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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.

- Josh Heupel said new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has synchronized the staff around a multiple scheme designed to adapt its fronts and responsibilities to Tennessee's available personnel. - Linebacker Arion Carter will miss the Furman opener after his suspension was reduced from two games to one. - Veteran receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley have elevated their technique, while Radarious Jackson, Travis Smith, TK Keys, Tyreek King and Joakim Dodson are all expected to play early against Furman. - Heupel expects some opening-game imperfections after the defense installed new terminology and assignments, but said the group made substantial progress through spring, summer and camp.

- Tennessee considers starting safety Edrees Farooq's injury a major loss and is cross-training Qua Moss at high safety while Sidney Walton, Dylan Lewis and DJ Burks compete in a thin backup group. - Linebacker Arion Carter will serve a one-game suspension against Furman and is expected back for Tennessee's following matchup with Georgia Tech. - Jim Knowles identified Jeremiah Telander as the defense's most important leader and plans to exploit his versatility and coverage ability against running backs and tight ends. - Knowles said Tennessee generated effective pressure against its own offense during camp through varied schemes, though he cautioned that the pass rush remains unproven in games. - Tennessee's tracked tackling percentages improved at every position from spring through preseason camp, providing an early positive signal for the new defense.

- Coaching: Coach sounds more optimistic than he’s usually been but penalties concern me .

- Coaching: "Today there were some really positive things that they’re going to learn from too.

- Coaching: "I thought they did a really good job taking care of the football, handling decision-making.

- Tennessee football ended week two of fall camp with its first scrimmage inside Neyland Stadium. - Tennessee is only three weeks away from the start of the 2026 season. - Head Coach Josh Heupel expressed a lot of growth needs to take place from now until then.

- Coaching: We will see but Heuple does not have any history of playing 2 QB's in the regular season.

- Coaching: Some comments from my source who went to the scrimmage.

- – Tennessee football put the shoulder pads on for the first time this fall Saturday morning as the Volunteers completed their third practice of preseason camp at Haslam Field. - Following practice, linebackers coach William Inge met with the media to discuss the development and depth of his position group entering the 2026 season.

- Practice: WATCH: Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel previews Vols' fall camp slate during 20-minute interview on Tuesday

- Head coach Josh Heupel , offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles took to the podium to answer questions from the media about the 2026 Volunteers as they head into preseason training camp. - One of the biggest headlines from the summer and heading into this year's training camp is the noticeable gains during the offseason under new Director of Sports Performance Derek Owings and his...

- Tennessee football reports for its 130th season as the Volunteers will hold their annual local media day Tuesday before beginning preseason camp practice Wednesday. - Head coach Josh Heupel , who enters his sixth season at the helm, will address media at 12:40 p.m.