Full Breakdown
Tennessee Volunteers Kick Off 2026 Fall Camp with New Drills and Quarterback Battle
8/6/2026, 10:30:07 PM
Opening Day at Haslam Field
The Vols began their 2026 preseason training on the expanded Haslam Field, moving from the indoor Anderson Training Center to outdoor drills under a muggy, sunny sky. The first session featured 17 individual periods, including a new competitive drill that matched wide receivers and tight ends against defensive backs. Freshmen TK Keys, Tyreek King, linebackers TJ White, Brayden Rouse, and offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda were among the five newcomers introduced after practice.
Coach Heupel’s Remarks
Head coach Josh Heupel praised the effort, noting the emphasis on fundamentals as the team “starts this on-field journey.” “Really good work today on the grass as we start this on-field journey,” — Josh Heupel, tennessee head coach
Quarterback Competition and Projected Depth Chart
With former starter Joey Aguilar departing, the Vols opened a four-player quarterback contest. Early enrollee freshman Brandon Faizon, sophomore George MacIntyre, sophomore Mason Phillips, and senior Ryan Staub (a transfer from Colorado) are all listed on the fall-camp roster. Vols Wire projects Faizon as the initial starter, followed by MacIntyre.
Position Highlights from the Projected Depth Chart
- Running Back: Senior DeSean Bishop and sophomore Javin Gordon.
- Wide Receiver: Freshman TK Keys and sophomore Radarious Jackson; junior Mike Matthews and sophomore Travis Smith Jr. (2) at the Z spot.
- Tight End: Senior Ethan Davis, with sophomore DaSaahn Brame and junior Cole Harrison backing him. Davis also appears on the preseason John Mackey Award watch list.
- Offensive Line: Sophomore David Sanders Jr. (LT 1) and freshman Gabriel Osenda (LT 2); fifth-year Wendell Moe Jr. (LG 1) and senior Shamurad Umarov (LG 2); senior Sam Pendleton (C 1) and sophomore Nic Moore (C 2); junior Jesse Perry (RG 1) and fifth-year Donovan Haslam (RG 2); junior Ory Williams (RT 1) and junior Jesse Perry (RT 2).
What’s Next
The Volunteers will continue individual and unit drills throughout the week, building toward their season opener on Sept. 5 at Neyland Stadium against Furman. The quarterback competition and depth-chart projections will be refined as the camp progresses.
