He's bringing back old school football for the Tennessee Vols and fans are loving it. For everyone who watched the Week 1 win over Syracuse, you're not alone if you admit that you were taken aback a bit watching young running back DeSean Bishop go to work.
Yes, he was fantastic with the ball in his hands, but a lot of people were quick to notice that he wasn't wearing any gloves. What is this, 1984? Bishop was of course asked about his decision there and he provided a response that everyone in Knoxville has got to be loving:
Tennessee RB DeSean Bishop on why he plays without gloves: Feeling the ball helps me catch it better. I’m not out here to look good. I’m out there to play good. It’s straight business. pic.twitter.com/6BV7QKll7V
— Wes Rucker (@wesruckerTBA) September 2, 2025
DeSean Bishop is 'straight business' running the ball for Tennessee football
He's straight business and he doesn't care how he looks? That's the kind of mindset the Tennessee faithful love to see out of a playmaker. Hey, it looks like Bishop's fashion decision turned out to be brilliant for him, as he was spectacular when his number was called last weekend.
On the day, the 5-10, 200-pounder carried the ball 11 times for 82 yards and a touchdown. The redshirt freshman averaging 7.5 yards per carry was quite head-turning and in the best way possible for head man Josh Heupel and his offensive staff.
In addition to Bishop having a strong showing, fellow running back Star Thomas, a Duke transfer, also was strong, rushing for 92 yards on 12 carries - Thomas added a touchdown through the air from standout quarterback Joey Aguilar.
Add Peyton Lewis into the mix and there's a three-headed monster for the Tennessee ground game. That RBs room is quite close and no one minds if they're not going to be the featured back from start to finish during a game. Last year, Dylan Sampson was the main back for the ground game, but things have changed in '25.
In total, Tennessee rushed for a mind-blowing 248 yards against Syracuse, something not many of us expected. More production from all three RBs should be on the way against East Tennessee State on Saturday for the home opener. Bishop will hope to find the end zone once again and keep building his confidence for the rest of the campaign.