Tennessee’s first game week arrived with a useful bit of news on the tight end front: Josh Heupel expects Ethan Davis to be ready when the Vols open the 2026 season against Furman on Saturday.
Heupel addressed the media to start the week and gave Davis a positive injury update after the tight end missed multiple weeks following an issue in the opening practice of fall camp. Davis was banged up early, but the Tennessee coach said he anticipates the starter will be available against the Paladins.
That should give the Vols their top option at the position as they kick off the season, though Davis may not be asked to carry a heavy load if the game plays out the way many expect. Georgia Tech is waiting the following week, so Tennessee could keep Davis’ snaps in check while easing into the year.
Davis enters the opener as the clear leader in the room thanks to what he’s already done. Last season, he backed up Miles Kitselman and still put together a solid year, finishing with 21 catches for 257 yards and two touchdowns in nine games. He also made real progress as a blocker in the run game, and his two best outings as a receiving tight end came when Kitselman was out at Florida and against Vanderbilt.
Behind Davis, Tennessee still has some sorting to do. DaSaahn Brame and Cole Harrison are back, freshman Luca Wolf is in the mix, and the Vols also added transfers Trent Thomas from South Alabama and Drake Martinez from UT Martin. That group is still fighting for playing time and trying to earn the staff’s trust before the season gets rolling.
“I think physically you cannot say enough about the work that those guys have done since January,” Abeln said. “It’s one thing chasing a weight going number, but the way it looks, the way we’re moving, really proud of the work that they’ve done so far. Excited about what it means for us this fall.”
Tennessee opens against Furman on September 5 at Neyland Stadium, then heads to Atlanta for a road game against Georgia Tech on September 12. That matchup with the Yellow Jackets is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
In Other News...
Tennessee Just Got An Important Ethan Davis Update Before The Opener
Tennessee got a timely boost with the season opener looming, as Ethan Davis has returned to practice after being shaken up on the first day of preseason camp and missing multiple weeks. The starting tight end is expected to be a key piece of the Volunteers offense this season, so getting him back on the field before game week matters more than just about any other update the team could have wanted.
Josh Heupel confirmed Davis will be available against Furman, which removes at least one early concern from Tennessees preparation. Even after the missed time, Davis still figures to have an important role, and now the next question is how quickly he can shake off the layoff and settle back into the rhythm the Vols need from him. [Read more 🡒]
Heupels Offensive Control Just Got Bigger For Tennessees New QB
Josh Heupels offense has always carried his fingerprints, and that remains true heading into his sixth season in Knoxville. The Tennessee coach has already guided the Volunteers to two 10-win regular seasons and a College Football Playoff appearance, while continuing to stay heavily involved in the playcalling alongside offensive coordinator Joey Halzle.
Now that familiarity may matter even more for the Vols next quarterback. True freshman Faizon Brandon won the starting job over George MacIntyre for the 2026 season, giving Tennessee a young passer stepping into a system Heupel knows as well as anyone. With Furman up first, the early part of the schedule should offer a clearer picture of how much control the staff keeps as Brandon settles in. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessees Lead Back Has Something To Prove Before Week 1
DeSean Bishop is back in the spotlight for Tennessee after delivering a 1,000-yard season with 16 touchdowns last year, yet the preseason recognition did not quite match the production. He returns as the Volunteers lead running back heading into a backfield that also includes three sophomore backups, giving Tennessee a young rotation to sort through before the games start counting.
The omission from the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list adds a little edge to Bishops fall, even if it does not change what he has already done for the program. With Tennessee set to open the season against Furman on Sept. 5, Bishop has a chance to remind voters and the rest of the SEC that last year was not a one-off. [Read more 🡒]