The SEC’s first availability report for Tennessee-Texas gave a little more shape to Saturday’s matchup in Knoxville, and it points to a pair of teams that are mostly intact but not completely clean.
Tennessee, entering the game as a 3.5-point underdog against the No. 1 Longhorns, is already working around a few injuries, including the losses of S Edrees Farooq and TE Ethan Davis. On Wednesday night, the conference added another layer to the picture when it released the initial report for the SEC opener.
The biggest Tennessee name on that list is safety Dylan Lewis, who is doubtful for the game. That matters because Lewis gives the Vols some needed depth in a secondary that has already thinned out without Farooq. Nathan Robinson is also on the report as questionable, and his status matters too because he plays a significant role in the defensive line rotation.
There was also good news for Tennessee. RB DeSean Bishop, who appeared to be favoring his hip against Kennesaw State, did not show up on the report at all, which suggests he is cleared to play on Saturday.
Texas has a couple of notable names to monitor as well. EDGE Colin Simmons, who was seen in a walking boot after the Longhorns’ win over UTSA last week, is listed as probably.
That makes him a likely go for the game. RB Hollywood Smothers is also on the report as questionable after scoring the final two touchdowns in Texas’ 24-23 comeback win over Ohio State.
In Other News...
College GameDay Guest Picker For Tennessee Texas Could Spark Vols Debate
ESPNs College GameDay is headed to Knoxville for Tennessees showdown with Texas on Sept. 26, and the familiar guessing game is already underway around who will handle the celebrity guest picker role. When the show comes to a host campus, it usually leans into local flavor, and Tennessee has no shortage of recognizable names to choose from after years of memorable selections that mixed sports, music and comedy.
Rick Barnes, Bianca Belair, Candace Parker and Kenny Chesney are among the names being floated, which gives the Vols plenty to debate before the cameras ever arrive. The decision will matter less for the picks than for the vibe, since GameDay guest spots tend to become part of the weekends identity, especially when a major SEC matchup brings the kind of attention Knoxville is about to get. [Read more 🡒]
Former Vol Kaleb Beasley Is Creating An Uncomfortable Tennessee Question
Kaleb Beasleys move from Tennessee to Louisville has already turned into one of those transfer stories that lingers a little longer for Vols fans. The Nashville product was once viewed as a highly rated local recruit, and after spending time as a backup safety in Knoxville, he has started to find a bigger stage elsewhere. His recent showing in Louisvilles win over SMU made sure the attention followed him, because he was all over the field and came away with a performance that drew national and conference recognition.
For Tennessee, the uncomfortable part is simple: Beasley is suddenly looking like the kind of defensive back the Vols could have used. He led Louisville in tackles and picked off two passes in that game, then added the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week and ACC Defensive Back of the Week honors to the resume. When a former in-state recruit starts stacking that kind of production after leaving town, it naturally invites a second look at how his path unfolded and what it means for the roster Tennessee is trying to build now. [Read more 🡒]
Rick Barnes Just Added More Emotion To Tennessee Vs Texas
Rick Barnes added a little more emotion to an already charged matchup by leaning into the history on both sides before Tennessee meets Texas. The Volunteers coach spent 17 years running the Longhorns program, so his perspective on this one comes with a built-in layer of familiarity, and he made clear he still carries good memories from that time while also showing appreciation for the athletic directors at both schools.
Barnes, though, left no doubt where his focus sits now. Ahead of the game, he spoke as a coach invested in Tennessee and its basketball program, which gives this meeting a little extra edge beyond the usual nonconference intrigue. For Tennessee fans, it is another reminder that this game is more than a reunion for Barnes, even if the details of that Texas connection still linger in the background. [Read more 🡒]