Josh Heupel has wasted no time reshaping Tennessee’s roster this offseason, with a clear emphasis on tightening up the defense. After a modest eight-win campaign in 2025, expectations are climbing again in Knoxville-and for good reason. The Vols are reloading with talent, and the latest Top 100 player rankings from On3 are adding fuel to the hype, spotlighting two young Vols who could be difference-makers in 2026.
Leading the charge is edge rusher Chaz Coleman, who lands at No. 53 on the list. That’s a big-time nod for a true sophomore, and it speaks volumes about the kind of impact Coleman is expected to have.
Tennessee’s defense has been searching for a disruptive force off the edge-someone who can collapse the pocket, chase down mobile quarterbacks, and hold his ground against the run. Coleman checks all those boxes.
He’s raw, sure, but the upside is undeniable. If he can adjust quickly to the speed and physicality of SEC play, Tennessee might finally have the defensive anchor they’ve been missing.
Then there’s Braylon Staley, coming in at No. 99.
The reigning SEC Freshman of the Year was electric in 2025, flashing the kind of game-breaking ability that changes how defenses line up. Whether it was stretching the field vertically or turning short catches into big gains, Staley looked like a future star from day one.
And while the Vols’ quarterback situation for next season is still up in the air, whoever wins the job will have a serious weapon in No. 4.
Staley’s presence alone can open up the offense.
One name not on the list-but certainly in the conversation-is running back DeSean Bishop. The Second Team All-SEC selection had a strong case to crack the Top 100, especially when you stack his production against backs like Mark Fletcher Jr., Jordan Marshall, and Antwan Raymond, who did make the cut. Bishop’s omission might raise some eyebrows, but it also adds a little extra motivation heading into 2026.
Still, the bigger picture here is clear: Tennessee’s youth movement is in full swing. With Coleman and Staley already earning national recognition, and other rising talents like Edwin Spillman, Ty Redmond, and 2026 signee Tristen Keys waiting in the wings, the Vols are building something that could last. These aren’t just flashes in the pan-they’re foundational pieces.
The Vols might have taken a step back last season, but the trajectory is pointing up. With a retooled defense, explosive playmakers on offense, and a wave of young talent ready to make noise, Tennessee could be one of the most intriguing teams to watch in 2026. The future in Knoxville isn’t just bright-it’s starting to shine.