Tennessee’s season opener against Furman gave the Vols exactly the kind of start they wanted: a 56-9 win, a high-powered offense, and a defense that smothered the Paladins from the jump. It also offered the first real read on several players - some who jumped out immediately, and others who left more to prove.
If you were looking for the biggest winner from Saturday, Xavier Gilliam made a loud case. The defensive tackle was disruptive all game long, piling up six tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks while repeatedly blowing up plays at the line of scrimmage.
Those three sacks were the most by a Vol in a single game since Darrell Taylor had four in 2018 vs. Kentucky.
Yes, it came against Furman, but the production still matters. Tennessee needs impact from the interior, especially if there are lingering questions off the edge, and Gilliam delivered it.
On offense, true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon handled the spotlight like he’d been there before. The five-star recruit didn’t look overwhelmed in his first start, throwing for 226 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions while adding 68 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.
The expectations around Brandon were already sky-high, and he backed them up with a clean, efficient, dual-threat performance. The next test comes at Georgia Tech, and it’ll be tougher, but Saturday was a strong first answer.
Justin Baker also made the most of limited work. He entered the game behind DeSean Bishop, Javin Gordon and Daune Morris on the depth chart and played just six snaps, but he turned three carries into 89 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 73-yard score.
That kind of burst is hard to ignore, even in a crowded backfield. If Tennessee stays healthy, Baker may not see a huge workload right away, but this was a promising step and a reminder of how deep the room can be.
Tight end Trent Thomas also boosted his standing. Tennessee brought him in through the portal with experience, and his value against Furman showed up in the role the Vols likely had in mind: an extra blocker in 12-personnel.
He handled that job well, but he also added a little more than expected as a receiver, catching two passes for 13 yards. He may not be targeted like Ethan Davis or DaSaahn Brame, but any pass-catching ability only makes him more useful.
Not everyone walked away with the same kind of momentum. Ory Williams had a rough opener, playing 48 snaps at both tackle spots after coming off the bench and finishing with a 49.8 grade from PFF, last among Tennessee’s offensive players.
The LSU transfer was viewed as a possible starter at right tackle, but Jesse Perry there and Sham Umarov at right guard looks like the stronger combination for now. Williams should still get more opportunities, but this was not the kind of day that pushes him up the chart.
Daevin Hobbs also landed on the lower side of the ledger. There’s no panic here, but Tennessee was hoping for more from him on a day when the defensive front had a chance to dominate.
He was solid enough as a pass rusher, but he didn’t make the kind of impact against the run that the Vols need from him. With plenty of chances still ahead, he has time to respond, but Saturday was more quiet than disruptive.
In Other News...
Tennessee Has An Early O-Line Concern Before Georgia Tech
Tennessee got through its opener against Furman without much drama, but the biggest pregame wrinkle came along at center, where returning starter Sam Pendleton was held out after an injury turned up following warm-ups. Josh Heupel said afterward that Pendleton is expected to be ready for the Georgia Tech game, which at least keeps the concern in the short term rather than turning it into something more serious.
Nic Moore stepped in for Pendleton and handled the spot well in his first start, giving Tennessee a workable answer if the situation lingers into next week. Still, center is one of those positions where continuity matters, especially with a bigger test coming up, so the Vols will be watching closely to see whether Pendleton is back in time to restore the line to its intended look. [Read more 🡒]
Faizon Brandon Gave Tennessee Fans A Debate They Didn't Expect
Faizon Brandons first college game gave Tennessee exactly the kind of start fans dream about, even if it also stirred up a conversation they probably werent expecting. In a 56-9 win over Furman, the freshman handled the moment cleanly, completing 13 of 17 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns while adding 68 rushing yards and two more scores, all without turning the ball over.
Mike Matthews and Ethan Davis also left their mark, with Matthews hauling in two touchdown catches and Davis grabbing the games first scoring reception. Brandons debut was polished enough to get Tennessee supporters talking about what comes next, and now the debate is less about whether he belonged on the field and more about what this performance might mean as the stakes rise. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Has An Early Shot With A Five-Star In-State Prize
Tennessees recent run of high-profile recruiting traffic has kept the program busy, and it has also put an early spotlight on the next wave of talent. Among the visitors were five-star Cayden Daughtry, four-star Micah Gordon and five-star Bentley Lusakueno, a sign that the Volunteers are trying to stay active with elite prospects while building relationships well ahead of signing day.
Now the attention shifts to a younger in-state target with serious upside. Five-star small forward DJ Okoth, ranked No. 17 overall in the class of 2028, has already lined up unofficial visits to Tennessee, Kentucky and Vanderbilt this fall, giving the Vols an opening in a recruitment that is still in its early stages. With multiple offers already in hand, Okoths first round of visits could help shape how quickly Tennessee can move from being an early presence to a real factor. [Read more 🡒]