The Tennessee Volunteers are set to kick off the 2026 college football season with a home matchup against Furman on September 5 at Neyland Stadium, a game that will mark the debut of a revamped receiving corps.
Versatility Defines the New Look
Coach Josh Heupel highlighted the progress of sophomore wide receiver Braylon Staley, who earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors after posting 837 yards and six touchdowns on 68 receptions last season.
Heupel emphasized Staley’s ability to line up both in the slot and on the outside, noting that the player’s growing understanding of offensive and defensive coverages has taken his game to another level.
The coach also pointed to the emergence of other young playmakers, including recruit TK Keys, whose elite athletic traits have generated early buzz within the program.
Fall camp is scheduled to begin on August 5, giving the Volunteers a limited window to fine‑tune chemistry before the season opener.
With the roster shaping up and the coaching staff confident in its depth, Tennessee hopes to translate early momentum into a strong start on September 5.