Wendell Moe Jr. is already drawing preseason national attention, and that says plenty about where Tennessee’s offensive line stands heading into 2026.
On3 named the Volunteers guard a preseason All-American, a notable honor for a player who is set to begin his second season in Knoxville after arriving from Arizona through the transfer portal following the 2024 season. Tennessee added Moe Jr. to bolster the front, and he has given the Vols the kind of flexibility every line coach loves, working on both the left and right sides.
That versatility matters even more now because Tennessee is headed into the 2026 season with a new starter at quarterback no matter which direction the job goes. The line’s ability to keep the pocket intact will be a central piece of any playoff push, and Moe Jr. figures to be right in the middle of it. He also benefits from what should be a strong ground game, with DeSean Bishop back for another season under De'Rail Sims, Joey Halzle, and Josh Heupel.
The Vols already saw what Moe Jr. can do in a season where the offensive line helped keep Joey Aguilar’s jersey clean more than most quarterbacks around the country. That same unit also played a big role in Bishop being recognized as one of the better running backs in the SEC.
If Moe Jr. keeps playing at this level, the NFL could be next. The source of that rise is easy to trace: Glen Elarbee and his staff have developed a high-level offensive guard, one who has taken a major step forward since arriving in Knoxville in the spring of 2025.
In Other News...
Tennessee QB Battle Just Got More Complicated For Faizon Brandon
The quarterback competition in Knoxville has already become one of the biggest storylines of camp, with Ryan Staub, George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon all in the mix as Tennessee works toward a decision before the season opener against Furman. Brandon arrived with plenty of attention of his own, and even in a crowded room, the freshman has been a name worth watching because of the tools that made him such a coveted addition.
ESPNs early view of the SECs 2026 freshman class only added to that buzz, placing Brandon near the top of the conferences incoming talent. What keeps the intrigue high for Tennessee is how his arm talent fits Josh Heupels offense, and whether that upside can ultimately separate him from the other contenders as the Volunteers sort through the race. [Read more 🡒]
Vols Red Zone Reps Offer An Early QB Clue As Receiver Concern Grows
Tennessees fifth fall camp practice offered another early look at the quarterback competition, and the red-zone work was where the picture began to sharpen. Faizon Brandon, George MacIntyre and Ryan Staub all got involved in passing drills, with Brandon and MacIntyre handling most of the first-team snaps as the Vols continued sorting out who is separating from the pack. With media allowed to watch the opening periods, the drill work was one of the more useful snapshots yet of how the offense is being organized near the goal line.
The other storyline was at receiver, where Radarious Jackson had a limited day and the margin for error felt even smaller. His reps were brief and the results were uneven, with drops and accuracy issues showing up while Tennessee monitored the position group through camp. The bigger question now is not just how the quarterbacks keep stacking these reps, but how quickly the Vols can get steadier production from a receiving room that already looks like it may need answers. [Read more 🡒]
James Pearce Jr's NFL Rise Just Hit A Serious Concern
James Pearce Jr.'s rookie year in Atlanta has already taken an unexpected turn, with the former Tennessee edge rusher now facing a potential absence that could alter the Falcons' defensive plans. Atlanta moved up in the 2025 first round to get him, banking on his talent to help a unit that is already dealing with injuries to other key players, and his rise from Knoxville to the NFL had been one of the more closely watched storylines surrounding the franchise.
Now the concern is not just on-field development, but availability. Pearce's situation traces back to a February arrest involving multiple felony charges after an alleged altercation, and the NFL's personal conduct policy looms over the case as Atlanta waits to see how long it may be without a player it invested heavily in less than a year ago. [Read more 🡒]