Tennessee’s upcoming matchup with Kennesaw State will bring a familiar face to Knoxville, and Jace Boyd is making the trip with a clear eye on what comes next.
The 2027 in-state EDGE from Alcoa, and former Bowling Green commit, has already shown plenty of interest in the Volunteers. This visit will give him another chance to take in the program up close, and Boyd said the setting is a big part of what he’s looking forward to most.
“I’m definitely excited for the atmosphere and the fans and just the overall experience coming into Knoxville and seeing such an energetic crowd," Boyd said.
Boyd also knows exactly which coach he wants to catch up with first. His relationship with Tennessee EDGE coach Josh Inge has already been built over multiple conversations, and that connection is a major part of this stop.
“I’m definitely looking forward to speaking with Coach Inge. We've already had a great relationship; we’ve spoken multiple times, and we just have a good relationship," Boyd said.
This won’t be Boyd’s first time in Knoxville, but he says there’s still a purpose behind the return trip. He wants to get better acquainted with the rest of the staff and, ideally, leave with a bigger opportunity.
“This visit, being my second one with the first game, and now this one will definitely get me more familiar with some other coaches, and hopefully I can earn an offer from these coaches and be at home here in Knoxville," Boyd said.
From Boyd’s perspective, this game offers more than just a look at Tennessee on the field. He wants to see how the entire experience plays out around him, from the crowd to the way the program treats visitors.
“This game in particular will definitely show me a lot that Knoxville and the fans have to offer and the hospitality that this team shows," Boyd said.
And when it comes to Tennessee fans, Boyd’s message is simple.
“My message to Tennessee fans is to watch me. I’ve got a great season coming up, and I'm looking to be at home in Knoxville, GBO," Boyd said.
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For the Volunteers, the ripple effect matters because it reshapes the league landscape around them and changes the path Ole Miss now has to navigate. With Kiffin gone, Ole Miss turned to defensive coordinator Pete Golding as its head coach for the College Football Playoff, a sudden transition that leaves one of Tennessees conference rivals adjusting at the biggest possible moment. [Read more 🡒]
Lane Kiffin Still Has Tennessee Fans Doing The Unthinkable
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The scene had an extra layer of irony at halftime, with Ole Miss up 24-7 on LSU while Tennessee held a 21-3 lead over Kennesaw State back home. It was the kind of crossover moment that keeps Kiffin attached to both SEC scoreboard watching and Tennessees long memory, with a handful of fans still willing to spend real money to make the point in person. [Read more 🡒]