In a surprising turn of events, Tennessee football's linebacker Ben Bolton has decided to step away from the program just as spring practice gears up. After four seasons with the Volunteers, Bolton, who still had a year of eligibility left, has made his exit, as reported by VolQuest on Friday morning.
Bolton has been a key contributor off the bench for the linebacker group led by William Inge under the defensive strategy of former coordinator Tim Banks. Even though Banks was let go after the season, Inge continues to steer the linebackers.
During the 2025 season, Bolton made his presence felt with 18 tackles across 12 games. His journey with the Vols saw him primarily on special teams in 2024, where he recorded five tackles in 10 games. The previous year, he participated in 13 games, again focusing on special teams, and back in 2022, he played four games, earning a redshirt.
Inge spoke highly of Bolton's journey and why he trusted him in crucial moments last season. "Ben Bolton has really endured what we call the battle of the Navy SEAL, where we put him through a lot of instruction, a lot of testing, and a lot of pressure," Inge explained.
"He’s shown leadership and knows how to drive the defense effectively. That trust is why I didn’t hesitate to put him in the game."
Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Bolton is a product of Lausanne Collegiate School and has been recognized for his academic achievements, making the Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Despite Bolton's departure, the Vols are well-stocked at the linebacker position. Returning players like Arion Carter, Edwin Spillman, Jadon Perlotte, Jeremiah Telander, Jaedon Harmon, and Jordan Burns add depth. Additionally, Tennessee has bolstered their lineup with Penn State transfer Amare Campbell and two promising freshmen, Brayden Rouse and TJ White.