Week of July 28th
Vols Fall Camp Kicks Off, Football Commitments, Titans Training Camp, and More
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.