Tennessee’s 28-point win over Kentucky did more than pad the 2026 season results. It also gave the Volunteers another chance to put their defense in front of a visitor who came away impressed.
2028 four-star College Park, Texas, defensive lineman RJ Wyms was on hand for the Wildcats game, and the performance from Jim Knowles’ unit clearly landed. Tennessee held Kentucky to just six points, all in the first half, and this was the second time, along with Alabama, that the Knowles defense kept an opponent scoreless after halftime.
For Wyms, it was his first Tennessee game day experience. His previous trip to Knoxville came in the spring, but this visit gave him a closer look at the program in a live setting and another chance to spend time with Coach Garner and talk defense with Knowles.
“The game day atmosphere was great. It was really amazing,” Wyms said.
“The defensive performance was great. They didn’t get scored on once, they had (gave up) two field goals, but all in all, almost a complete shut-out,” Wyms explained.
Wyms has already been following Tennessee from afar, so seeing the Volunteers in person only reinforced what he had been watching on television.
I have been watching them on tv. I have been seeing Xavier (Gilliam) on tv, number 9 (Mariyon Dye), number 7 (Arion Carter) had a heck of a game, but yeah, I’ve been seeing them on tv, and now finally to see up close in person was great
The relationship with Rodney Garner continues to be a major part of Tennessee’s push. Wyms said the communication has been steady and that the conversations have centered on his game and the defense the Volunteers are playing.
“It’s (the relationship with Garner) been going good. I’ve been talking to Coach Garner on the phone.
Talking about my game, the game they’re playing, comparing notes and stuff like that,” Wyms said of the growing bond. “Two decaded of knowledge on the game,” stands out the most about Coach Garner.
“He’s been in the SEC for a long time (one of the longest tenures in the SEC), so a lot experience and knowledge with him. He’s a great guy, so there is a lot to learn from him.”
Wyms’ schedule may keep him moving. UCLA and Ohio State are potential next stops, and he has already visited Texas Tech, Houston, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Miami, and Notre Dame.
Distance does not appear to be a barrier for the Texas prospect, who seems focused on finding the right fit and the best place to develop.
In Other News...
Tennessee Gets One Break But Another Loss Just Got Much Tougher
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The harder blow came on the other side of the ball, where sack leader Tyree Weathersby was ruled out for the year with a knee injury. He became the eighth Tennessee player to suffer a season-ending injury this season, and the list does not stop there, with six other players already sidelined for multiple games. For a defense that has leaned on depth all year, the latest update only adds to the challenge of getting through a demanding stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Gets Encouraging DaSaahn Brame News Before Texas A&M
Tennessees first availability report ahead of Texas A&M brought some encouraging news on sophomore tight end DaSaahn Brame, who is expected to be available after taking a head injury in the Kentucky game. Brames status had been worth watching after he went to the ground on a touchdown catch attempt that was later overturned on review, with officials ruling he did not maintain possession through the ground.
Josh Heupel confirmed the review and sounded confident Brame would be ready for the matchup. For Tennessee, getting one of its young tight ends back in the mix matters as the Vols turn the page to a tough SEC test and keep sorting out their passing-game options heading into Saturday. [Read more 🡒]
Former Vol Rickey Gibson Reunion Carries A Different Kind Of Tension
Rickey Gibson IIIs return to the SEC spotlight has a different feel this time around. After transferring from Tennessee to Texas A&M following the 2024 season, the former Vol was expected to be part of a familiar kind of reunion, one built around his value as a defensive piece and the kind of crossover story that usually comes with a player facing his old program.
Instead, the matchup carries more uncertainty than nostalgia. Gibson was injured in Tennessees 2025 season opener and missed the rest of the year, and his role at Texas A&M has since shrunk significantly. Meanwhile, Tennessee has moved on with Ty Redmond and Kayin Lee forming a strong cornerback pairing, while the Vols have also brought in new coaching staff to help reshape the defense. [Read more 🡒]