Tennessee has already spent a quarter of the season juggling its lineup, and the shuffle isn’t done yet. Between players emerging and others getting hurt, the Volunteers have seen a different depth chart pop up each week. With nine regular-season games left - all SEC matchups - now is as good a time as any to map out where things stand.
On offense, the projected quarterback order starts with Faizon Brandon, followed by George MacIntyre and Ryan Staub.
At running back, DeSean Bishop is the starter, with Daune Morris behind him. Javin Gordon sits third, and Justin Baker is fourth.
The receiver group is projected to open with Mike Matthews, Radarious Jackson and Braylon Staley in the slot. Behind them are TK Keys, Travis Smith Jr. and Tyreek King in the slot.
Tight end is lined up with DaSaahn Brame as the starter, Trent Thomas second and Luca Wolf third.
Up front, the offensive line projection has David Sanders Jr. at LT, Wendell Moe Jr. at LG, Sam Pendleton at center, Shamurad Umarov at RG and Jesse Perry at RT. The second unit is Jeremias Heard at LT, Antoni Ogumoro at LG, Nic Moore at center, Donovan Haslam at RG and Ory Williams at RT.
Defensively, the edge spots are projected for Tyree Weathersby and Mariyon Dye, with Xavier Gilliam and Daevin Hobbs at defensive tackle. The second line includes Jordan Norman and Jeremiah Telander at EDGE, plus Carson Gentle and Ethan Utley at DT.
At linebacker, Arion Carter and Amare Campbell are the starters. Edwin Spillman and Jeremiah Telander are next, followed by Jadon Perlotte and Braydon Rouse.
The secondary projection puts Ty Redmond and Kayin Lee at corner, with Qua Moss at STAR. Tre Poteat and Tim Merritt are behind them, and Tevis Metcalf is the second STAR.
At safety, Dejuan Lane and TJ Metcalf are the starters, with Sidney Walton and Dylan Lewis next up.
Special teams is projected to feature Cooper Ranvier at kicker, Jackson Ross at punter, and Qua Moss handling both kick returns and punt returns.
This projection does not account for any injuries that have not yet been revealed, or injuries that are not season-ending at this time.
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 🡒]