The local media got one last preseason look at Tennessee on Tuesday morning, and that was it for open practice access before the Vols turn toward the opener.
It marked the second straight day on the field for Tennessee after the team opened week three of fall camp on Monday. Sunday was an off day following the Vols’ first preseason scrimmage on Saturday, and the schedule now tightens up from here. Tennessee is set for practice No. 11 on Wednesday, will take Thursday off, then return for practice No. 12 on Friday before finishing the preseason with a final scrimmage at Neyland Stadium on Saturday morning.
After that, the doors close. None of Tennessee’s remaining preseason practices will be open to the media, with only media availabilities left before the season opener against Furman on Sept. 5.
Tuesday’s practice also came with a full slate of defensive back voices scheduled afterward. Tennessee co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach Anthony Poindexter and cornerbacks coach Derek Jones were both set to speak to reporters, along with five defensive backs: sophomore corner Tre Poteat III, Auburn transfer Kayin Lee, Penn State transfer Dejuan Lane, Kansas State transfer Qua Moss and sophomore safety Dylan Lewis.
The open portion of practice was limited to the first three periods, and GoVols247 was able to capture those moments from the field. Video of the quarterbacks was off-limits, but the session still offered a final glimpse at Tennessee’s preseason work before the calendar turns toward game week.
In Other News...
Tennessee Showed Off A 2026 Threat Fans Have Been Waiting For
The final Tennessee football fall camp practice open to the media before the 2026 season offered another look at why the Vols have plenty of buzz heading into the year. In offense and defense sessions, quarterbacks Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre both flashed on deep throws during wet-ball drills, while receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley stood out by finishing plays through the conditions. It was the kind of practice snapshot that reminded observers how much talent is already stacking up across the roster.
There was also meaningful intrigue on the other side of the ball, where the defensive backs and other position groups drew attention as the competition continues to take shape. Freshman JJ Finch was especially notable as a potential factor on the defensive line, adding another name to a unit that could use more answers as camp winds down. For a team trying to sort out its next wave of contributors, these final open practices have been useful for showing which young players are starting to look like real options. [Read more 🡒]
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 🡒]