Ty Nolan’s name is already making the rounds, and the 2029 running back kept building that buzz last week at the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic.
McEachern went on the road to face Kell, and the Indians leaned on a roster loaded with young talent. Nolan is part of that wave.
The sophomore back turned in a steady outing, finishing with 40 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. He also added 10 yards on one catch.
“I had some great runs,” Nolan told Vols on SI. “I had one touchdown, today and had fun pass blocking. I did a little of everything tonight.”
That all-around approach has been a point of emphasis for Nolan. After a freshman season in which he rushed for 462 yards on 58 carries with an 8-yard per carry average according to MaxPreps, he said his offseason work centered on the details that can turn a productive back into a complete one.
“I've worked on not being selfish, learning how to pick up my knees to break big runs, and pass blocking. Doing what I can to be an all-time (all-purpose) running back.”
At McEachern, Nolan is getting pushed every day by a defense that doesn’t offer any easy reps. He pointed to the challenge of working against Casey Barner, the No. 1 safety in the 2028 cycle, along with Joakim Gouda, Nash Johnson and the rest of the group.
"It's (practice) tough. Every day it is a challenge.
I know I'm young, so I just get better every day going against Casey, Joakim Gouda (UGA commit), Nash Johnson, and all of them. Practicing against them makes games easier.
Every day at practice is competition.”
The recruiting attention has followed the production. More than 25 schools have already extended early offers to the 6-foot-1, 220-pound back, with Auburn, Tennessee, Florida State, and Georgia Tech showing the most interest of late.
Tennessee got in early, offering Nolan before spring practice, and the Vols have clearly stayed in the mix. Nolan said running backs coach De'Rail Sims has kept the message simple.
"Coach De'Rail Sims, he just tells me to keep going, and that I have potential to be a first-round back."
Nolan also came away impressed with what he saw in Knoxville. He noted the size throughout the roster, along with the strength work and the way Tennessee plays up front.
"I like how when I looked around at every position, everybody is big. I like their training, the weight-room and I like their players.
I definitely liked the big linemen. I like how they were blocking.
Their running back, number 18 (DeSean Bishop), I liked how he was running the ball," Nolan explained.
A return trip to Knoxville is still on the table, though no date has been set. Nolan said he wants to get back for a Tennessee home game during the season.
For now, the focus stays on growth. Recruitment matters, but Nolan sounds locked in on becoming the best back he can be, and that means keeping his work in the weight room and on the field front and center.
In Other News...
Vanderbilt Just Added Intrigue To Tennessees Future QB Showdown
The first quarterback decision of the season already added an extra layer to Tennessees long-term conversation under center, with true freshman Faizon Brandon named the starter for the opener. Across the border in Nashville, Vanderbilt followed with its own call, going with Blaze Berlowitz over five-star freshman Jared Curtis for its first game, even as Curtis is expected to see the field against Austin Peay.
Jared Curtis is the name that makes this more interesting for Tennessee fans, because the buzz around a future matchup now has a clearer shape. If the two programs get the chance to put their young quarterbacks on the same stage later in the season, it would turn a routine SEC meeting into a useful early snapshot of where both passing games are headed. [Read more 🡒]
Peyton Manning And The Vols Honor A Tennessee Icon After Heartbreaking Loss
The loss of Dolly Parton sent a wave of grief through Tennessee, and the reaction from Peyton Manning and the Volunteers showed just how deeply she mattered to the state. The former Tennessee quarterback and the universitys athletic department both honored the country music legend with public tributes, recognizing not only her towering career but also the bond she always shared with her home state.
Parton was more than an icon on the music side of Tennessee life, and the tributes reflected that broader impact. Her music, charity work and unmistakable presence made her a beloved figure well beyond Knoxville, which is why the Vols response landed as part remembrance, part thank you to a woman whose legacy stretched far past the stage. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Is Suddenly In The Mix For A Major Recruiting Shocker
Five-star defensive line prospect DJ Jacobs is still very much on Tennessees board, even with Ohio State holding his current commitment. The Vols have not backed off in the race for the prized recruit, with Josh Heupel and defensive line coach Rodney Garner continuing to push hard as the Early Signing Period approaches in December.
Miami is in the fight too, and Mario Cristobal has been aggressive in keeping Jacobs engaged as the recruiting battle unfolds. Jacobs is also expected to make multiple trips back to Ohio State, but Tennessee is hoping to get him on campus as well, since a visit to Knoxville could become a major factor in where this recruitment ultimately lands. [Read more 🡒]