Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Drake Martinez across Football.
The Volunteers' tight ends must prove they can protect the pocket for quarterbacks Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre, but injuries, limited blocking experience and a crowded depth chart create a critical test for Coach Alec Abeln's offense.
Tennessee will field a deep group of six tight ends, blending returning veterans, transfers and an Austrian freshman to add depth and versatility to the 2026 roster.
The Volunteers will field a deep tight end corps in 2026, blending experienced returnees with new additions from the transfer portal.
Returning starter Ethan Davis and emerging talents like Dasaahn Brame, plus new transfers, give Tennessee a potent tight end unit under coach Alec Abeln.
Four-star tight end Malik Howard chose Tennessee after an official visit, bringing elite size, production and a modern skill set to the Volunteers' 2027 recruiting class.