Tennessee’s 2026 season is still months away, but the case for optimism is already easy to see. The roster has plenty of questions, sure, and the range of preseason expectations runs from playoff chatter to a season that could go sideways. Still, there are real reasons to think the Vols can land on the right end of that spectrum.
The biggest one might be the change on defense. Tennessee’s offense found its rhythm again in 2025, but the other side of the ball slipped badly enough to force Josh Heupel into a major reset. Tim Banks is out, and Jim Knowles is in as the new defensive coordinator.
Knowles arrives after one season at Penn State, and before that he was part of Ohio State’s national title run. His track record stretches beyond that, too. At places like Ohio State, Oklahoma State and Duke, his defenses have consistently been among the best in their conference and often near the top nationally.
Tennessee also added more new pieces on that side of the staff. William Inge and Rodney Garner are back as linebackers coach and defensive line coach, respectively, while Anthony Poindexter comes in as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Derek Jones will coach cornerbacks, and Andrew Johnson takes over the LEOs.
The offensive line is another major reason the Vols can feel good about 2026. With a young quarterback stepping in, protection is going to matter immediately. On paper, Tennessee has the kind of front that can make life easier for whoever wins that job.
The projected starters are David Sanders Jr. at left tackle, Wendell Moe Jr. at one guard spot, Sam Pendleton at center and Ory Williams at right tackle. The other guard spot is expected to come down to Jesse Perry or Sham Umarov.
There’s depth behind the starters, too. Gabe Osenda, a five-star freshman, is part of the mix, along with West Virginia transfer Donovan Haslam and others. That kind of depth should help Tennessee both in pass protection, where time matters, and in the run game, where movement up front can create big openings.
The skill positions bring back plenty as well. In the backfield, DeSean Bishop is back after a 1,000-yard season and appears set to lead the rushing attack again. If he stays healthy, another season around that same mark is very much in play.
At receiver, Tennessee returns SEC Freshman of the Year Braylon Staley and outside starter Mike Matthews. Both were important in getting the offense moving again in 2025. The final starting spot is still open, but Travis Smith Jr., Radarious Jackson and TK Keys all have the kind of talent that could turn them into breakout players.
Tight end is another spot with a familiar face. Ethan Davis is back after looking his best when Miles Kitselman was hurt late in the season, and he’ll be expected to handle a heavy workload this year.
In Other News...
Tennessee Still Has A Shot At A Receiver Who Could Shift Everything
Xavier Sabbs July 3 commitment date has put one of the countrys top 2027 receivers squarely back in the spotlight, and Tennessee remains very much in the mix as he closes in on a decision. The five-star from New Jersey has already taken official visits to Oregon, UCLA, Tennessee and LSU, giving each program a chance to make its case in person during a recruitment that has stayed active for months.
For Tennessee, the appeal is obvious: a player of Sabbs caliber can change the look of a class and raise the ceiling of what a recruiting haul can become. Oregon has been a steady presence throughout the process, but the final stretch has kept multiple contenders alive, with UCLA also making a late push after a June trip to Westwood. Sabbs choice is still pending, which leaves the Vols waiting to see whether their visit work pays off in a major way. [Read more 🡒]
Kim Caldwell Just Framed This As A Massive Lady Vols Year
Kim Caldwells second season in Knoxville ended with enough turbulence to force a full reset, and Tennessee answered by rebuilding the Lady Vols almost from scratch. Every possible returner entered the transfer portal, the staff replaced the roster with 15 new players, mostly transfers, and Caldwell also brought in new assistant coaches as the program tried to turn the page quickly.
The approach to the rebuild has been as blunt as it has been ambitious. Caldwell and her staff leaned into transparency with recruits, making it clear the job would be hard and the expectations would be high, including early-morning conditioning and an emphasis on culture over salesmanship. After a year that left little room for comfort, Tennessee is treating this season like a major proving ground for the program and for the coach leading it. [Read more 🡒]
Why Nate Ament Is Still Waiting On His Bucks Debut
Nate Aments next chapter in the NBA has already started in one sense, but the first real on-court glimpse with Milwaukee is still on hold. The former Tennessee standout, taken 13th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, is the highest-drafted Vol of the Rick Barnes era, a milestone that underscores just how far his rise has come since his time in Knoxville.
For now, though, Ament is not on the Bucks initial summer league roster, so his debut will have to wait a bit longer. His draft rights are tied to the blockbuster deal that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami, and once that move becomes official, Ament could be added for the Las Vegas portion of summer league, leaving his first appearance with Milwaukee as the next item to watch. [Read more 🡒]