Josh Heupel believes DeSean Bishop is entering a different kind of season.
The Tennessee running back has already shown he can handle the ball, but Heupel said the biggest jump has come in the areas that usually separate a good player from a true featured one. According to the Tennessee coach, Bishop has added strength, size, speed, and burst during the offseason, and he’s now carrying the benefit of a full year of experience.
“Had a great offseason. Physically stronger, more muscle mass, more speed and acceleration.
A year ago, had had some opportunities in games, but hadn’t carried the bulk of it. He’s got a year under his belt with the ball in his hands, does a great job without the ball in his hands, too, and I think he’s really grown that way.
So, experienced player that’s played at a really high level that we expect to have a great year,” Heupel said.
Bishop’s rise has been a talking point for Tennessee fans, especially after pictures of his new physique spread online. The buzz around him has only grown as he heads into his fourth season, with many expecting him to be one of the top running backs in the country.
There’s also a bigger team picture here. Tennessee will have a new starting quarterback this season, and that has led to the idea that the Vols could lean more heavily on the ground game, especially in the early SEC matchups. Even with multiple backs likely to see the field, Bishop appears positioned to be the clear lead option and the workhorse in 2026.
If that plays out, Tennessee could be looking at a massive year from its returning back. Fans will get their first look at Bishop and the Vols on Saturday against Furman.
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 🡒]