While Faizon Brandon, DeSean Bishop and the rest of the offense deservedly get a ton of love, it's going to be on the Tennessee defense to take its collective game to a new level vs. No. 1 Texas. Jim Knowles is going to have to earn his paycheck in this one, but luckily he's got several playmakers ready at his disposal to make an impact.
Straight up, Tennessee must do everything possible to rattle Arch Manning at Neyland stadium, and it starts with the guys up front. While the defense has a new look to it, we've seen the potential through the 3-0 start, and these players in particular could help make the difference in the Vols potentially knocking off the top team in the nation.
3. LB Arion Carter
We've got to bring up standout linebacker Arion Carter to start us off. Carter is the leader of this defense. After being suspended for the first game of the campaign due to an insane call from the NCAA, he's looked sensational in the respective wins over Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State.
Obviously, Texas is a different kind of beast to go against, but his 12 solo tackles and one sack in two games sure stands out. Carter is going to have to attack the box and make sure Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown and others don't push for extra yards. Carter will be tasked in elevating the guys next to him as well.
2. Pass-rusher Xavier Gilliam
In the season-opening win against Furman, Penn State transfer Xavier Gilliam had a breakout party for the Vols. He recorded a head-turning three sacks and a forced fumble, which was fantastic to see out of the first-year Tennessee defensive lineman.
In the past two games, however, the 6-foot-2, 305-pounder has six total tackles to his name and no sacks. That needs to change against the Longhorns. Gilliam is going to have to LIVE in the backfield and put consistent pressure on Manning. If Gilliam can lead the way in getting after Arch and make life uncomfortable back there for him, it'd be huge for Tennessee.
1. Pass-rusher Jordan Norman
Perhaps there isn't another player on the roster who has flown under the radar more than Tulane transfer Jordan Norman. He has quietly made plenty of noise for the Tennessee defense in 2026, posting two sacks through three games.
Defensive line coach Rodney Garner has high expectations for Norman the rest of the season and it all starts with this upcoming matchup with Texas. Norman, a 6-4, 264-pounder, is third on the team with his two sacks - he's added seven total tackles as well. He and Gilliam have helped make up for the unexpected loss of Chaz Coleman, and both will need to be at their best against a loaded Texas offensive line.
Honorable mention: Jim Knowles
We'd be remiss to not bring up Knowles, who is off to a strong start in his first season as Tennessee's defensive coordinator. It takes some time for Knowles' schemes to take shape, but we're about to find out how far along his unit is in Week 4.
And for Tennessee fans, they want to see the upgrade from Tim Banks last season. No one has forgotten about the heartbreaking loss against Georgia in 2025, as Banks' defense couldn't stop a nosebleed. Georgia did anything it wanted on offense to take down the Vols at Neyland in a thriller. In order for history to not repeat itself, Knowles will need to make in-game adjustments as he sees fit.
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