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 Jim Knowles 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.

The Volunteers' defense will face a potent passing attack led by Texas wideout Cam Coleman, a transfer who dazzled with a one‑handed catch. With cornerbacks Kayin Lee and Qua Moss set to counter his threat, coordinators Jim Knowles and Anthony Poindexter are crafting strategies for the September 26 clash.

The Volunteers open against Furman on Sept. 5 as they look to rebound from a subpar 2025 campaign, with a quarterback battle and a new defensive scheme driving optimism.
Amare Campbell arrived at Tennessee in January and, rather than protect his starting position, devoted himself to teaching the defensive scheme to his new teammates. His mentorship, rooted in a distinguished playing career at Penn State and North Carolina, helped the Volunteers’ linebackers master a complex system under coach Jim Knowles, ensuring they were ready for the season opener against Furman.
Xavier Gilliam, a defensive lineman who transferred from Penn State to Tennessee, is poised to strengthen the Volunteers' interior defense under coach Jim Knowles.
Auburn will travel to Knoxville for a pivotal Week 5 clash with Tennessee, a game that pits first‑year coach Alex Golesh against his former offensive mastermind Josh Heupel, while the Volunteers boast a high‑powered offense and a defense bolstered by veteran coordinator Jim Knowles.
Kedric Golston II, a freshman defensive lineman at the University of Tennessee, is determined to push his father's search‑engine presence aside and establish his own digital footprint in college football.
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.
The University of Tennessee’s football program is turning its attention to the 2026 campaign after a modest 8‑5 finish in the previous season, a record that left fans hopeful but hungry for more.

The University of Tennessee's football program marks its 130th year with a media day featuring new coordinators and a live broadcast on the athletics YouTube channel.

The latest preseason top‑25 poll highlights rising expectations for programs such as Boise State, Tennessee, SMU and Houston, while revealing critical quarterback situations and defensive upgrades that could shape the upcoming season.

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 Volunteers' linebacker unit, featuring returning All‑SEC performer Arion Carter, senior stalwarts and two blue‑chip freshmen, looks to turn high expectations into real production as the defense reshapes under Jim Knowles

With a revamped defensive line and high expectations, Tennessee prepares for the 2026 season under new coordinator Jim Knowles.

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.
The sixth season of a college football coach’s career has become a recurring storyline in the national championship conversation, often marking the point where early promise crystallizes into title contention.
The Volunteers' linebackers are ranked among the nation's best, bolstered by experienced returnees, a high‑profile transfer, and praise from defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the University of Tennessee is reshaping its defense with veteran coordinator Jim Knowles, while key offensive pieces return, setting the stage for a quarterback battle and a renewed push for the College Football Playoff.

A new ESPN power‑index projects the 2026 SEC order of finish, highlighting Georgia’s lead, Texas’s climb and a tightly contested field of contenders.

A look at the Volunteers' recent performance, the arrival of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and the looming showdown with the Crimson Tide.
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.

As the Southeastern Conference convenes in Tampa, Florida, Tennessee’s lineup for the 2026 media sessions reflects an unsettled quarterback competition, featuring emerging talents and seasoned linebackers.

Tennessee's offense, bolstered by a strong line and talented receivers, is projected to outscore Furman 55-14 in the season opener, while the defense's revamped scheme will be closely watched.

At the ACC football media day, James Franklin addressed his controversial departure from Penn State, the people he’s brought along, and his ambition to restore Virginia Tech’s national relevance.