Josh Heupel’s Volunteers on the Cusp of a Breakthrough
Josh Heupel’s tenure at Tennessee has turned a struggling program into a playoff contender, with staff changes, a promising recruiting class and a defense poised for resurgence.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Derek Owings across Football.
Josh Heupel’s tenure at Tennessee has turned a struggling program into a playoff contender, with staff changes, a promising recruiting class and a defense poised for resurgence.

Mike Matthews and Arion Carter headline Tennessee’s 2026 roster, showcasing elite athletic gifts that could reshape the Volunteers’ prospects
Tennessee’s sixth‑year head coach Josh Heupel has reshaped both sides of the ball, hiring Jim Knowles and tailoring the offense for new quarterbacks as the Volunteers aim for a 2026 playoff berth.

A deep dive into the quarterback battle that could shape Tennessee’s offensive future, highlighting physical readiness, fan sentiment and the looming impact of fall camp.

A sweeping purge of defensive staff, the hiring of Jim Knowles, and a wave of new players set the stage for a pivotal season opener.

The University of Tennessee opened fall camp with a focus on interior defensive strength, featuring standout performances from Xavier Gilliam, healthy freshman TK Keys, and Tulane transfer Jordan Norman stepping into a larger role after Chaz Coleman's departure.

Strength coach Derek Owings describes Tennessee’s roster as the most genetically gifted he’s ever coached, highlighting the program’s bright outlook despite quarterback uncertainty.
Strength coach Derek Owings leverages before‑and‑after imagery and social platforms to showcase player development, driving fan excitement and shaping the Vols’ 2026 outlook.

Tennessee’s football team added nearly 900 pounds of muscle and lost over 200 pounds of fat under new Director of Performance Derek Owings, with key players reporting significant weight gains.
With the SEC shifting toward a more run‑heavy, physical style, Tennessee’s defense must evolve quickly to keep pace with opponents like Georgia Tech, Texas and Auburn.
Coach Josh Heupel’s aggressive offseason reshapes the Volunteers, blending new staff with key transfers, while facing the loss of quarterback Joey Aguilar.

Brad Crawford's 2026 SEC projection sees Tennessee finishing 8‑4 with wins over Alabama, Kentucky and Vanderbilt, but a tough schedule and defensive uncertainties could limit their playoff hopes.

Edge rusher Chaz Coleman leaves the Volunteers after a medical disqualification, revealing the pressures behind a high‑profile transfer.

Chaz Coleman, a highly touted transfer from Penn State, was medically disqualified from the Tennessee Volunteers program after missing key workouts and dealing with personal issues, casting uncertainty over a career that had drawn praise from head coach Josh Heupel and coordinator Jim Knowles.

Despite a nine‑spot drop in ESPN’s futures power rankings, Tennessee’s strong recruiting class and revamped strength program signal potential upside.

Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols enter the season ranked No. 8 in the SEC, featuring a quarterback duel, a revamped defense, and a schedule that could define their destiny.
Tennessee Volunteers are grappling with the unexpected absence of transfer edge rusher Chaz Coleman, whose off‑field issues have sparked comparisons to former safety Boo Carter and raised questions about the team's pass rush and leadership.
Edge rusher Chaz Coleman's recent absences and off‑field distractions have drawn comparisons to former Volunteer Boo Carter, prompting questions about the team's defensive outlook.

The Volunteers are navigating an open quarterback competition, the absence of a key player, and the impact of fresh coaching leadership as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The University of Tennessee is preparing for the 2026 season, seeking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. With fresh faces on defense, a dozen transfer additions, and a quarterback battle between George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon, the Vols hope to turn the page under a reshaped staff.

Summer workouts reveal a markedly stronger Indiana squad, driven by strength coach Tyson Brown and contrasted with the legacy of Derek Owings.