Rising Tennessee LB suffers torn ACL in gut-punch fall camp injury for Josh Heupel

The vibes at fall camp had been strong for Tennessee and head man Josh Heupel, but some deflating news has arrived that sure is going to have an impact on defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. That's because it has just been revealed that second-year linebacker Jaedon Harmon has suffered a torn ACL, and he's officially out for the 2026 season.

You've got to be kidding. Harmon suffered the injury during practice this week, with further testing confirming that he will be out for the year. The 6-0, 225-pounder was a true freshman last season, making a difference whenever his number was called. The hope was that he'd take a big step forward as a sophomore this fall, but we'll now have to wait until 2027 to see him in action again:

Reporter Patrick Brown of GoVols247 confirmed the news that must have plenty of Vols fans a bit down in the dumps right now. Last season as a true frosh, Harmon posted 19 total tackles (12 solo), one pass deflection, and 0.5 sacks.

Tennessee LB Jaedon Harmon is out for the season with a torn ACL

This is also the second piece of season-ending news the Vols have received in recent days, as Miami transfer defensive back Jadais Richard won't be able to play this year either. As reported by Brown, Richard suffered his serious injury while working out back at home, with surgery needed. That remind anyone of what happened with Jermod McCoy last year?

While Richard and McCoy aren't at the same level, it hurts regardless. As for Harmon, you've really got to feel bad for this kid, as he was pushing for serious playing time this season. As a member of the 2025 class, he signed with Tennessee ranked four stars, and the No. 18 'backer in the country per the 247Sports Composite.

This LB injury also adds to some early-season concerns for the Vols, as playmaker Arion Carter is suspended for the first two games of the year. Carter received his suspension for receiving a free flight during the NFL Draft process, which he eventually paid back. Despite that, the NCAA decided to make an example out of him, which understandably has Heupel furious.

With the Sept. 5 season-opener with Furman around the corner, Knowles will need to adjust some of his plans now that he knows at LB alone Carter and Harmon won't be available for him. On a human level, again, it's easy to feel terrible for Harmon, as you just know he was fired up to make a name for himself in '26. This stings, no question.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow