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Tennessee opens in Jim Knowles' new defensive scheme after falling from the SEC's top four in run defense from 2022-24 to 13th in 2025 at 195 rushing yards allowed per conference game.

Tennessee replaced seven of its top 10 defensive linemen and will play the opener without suspended linebacker Arion Carter, leaving the rebuilt front as the central early-season question.

Furman rushed for 268 yards in its opener, including 163 yards after contact from its top three backs, and quarterback Jake Garcia added 51 scramble yards to stress Tennessee's gap discipline.

Knowles said Tennessee generated effective pressure during fall camp against its own offense, but he considers game performance the unresolved test of the pass rush.

Tennessee could start four experienced transfers in the secondary, making communication across all three defensive levels especially important in the unit's first game together at Neyland Stadium.