Joakim Dodson arrived in Knoxville with a reputation built at Baylor School in Chattanooga, where he helped the Red Raiders to an undefeated regular season and a state championship berth. The three‑year starter at Collierville High School in Tennessee before that honed his route‑running and hands, catching the attention of the Volunteers' coaching staff.
During his redshirt freshman campaign in 2025, Dodson appeared in five games, recording two receptions for 38 yards. One of those catches went for 27 yards against East Tennessee State, while an 11‑yard grab came versus UAB. His most memorable moment came in the Music City Bowl, where he returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown, showcasing his explosiveness on special teams.
Entering his second season, Dodson is expected to compete for a larger role in the Volunteers' offense. Coaches have praised his work ethic and ability to stretch the field, noting that his experience on the kickoff unit could translate into more snaps at wide receiver.
The 2026 slate opens on September 5 at Neyland Stadium against Furman, a game that will kick off at 3:30 p.m. EDT and stream on SEC Network+. The Volunteers will then face a series of power‑conference opponents, including Kennesaw State, Texas, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky and LSU, promising a rigorous test early in the season.
A challenging schedule looms
The upcoming schedule underscores the Volunteers' ambition to climb the SEC rankings. Games against traditional rivals such as Auburn and Alabama will be pivotal, while matchups with Kentucky and LSU add further depth to the conference battle.
Fans and analysts alike are watching Dodson's development closely, as his blend of size, speed, and special‑teams experience could provide a spark for a Tennessee team looking to rebound from a mixed recent record. His progress will be a barometer for the broader rebuilding effort under the current coaching staff.