Tennessee football has seen its identity shift more than once over the past few seasons. From 2021 through 2023, the Vols lit up scoreboards across the SEC, leaning on a high-octane offense that could outpace just about anyone-even when the defense showed cracks.
But in 2024, the script flipped. Josh Heupel’s team became a defensive force, clamping down on opponents and winning games with grit and toughness on that side of the ball.
The offense, meanwhile, took a step back.
Then came 2025. The offense bounced back to form, but the defense fell off hard-so much so that Heupel made a major change, parting ways with defensive coordinator Tim Banks and bringing in a proven name: Jim Knowles, fresh off a national championship run.
Now, as Tennessee retools its roster heading into a pivotal year, Knowles is leading the charge to restore that 2024 defensive identity. And he’s not just talking about it-he’s showing it.
There’s a clip from early in that 2024 season that Knowles has latched onto. After Tennessee steamrolled NC State in Charlotte, 51-10, Heupel stood in front of the media and made a statement that still echoes through the program.
“The standard at Tennessee is to be elite on defense,” Heupel said. “This is the home of Reggie White, Al Wilson, Eric Berry.”
Knowles has taken that message and turned it into a recruiting tool. During an appearance on The Mike Keith Show, the veteran coordinator said he’s been using that 30-second postgame clip as part of a custom recruiting tape he shows to high school prospects and transfer portal targets. It’s not just hype-it’s a mission statement.
“There’s a standard at Tennessee,” Knowles said. “Before we even get into scheme, we have to make sure everybody understands that standard of playing elite defense at Tennessee.”
That standard is the foundation Knowles is building on. And make no mistake-he’s been aggressive in shaping this new-look defense through the portal.
Up front, he’s added some familiar faces from his time at Penn State. Defensive linemen Chaz Coleman and Xavier Gilliam both bring size, physicality, and familiarity with Knowles’ expectations. Add in Jordan Norman from Tulane, and the Vols have restocked a defensive line that needs to reestablish its presence in the trenches.
At linebacker, Knowles brought in Amare Campbell, another Penn State product, and secured the return of Arion Carter, a key piece from last year’s unit. That blend of new blood and returning leadership could be crucial in stabilizing the middle of the defense.
But the biggest overhaul has come in the secondary. Tennessee has added Qua Moss from Kansas State, Kayin Lee from Auburn, Dejuan Lane from Penn State, and the Metcalf brothers-TJ and Tevis-from Michigan.
Throw in DJ Burks from Appalachian State and Isaiah Hardge from Colorado, and you’ve got a completely retooled back end. The Vols also return starters Ty Redmond and Edrees Farooq, giving Knowles a mix of experience and fresh talent to work with.
This isn’t just about plugging holes. It’s about building a unit that can live up to the names Heupel mentioned-Reggie White, Al Wilson, Eric Berry.
That’s not light praise. That’s a challenge.
And Knowles is making sure every recruit and transfer who walks into his office knows exactly what they’re walking into.
There’s a new energy around Tennessee’s defense-and a clear vision. The Vols aren’t just trying to get back to where they were in 2024. They’re aiming higher.