⚡ CFB Dashboard

- 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.

- Sharing my bold projection of the Tennessee Volunteers football depth chart.

- QB: "I do 100% expect him to be the starter." RTI Low-Down co-host Chris Low gives unfiltered thoughts on the status of Tennessee football's quarterback battle

- – Tennessee football held its second and final scrimmage of preseason camp on Saturday in Neyland Stadium, and the Volunteers now turn their attention to mock game week. "There were a lot of mechanics and communication things that we did well," said head coach Josh Heupel .

- 12 of preseason camp at Haslam Field. - Special teams coordinator Evan Crabtree met with the media following the session to discuss the development and experience of his group entering the 2026 season. "He has a competitive edge to him, and he has a confidence to him that probably shows up more on the field," Crabtree said.

- QB/LB: Faizon is QB1 game one, all the QB battle talk is just preseaon noise now.

- QB/OL: Under Heup, 8 out of the 24 (33%) were top 10 when we played then.

- QB/OL: When we get a returning starter at QB combined with an experienced offensive line, then I'll feel like I know what CJH really believes about tempo.

- QB/OL: Nice night for Joe Sam Howell, Joe Milton III Continue Backup Quarterback Battle​ With Dak Prescott sitting out, Howell and Milton split the night as they compete for the Cowboys’ No.

- WR/LB: WATCH: Tennessee WR coach Kelsey Pope speaks to the media during UT Fall Camp on Friday morning in Knoxville -Battle For Third Starter -Mike Matthews' Leadership -TK Keys' Skill (Via RTI on YouTube)

- WR: WATCH: Tennessee WR Radarious Jackson Talks starter competition, offseason growth, skill sets of UT's receivers (Via RTI on YouTube)

- QB: He didn't start at QB for all those games though, some were at TB and he only took over QB in the beginning during a game where the starting QB got hurt

- QB: Sells was a backup QB (never played) in the early-mid 1980s who then became a grad assistant and coach.

- Practice: He might not want to give Brame too much time in the starter role or he could see his snaps reduced when he is healthy.

- Injury: The discussions I'd heard had him deep on the depth chart.

- 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...

- Practice: Can’t wait to see the first depth chart.

- 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.

- QB/LB: Faison might very well start to separate himself earlier than expected but no one will be named starter until after the 2nd scrimmage of fall camp.