The University of Tennessee’s football program has emerged from a grueling 187‑day offseason with a striking physical overhaul. Collectively, the Volunteers added 867.3 pounds of lean muscle while shedding 218.1 pounds of fat, a shift that has already turned heads across the SEC.
A New Era of Strength
Among the most notable transformations are the gains of several key contributors. Running back DeSean Bishop, who entered the program at 210 pounds, now carries an extra 13 pounds of muscle, while defensive standouts such as Travis Smith Jr., Faizon Brandon and Hezekiah Harris have each reported double‑digit increases, with Harris leading the group at 23 pounds.
At the helm of this metamorphosis is Derek Owings, who joined Tennessee on January 20, 2026, as Director of Football Sports Performance. Owings, a Mercer alumnus with a master’s from Utah State, brings a proven track record of turning raw talent into championship‑ready bodies.
Owings first made a splash at James Madison University, guiding the Dukes to an 8‑3 record in his debut season and an 11‑2 mark the following year. He then replicated that formula at Indiana University, where the Hoosiers experienced one of the most dramatic physical turnarounds in recent college‑football history.
The implications of Owings’ approach extend beyond the weight room. By emphasizing strength, speed, and injury prevention, the Volunteers hope to translate these gains into on‑field dominance in the upcoming season, a prospect that has fans and analysts alike optimistic about a potential rise in the rankings.