Tennessee’s defense had a rough ride last season, giving up a hefty 412 yards per game and landing at No. 100 in national rankings. It was clear that changes were needed, and head coach Josh Heupel decided to part ways with Tim Banks. Enter Jim Knowles, one of the top defensive minds in the game, and already, his influence is being felt.
After the first scrimmage, Heupel was quick to commend the defense. Following the second scrimmage, it was the secondary that earned his praise. Heupel didn’t hold back when discussing their offseason performance, highlighting both the new recruits and returning players for their impressive work.
"I feel really good about the secondary," Heupel noted. "The guys we brought in through the portal have great traits, and the returners are doing a fantastic job too. They’re really grasping what we’re trying to do."
The adaptation of the new defensive backs to Knowles’ scheme is a big deal. Knowles favors a three-safety look, and seeing the defense make strides here is a positive sign.
New Faces, New Results
The Vols have introduced five new safeties this season and welcomed back Edrees Farooq, a starter from last year. With players like Qua Moss from Kansas State, TJ Metcalf from Michigan, and Dejuan Lane from Penn State, the defense is gaining valuable Power Five experience that could make an immediate impact.
At cornerback, Tennessee is looking strong. Sophomore Ty Redmond has been a standout in spring practice, building on his 2025 performance. Add in Kayin Lee, a former Auburn cornerback with 36 games of SEC experience, and suddenly, the secondary is shaping up to be a formidable unit.
While it remains to be seen how the Vols will fare against real competition, the early signs are promising. They’re picking up Jim Knowles’ complex defensive system, which is no small feat.
Looking at the bigger picture, having several former Penn State players familiar with Knowles’ scheme is a bonus for Tennessee. This familiarity is smoothing the transition and aiding the team’s adaptation.
Even incremental improvements each week could spell success for the Vols in 2026. There’s plenty for Tennessee fans to be excited about.