A Coaching Overhaul
The University of Tennessee is gearing up for the 2026 college football season by overhauling its defensive unit, bringing in a fresh cadre of coaches and transfer players who promise to reshape the Volunteers' approach on that side of the ball.
Leading the transformation is Jim Knowles, who has taken over as the Volunteers' defensive coordinator after a stint that included national recognition at the collegiate level. He will be joined by Anthony Poindexter and Andrew Jackson, both formerly on the Penn State staff, as well as Derek Jones, the new cornerbacks coach, each bringing a distinct background that the coaching staff believes will tighten the unit.
Portal Standouts
Among the most anticipated additions are Kayin Lee, a former Auburn Tigers cornerback, and Amare Campbell, a onetime Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker. Both athletes have risen sharply in the 247Sports transfer portal rankings, with Campbell sitting at No. 144 nationally and Lee at No. 193, the latter holding a 90 rating and the former a 91 rating.
Campbell is currently positioned No. 3 among all portal newcomers, while Lee sits at No. 4, underscoring the high expectations placed on the duo.
Coaches and analysts alike expect Lee and Campbell to start from day one, projecting them as pivotal pieces that could elevate the Volunteers' defense from a season ago and potentially alter the team's trajectory in the SEC.