The Tennessee football team has a big year ahead of it in 2026. The Vols took a step back last fall after making the College Football Playoffs in 2024, and the fanbase has begun to get somewhat impatient with Josh Heupel.
Spring practice is a big part of roster development, and Tennessee has many questions heading into this year's spring ball. Let's take a look at the three biggest unknowns.
1. How fast will Jim Knowles' defense translate
Everybody was pumped up about the hire of Jim Knowles, and rightfully so, but his defenses are complex and take time to learn their intricacies. With nearly a double-digit amount of new starters on defense, how Tennessee’s players adapt to the new scheme will be a key storyline this spring.
Historically, it will take a full season for Knowles to really leave his mark on the defense, but who knows? Maybe this group is different. Tennessee added two great young linemen in Chaz Coleman and Xavier Gilliam, and the staff completely revamped the secondary, adding players from Miami, Michigan, Penn State, Kansas State, and Auburn.
2. Who is WR3
The top two wide receiver spots have been locked up already with SEC Freshman of the Year Braylon Staley and veteran Mike Matthews, but behind them, who is going to step up? Tristen Keys was the No. 1 wide receiver in the class of 2026, but despite having all the potential in the world, will a freshman this fall?
Radarious Jackson flashed as a freshman last fall, catching 9 balls for 90 yards. Joakim Dodson got some run last fall as well, but for the most part, behind Staley and Jackson, it's pretty unclear who will be the guy. Spring ball will paint a much clearer picture for the wide receiver outlook in 2026.
3. What QB looks ready
Joey Aguilar is petitioning for another season, but for now, we have to be under the assumption that he is gone. As a freshman, George MacIntyre looked comfortable in the limited garbage-time snaps he saw last fall. Now that five-star freshman Faizon Brandon is on campus, tracking who has the upper hand will be a key storyline.
Both quarterbacks bring immense talent, but with different skill sets. Watching them compete will give a clearer picture of who’s ready now and who needs more time to develop.