in town, the 280th ranked prospect nationally according to On3. This would be a big win if Tennessee could seal the deal there.

Tristen Keys, the No. 1 WR in the country according to On3, seems to be a Tennessee lean despite his commitment to LSU. He will be back in Baton Rouge this weekend, so lets hope Tennessee can survive that visit.

Instate athlete Joel Wyatt, the #58 player nationally according to On3, has been pretty quiet about his recruitment. He is not in town this weekend, and Tennessee is pushing him to come in to play edge. Rumblings suggest Wyatt is looking for an opportunity to play on the offensive side of the ball, so we will see which way that one goes.

If the Vols can land even a few of these targets, the 2026 class could be Top 10 nationally.

Titans Players That Impressed This Offseason

Titans beat-writer, Jim Wyatt, provided a list of players that have impressed him so far this offseason.

With training camp set to kick off July 23rd after players report on July 22nd, the Titans staff seems pretty optimistic about this year’s roster. Several players have stepped up during the six OTAs and three minicamp practices. We will break down Jim’s standout performers.

Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has been turning heads with his poise and arm talent. Completing 65 of 96 passes (67.7%) in 7-on-7 and team drills during open practices, Ward’s leadership and maturity are apparent, despite a few interceptions. He looks to be tracking as the Titans starter come Week 1. Meanwhile, second-year right tackle JC Latham has transformed himself, losing over 30 pounds and earning praise as the team’s top lineman from offensive coordinator Nick Holz. His athleticism and switch to right tackle from left tackle could anchor the line.

Linebacker Cody Barton, a free-agent signing, has exceeded expectations, intercepting Ward twice and providing veteran guidance to a young defense. His leadership is already shaping the linebacker room. Tight end Chig Okonkwo has led all pass-catchers with 13 receptions in open practices. He seems to be developing some good chemistry with Ward.

The rookie receiver trio of Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, and Xavier Restrepo also impressed, with Restrepo’s 11 catches leading the group. Veterans like Calvin Ridley are showing a lot of buy-in after the drafting of Ward. Running back Tyjae Spears has had some explosive runs and looks to be carving out a bigger role for himself. Defensively, Jeffery Simmons, despite limited offseason participation, has lost 20 pounds and looks to be geared toward another productive season, while safety Amani Hooker has looked very comfortable going into his seventh year.

Wyatt also called out Special Teams coordinator John Fassel. He has been injecting energy into a pretty reliable unit featuring Joey Slye, Johnny Hekker, and Morgan Cox.

We have seen that in today’s NFL, it is possible for a quick turnaround even with a rookie QB. When the Houston Texans drafted Ohio State QB CJ Stroud with the 2nd overall pick in 2023, Stroud let the Texans to a 10-7 season, winning the AFC South and advancing to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

Last year, we saw the Washington Commanders draft QB Jayden Daniels with the 2nd overall pick, and he would go on to lead the Commanders to a 12-5 season. Washington eventually won their first playoff game since 2005, making it to the NFC Championship game before losing to the Eagles.

Now I’m not saying that Cam Ward is going to pull out a Stroud or Daniels type of season. All I am saying is that a quick turnaround with the right quarterback is possible.

Come September, we will see if Cam Ward and the Titans can quickly right the ship in Nashville.

Zakai Zeigler’s Lawsuit Denied

On Thursday a federal judge in Knoxville denied Zakai Zeigler’s lawsuit seeking a fifth year of eligibility for the 2025-26 NCAA basketball season. Judge Katherine Crytzer ruled that Zeigler’s legal team failed to demonstrate that the NCAA’s four-seasons-in-five-years rule constitutes an unlawful restraint of trade under antitrust laws, specifically citing insufficient evidence of anticompetitive harm in the market for student-athlete services and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation. The lawsuit, filed on May 20th, sought a preliminary injunction to allow Zeigler to compete while pursuing graduate studies at Tennessee.

Zeigler, who was a late addition to Tennessee’s 2021 recruiting class, became a cornerstone of the Volunteers’ program. Over four seasons, he averaged 11.3 points, 5.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals across 118 games, shooting 39.0% from the field and 33.1% from three-point range. He ended his final season with 13.6 points, 7.4 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, leading Tennessee to a second consecutive Elite Eight appearance. Zeigler set program and SEC records, including Tennessee’s all-time assists mark (747) and the SEC’s single-season assists record (257). He became the first SEC player to amass 1,550 points, 700 assists, 350 rebounds, and 250 steals, cementing his legacy as an all-time Tennessee great.

The denial follows a similar ruling against Tennessee baseball’s Alberto Osuna, despite Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia and Rutgers’ Jett Elad recently winning additional eligibility through comparable legal challenges. Despite Zeigler’s denial, Tennessee has positioned itself well with his replacement, having secured Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a dynamic point guard who averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 assists last season, to fill the void.

Reflecting on his Tennessee tenure, Zeigler emphasized the relationships with his teammates & coach Barnes through 109 wins, two Elite Eights, a Sweet 16, and a round of 32 appearance. “These are people I’m going to talk to for the rest of my life, people that I love,” he said after Tennessee’s Elite Eight loss to Houston. With his collegiate career ending, Zeigler’s impact on Tennessee basketball endures, a testament to the incredible influence he had during his time in Knoxville.

Tennessee Lands DB Commit

Tennessee football has added an additional commitment to it’s 2026 recruiting class from three-star defensive back KJ McClain. McClain announced his commitment on Wednesday, following an official visit, choosing Tennessee over Michigan State, Penn State, and Texas A&M. Ranked as the No. 515 overall prospect and No. 43 safety in the 2026 class by On3’s composite rankings, McClain looks to be a player that Josh Heupel and his coaches see as underrated.

McClain’s high school coach, Augie Hoffman, describes him as a sure tackler who excels in space. His physical development is ongoing, with significant strides in the weight room as he tries to get his body ready for SEC physicality. McClain’s ability to play multiple positions, including safety and potentially STAR, adds depth to Tennessee’s defensive back room. With 50 tackles and several forced turnovers in his junior season, McClain’s football IQ stands out. KJ’s brother, Jaylen, starts at safety for Ohio State.

Tennessee’s 2025 Football Schedule Partial Times Announced

Tennessee’s 2025 football schedule now has five confirmed kickoff times and seven games assigned to flex or specific windows.

The season kicks off on August 30 against Syracuse in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium at noon ET on ABC, part of the Aflac Kickoff Game tripleheader.

Tennessee’s home opener follows on September 6 against ETSU at 3:30 p.m. ET, will be streamed on SEC Network+/ESPN+.

September 13th, Tennessee gets Georgia in Knoxville at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC for their SEC opener, which is a hell of a game to kick off conference play. This will be the “Checker Neyland” game, and the Vols will be honoring John Henderson’s College Football Hall of Fame induction.

UAB visits on September 20 at 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

Other SEC matchups include road games at Mississippi State (September 27, flex window), Alabama (October 18, flex window), Kentucky (October 25, night window), and Florida (November 22, flex window).

Home games include Arkansas (October 11, flex window), Oklahoma (November 1, flex window), and Vanderbilt (November 29, afternoon window).

The homecoming game will be against New Mexico State on November 15 at 4:15 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

Titans Mini-Camp Concludes

The Titans concluded their three-day minicamp on Thursday. As expected, the focus was on rookie quarterback Cam Ward.

According to Jim Wyatt at TennesseeTitans.Com, Ward experienced a bit of a rollercoaster final day. He completed 9-of-15 passes, including a touchdown pass to tight end David Martin-Robinson and another to receiver Bryce Oliver. However, he had two interceptions, one to linebacker Cody Barton and another to cornerback Davion Ross. Ross’s pick sparked a playful taunt from defenders, who mimicked Ward’s signature “Zombieland” celebration from his time at Miami. Ward apparently spent a lot of time post-practice working on his conditioning (maybe some sort of self-punishment for the interceptions). He finished the three-day minicamp with 42-of-58 completions during the 7-on-7 and team periods.

2024 undrafted free agent receiver Bryce Oliver had a strong showing, hauling in three touchdowns, including a deep ball from quarterback Will Levis, who went 5-of-8 on the day. Running back Julius Chestnut also made plays, making a one-handed touchdown catch from Ward. Tight ends Martin-Robinson and Chig Okonkwo, along with running back Tyjae Spears, each recorded three receptions.

Defensively, cornerbacks Jermari Harris and Amani Oruwariye, along with safety Amani Hooker, made notable pass breakups, while Femi Oladejo and T’Vondre Sweat were disruptive in the backfield. Several players, including cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and tackle Dan Moore, were absent from practice.

First off, I want to apologize for the lack of summary posts the past week or so. I had some things going on in my personal life that prevented me from getting out these daily summaries. I know my thousands of readers (lol) are extremely disappointed, but I’m back to provide the Titans & Vols news of the day/week.

BaseVols Historic Run

Tennessee has cemented its place as a baseball powerhouse, clinching a spot in the Super Regionals for an unprecedented fifth straight year after an 11-5 victory over Wake Forest on Monday night. No other school has managed more than two consecutive Super Regional appearances, highlighting the Vols as the premier program in College Baseball.

The win against Wake Forest showcased the Vols’ talent, despite the 2025 season being considered a “down” year. Liam Doyle, pitching on just two days’ rest, came in for relief, striking out five batters in 2.1 hitless innings and breaking Tennessee’s single-season strikeout record. The offense popped off a seven-run fourth inning making the game essentially out of reach for the Demon Deacons. The victory sets the stage for a high-stakes three-game series in Arkansas, with a trip to the College World Series on the line. The seeding didn’t do Tennessee any favors with the Razorbacks being the highest ranked team remaining in the field of 16.

Since Tony Vitello took the helm, Tennessee has been nearly unstoppable in regional play, boasting a 17-3 record overall and a 12-1 mark at home. Since losing to North Carolina in 2019 in the Chapel Hill Regional, the Vols have been a juggernaut, with their only recent stumble being a 7-6 loss to Wake Forest on Sunday, snapping a 14-game regional win streak.

Zakai Zeigler Lawsuit

Zakai remains at the center of a legal battle that could reshape NCAA eligibility rules. Zeigler, coming off an incredible senior season where he set Tennessee’s all-time assists record (747) and led the Volunteers to a second consecutive Elite Eight appearance, is suing the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility. His lawsuit, filed on May 20th, by Litson PLLC and Garza Law Firm, argues that the NCAA’s four-seasons-within-five-years rule is an unlawful restraint of trade under antitrust laws, limiting athletes’ earning potential through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. According to Spyre Sports Group, Tennessee’s NIL collective, a fifth season could be worth $2-4 million for Zeigler.

However, the NCAA is pushing back. In a motion filed Monday, the organization asked a federal judge to deny Zeigler’s injunction request, warning that granting a fifth year could lead to a flood of similar claims, potentially disrupting team rosters and reducing opportunities for incoming freshmen. Sportico reports the NCAA estimates 20-25% of roster spots could be lost to seniors extending their careers, arguing this harms “student-athletes who dream of being the next Zakai Zeigler.” Ironically, Tennessee’s 2025-26 roster still has an open scholarship spot if Zakai is able to return.

Zeigler’s legal team proposes a less restrictive alternative: allowing athletes who complete their undergraduate degree in four years to compete in a fifth season while pursuing graduate studies. They argue this aligns with the NCAA’s academic mission more than practices like redshirting. Zeigler’s case is unique as he’s among the first post-COVID class not automatically granted a fifth year, unlike athletes from 2016-2020 affected by the pandemic.

A hearing on Zeigler’s preliminary injunction is set for Friday in Knoxville before U.S. District Judge Katherine A. Crytzer. Depending on the outcome, this could potentially set a precdent reshaping how the NCAA balances academic and athletic opportunities with athletes’ earning potential in the NIL era. For Zeigler, it’s a chance to lead another reloaded Tennessee squad while pursuing a graduate degree—and millions in NIL earnings.

Numbers for Incoming BasketVols

Tennessee Basketball has announced jersey numbers for its eight newcomers for the 25-26 season.

Nate Ament - No. 10 -Leading the pack, a consensus five-star small forward and the highest-ranked recruit in Vols history, ranked No. 2 in the On3 Top 150. Ament is projected as a one-and-done lottery pick for the 2026 NBA Draft.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie - No. 0 - Brings proven scoring (14.7 PPG) and playmaking (4.8 APG) from Maryland. The highest-rated transfer player signed this offseason.

Amari Evans - No. 1 - A top-70 national recruit and second player committed in the class. He was the 7th best player out of the state of Georiga.

Clarence Massamba - No. 4 - A French guard, contributes international experience (9.8 PPG). A late add to the Vols class.

Dewayne Brown II - No. 6 - First commitment in the class and is Alabama’s top prospect and a top-10 center. Ranked 96th nationally.

Jaylen Carey - No. 23 - The 6-foot-8, 245-pound transfer forward from Vanderbilt offers size and versatility.

Amaree Abram - No. 77 - The Louisiana Tech transfer brings scoring (12.3 PPG). He shot 42.2% from the field, 37.3% from the 3-point line and averaged 32.1 minutes per game while starting all 32 games. Abram will be the first player in program history to wear jersey No. 77.

Troy Henderson -No. 24 - Three-star point guard from Virginia. No. 34 PG in the country. Henderson signed with Fordham in November, but was released after the Rams fired head coach Keith Urgo.

ESPN Football Power Index “Overvalues” Tennessee

Tennessee Football enters the 2025 season ranked No. 10 in ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), projecting a 9-3 record and a 38.5% chance to make the 12-team College Football Playoff. However, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach questions this optimism, labeling the Vols overvalued after a turbulent offseason. The departure of starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava to UCLA over an NIL dispute left a void, with former Appalachian State and UCLA quarterback Joey Aguilar stepping in. Aguilar’s 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns in two seasons at App State are promising, but Schlabach warns his transition to the SEC’s intensity is a different beast.

The Vols also lost star running back Dylan Sampson and three top receivers, raising concerns about offensive cohesion. ESPN’s SP+ rankings place Tennessee’s offense at No. 34, though its defense comes in the Top 10 at No. 7. Despite these losses, the FPI gives Tennessee a 97.5% chance of at least six wins, a 4.2% chance to win the SEC, and a 2.3% chance for a national title.

Schlabach sees two paths: Aguilar could rally the team, leveraging Tennessee’s elite defense, or struggle to adapt, dragging the Vols down. Anonymous SEC coaches echo this skepticism, viewing 2025 as a potential rebuild year due to depth issues and a revamped roster. Yet, coach Josh Heupel’s track record and Tennessee’s 10-3 playoff season in 2024 suggests otherwise. With a tough schedule including Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma, the Vols’ success hinges on Aguilar’s integration and offensive line replacements.

I will cut Schlabach some slack. These are national writers that aren’t on the ground and constantly around Tennessee’s program. Yes, Tennessee lost Nico to the portal, but I would point out that the Vols had the success they did almost in spite of Nico, not because of him.

Tennessee did lose 4 of their 5 offensive line starters, but their projected starters for next year have talent. There are two 5-star tackles with Lance Heard at LT and David Sanders at RT. Transfer OG Wendell Moe was one of the top transfers in the portal this offseason and is penciled in at LG. 4-stars William Satterwhite & Sham Umarov in addition to Notre Dame transfer Sam Pendleton will battle it out for the remaining center & guard spots.

The WR core is young with a lack of experience, but again, it is a talented room. Mike Matthews, Braylon Staley, Travis Smith, and Radarious Jackson are all blue-chip players. Chris Brazzell was a 4-star transfer last year from Tulane who caught the game-winning pass against Alabama, and Boo Carter is slated to get snaps this year at receiver. His talent is apparent.

The loss of Dylan Sampson hurts, but Josh Heupel has run the ball effectively every season despite who lines up at running back. DeSean Bishop & Peyton Lewis ran the ball well last season, and Duke transfer Star Thomas joins the team.

The Top-10 defense from a year ago returns a significant portion. James Pearce was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft, but Tennessee has quality depth returning. Joshua Josephs is one of the top returning edge players in the conference. Rodney Garner & Coach Chop have players like Tyre West, Caleb Herring, Jordan Ross, Daevin Hobbs, Jaxon Moi, Bryson Eason, Isaiah Campbell, Mariyon Dye, and Dominic Bailey at their disposal. That is a healthy mix of returning players that were highly productive, and high 4 & 5 star players coming in from high school.

Linebacker returns Arion Carter, Jeremiah Tealander, Edwin Spillman, and adds one of the top LB classes in the country with Christian Gass, Jaedon Harmon, and Jadon Perlotte.

The defensive backfield returns four of their five starters, with former walk-on Will Brooks being the only departure. Jermod McCoy will be coming back from a torn ACL, but he is one of the best CBs in the country and a projected first-round pick. Ricky Gibson, Boo Carter, and Andre Turrentine all return.

So while it may look like Tennessee will take a significant step back this season to those in the national media due to the losses of Iamaleava, Sampson, Pearce, and the offensive line, Tennessee has quietly assembled a roster with talent everywhere. How far this team can go in the 2025 season looks to rest in the hands of whoever wins the starting QB job whether that be Joey Aguilar or Jake Merklinger.

Cam Ward Progress

The Tennessee Titans’ first-overall pick, Cam Ward, is already turning heads at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park. Arriving at 5 a.m. to study film and receive treatment, a habit he brings from his time at Miami, the rookie quarterback’s work ethic is apparent. During the Titans’ fifth OTA session on Tuesday, Ward showcased his talent, completing 23-of-38 passes in 7-on-7 and team drills with no interceptions, per Titans Insider reports. His tight-window throws and decision-making have impressed teammates like tackle JC Latham, who praised Ward’s accountability and high standards.

Coach Brian Callahan, while cautioning Ward about burnout given the NFL’s grueling season, is encouraged by his progress. Ward’s focus on mastering protections and reading complex defenses, especially on third-down blitz packages, highlights his obsession with detail. Receiver Calvin Ridley, whose locker neighbors Ward’s, lauded his “great arm” and fearless mentality, noting their off-field chemistry.

With the final OTA today and a three-day minicamp next week, Ward’s priority isn’t flashy plays but sustaining drives. “Practice only tells half the story,” Ward said, emphasizing first- and second-down efficiency to empower his playmakers. The Titans’ training camp in late July will test his mindset. As NFL.com notes, Ward’s ability could elevate Tennessee’s offense, ranked 27th in 2024. With a 9-8 season projected by ESPN’s FPI, Ward’s early strides signal a promising era for the Titans, provided he paces himself for the long haul.

This should come as no surprise to Tennessee fans and those who are familiar with a general knowledge of college athletics. Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White has been named the 2025 Sports Business Journal Athletic Director of the Year.

When it was announced that Danny White would be hired to run Tennessee’s Athletic Department in 2021, the feedback was essentially unanimous it was a home-run hire. Since joining Tennessee, White has elevated the Volunteers’ athletic program to new heights, achieving remarkable success across sports while revolutionizing the business of collegiate athletics.

White’s tenure has been marked by historic achievements. The football team secured two 10-win seasons and debuted in the College Football Playoff in 2024. Men’s basketball reached back-to-back Elite Eight appearances, and the baseball team won a national championship, Tennessee’s first championship in any sport since 2009 (Women’s Indoor Track & Field). Women’s basketball, under new coach Kim Caldwell this season, advanced to the Sweet Sixteen.

Tennessee stood alone in 2024 as the only school to appear in the College Football Playoff, Elite Eight, and College World Series. With all 20 sports poised for postseason play for the second straight year, Tennessee earned a third-place finish in the 2023-24 Learfield Directors’ Cup and claimed three consecutive SEC All-Sports trophies.

Beyond competition, White has doubled Tennessee’s athletic budget to $280 million, one of the largest in college sports. His vision ensures resources are reinvested to give teams every competitive edge. Navigating the complex world of NIL, White has positioned Tennessee to thrive, leveraging a new state law to maintain flexibility in a rapidly changing landscape.

White’s leadership has created a winning culture. Notably, he and his father, Kevin White, who won the same award in 2014 at Duke, are the first father-son duo to receive this honor. Danny White’s impact at Tennessee is undeniable. Many knew he would bring athletic-success back for the Vols, but nobody foresaw this level of success. Chancellor Plowman should do everything in her power to lock Danny up for a lifetime contract.

BaseVols Postseason

Hand up. I will admit that I am not someone with considerable baseball knowledge. Probably like many Vol fans, I did not pay too much attention to College Baseball until Tony Vitello’s hiring and recent success. But I have found myself invested and have to give the sport credit. It’s fun to watch. During last year’s College World Series, I was quite literally on the edge of my seat watching Tennessee sweat out their win against Texas A&M to capture their first-ever National Championship in baseball.

Tony Vitello’s instant success has made most of us spoiled. Sitting with a record of 43-15, the overall fan-sentiment is that this team has underachieved. Prior to Vitello’s tenure, the 2025 season would have been considered one of the best ever in Knoxville. It is important for fans to keep that perspective during a “down” year for Tennessee Baseball.

While the regular season did not end the way many had hoped, the team appears to be getting hot at just the right time. With SEC Tournament wins over No. 1 Texas (7-5, 12 innings) and No. 9 Alabama (15-10), there has been a boost in the NCAA Tournament projections.

D1Baseball ranks the Vols (43-15) as the No. 15 seed, hosting West Virginia, Miami, and Miami (Ohio) in the Knoxville Regional. Baseball America projects them at No. 14, hosting West Virginia, ETSU, and Bryant, while 11.7 College Baseball has them at No. 12, hosting West Virginia, ETSU, and Murray State. Tennessee’s No. 10 RPI exceeds that of Florida, Ole Miss, and Alabama, strengthening their case.

With a crucial SEC Tournament semifinal against No. 4 Vanderbilt set for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, Tennessee’s postseason momentum is building. Their current hot-streak and home-field advantage at Lindsey Nelson Stadium position them as a top threat for another deep NCAA run in 2025.

CFB Updates Playoff Seeding

Remember how most fans thought the CFB expanded-playoff seeding was stupid? Well, it only took one year for the Playoff Committee to realize this as well.

Starting this upcoming season, the committee is adopting a straight seeding model that eliminates automatic byes for the top four conference champions. While five of the 12 playoff spots remain reserved for conference champs, all teams will now be seeded based on CFP rankings. The top four seeds will still receive a first-round bye. The shift was approved by conference commissioners, and will fix the flaws seen in the 2024 playoff.

Last year, the CFP’s original format gave byes to the four highest-ranked conference champs, causing seedings that made no sense. Boise State, ranked No. 9, was seeded No. 3, and Arizona State, ranked No. 12, was No. 4. All four champs with byes—Boise State, Arizona State, Georgia, and Texas—advanced automatically to the quarter finals.

Under straight seeding, the 2024 first round would have been: No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Notre Dame, No. 11 Arizona State at No. 6 Ohio State, No. 10 SMU at No. 7 Tennessee, and No. 9 Boise State at No. 8 Indiana.

This model would have reshuffled team prospects. Georgia (No. 2), Texas (No. 5), and SMU (No. 11) would have faced tougher paths, lowering their title odds. Ohio State and Tennessee would have gained easier paths. Indiana would benefit from a home game, and Oregon’s finals path would improve without an early Ohio State matchup.

For those Vols fans keeping count, go ahead and add this seeding correction to a rule change that would have positively impacted a Tennessee team if it were already in place.

-The September 2000 Tennessee-Florida game. The Vols led 24-20 late in the fourth-quarter when Jabar Gaffney “caught” a TD pass that resulted in a Tennessee loss. For those watching on TV, it was clear Gaffney was bobbling the ball, but the official called a touchdown. Instant replay for play-review would go on to be implemented several years later which would have reversed the call.

-In the 2010 Music City Bowl against North Carolina, the Tar Heels were penalized with one second remaining for having too many players on the field when attempting to spike the ball and stop the clock. This allowed them to get their field-goal unit on the field and tie the game on a last-second kick where they would go on to win in double overtime.

As a result, the NCAA Football Rules Committee adopted a new rule effective for the 2011 season, mandating a 10-second runoff on the clock when an offense is penalized for a foul that stops the clock in the last minute of either half. Opponents would have the option to take the penalty yardage with the 10-second runoff, decline the yardage but keep the remaining time, or decline both.

-The 2024 CFB Playoff Seeding. With the conference champions getting automatic first-round byes and higher seeding, Tennessee was seeded behind teams like Arizona State & Boise State. The Vols would go on to be seeded against the eventual CFB-Champion Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round.

With the corrected seeding that was just adopted, Tennessee would have had a first-round home playoff game against SMU, with the winner playing Georgia in the quarterfinals.