Tuesday gave Tennessee football one last fall camp practice open to the media before the 2026 season, and there was enough on display in those first three periods to get a feel for where a few key spots stand.
The clearest takeaway on offense came from the quarterbacks working through wet-ball throws and then pushing the ball downfield. The conditions led to some drops, which was expected, but the session still had a sharp edge to it.
In that deep-ball period, Faizon Brandon looked like the best passer on the field. A throw to Mike Matthews stood out as the kind of rep you can’t really place any better.
George MacIntyre also had a strong stretch, even if he missed a couple throws along the way. He showed the same downfield talent that makes him dangerous, uncorking several pretty deep balls. In that limited window, Brandon got the nod, but MacIntyre was hardly off the mark in a brief look that only tells part of the story.
Matthews and Braylon Staley handled the deep shots well on the receiving end, which only adds to the sense that both could be ready to take another step in 2026.
Tennessee also worked its running backs through wet-ball drills, with De’Rail Sims firing quick tosses to simulate checkdowns before the backs worked through contact. They also spent time on pass-protection fill work.
DeSean Bishop continued to stand out as the kind of steady, polished back who looks like a 12-year NFL vet every time he goes through a drill. For a young room, that kind of example matters.
At tight end, Ethan Davis was still absent. DaSaahn Brame continued to open first in the group and looked smooth as a route runner, while also showing reliable hands on the passes he saw. The bigger question with Brame remains on the blocking side.
On defense, the secondary was divided into two groups. One appeared to be the cornerbacks, with Kayin Lee, Ty Redmond, Tre Poteat, Joel Wyatt, Javonte Smith and Jamyan Theodore. The other group worked as safeties and STARs, including Qua Moss, Tevis Metcalf, TJ Metcalf, Dejuan Lane, Jackson Mathews, Isaiah Hardge, KJ McClain, Dylan Lewis, Jowell Combay and DJ Burks.
One more name to watch is JJ Finch. The staff seems to really like him, and there’s at least a real chance he works his way into the interior defensive line rotation this season.
He already has the frame for it, and he moved well for his size during drills. The next step is consistency, especially for a true freshman.
In Other News...
Candace Parker's Hall Of Fame Moment Hit Tennessee Fans Right Away
Candace Parkers Hall of Fame weekend came with a very familiar orange-and-white touch for Tennessee fans, and it fit the moment. The former Lady Vol great was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Chamique Holdsclaw, adding another milestone to a career that already includes two national championships at Tennessee, three WNBA titles and two league MVP awards before her retirement after the 2023 season.
What made the ceremony land so quickly with Vols supporters was who stepped up to present her. NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson introduced Parker while wearing Tennessee apparel, a detail that connected one of the sports biggest stages right back to Knoxville. For a fan base that has long claimed Parker as one of its own, it was the kind of scene that made the induction feel personal from the start. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Faces A Growing Tight End Concern With Ethan Davis Still Out
Tennessees tight end room has become a little thinner in camp with Ethan Davis still sidelined after a minor lower-body injury from the opening fall practice. The injury was suffered on Aug. 6, and while the situation is not viewed as serious, the Vols have now gone through multiple workouts without him as they manage his return carefully.
Davis has missed nine straight practices, which matters because Tennessee does not have much proven depth behind him at the position. The cautious approach makes sense this time of year, but it also leaves the staff waiting for one of its more important pieces to get back on the field and stabilize a spot that could use the help. [Read more 🡒]