Boldly Projecting the Tennessee Football Starting Lineup Ahead of the 2026 Season

The Tennessee Volunteers' 2026 season is approaching, and there are many different projections and predictions to cover. This time, I will be making my own bold projection of how the starting lineup and the rest of the depth chart will look.

Here is where things stand currently.

Offense Depth Chart Projection

Tennessee Vols tennessee volunteers college football offense defense special teams starting lineup depth chart. — Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis (0) grabs the mask of Vanderbilt linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 29, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Quarterback:
Starter: Faizon Brandon
2nd: George MacIntyre
3rd: Ryan Staub

While the quarterback competition is far from over, it does seem that Faizon Brandon has been showing out despite being a true freshman this season. His biggest competition is George MacIntyre, who was solid in his minimum reps last season. While this is the toughest prediction to make, I believe Brandon is the guy thanks to his accuracy.

Running Back:
Starter: DeSean Bishop
2nd: Javin Gordon
3rd: Daune Morris
4th: Justin Baker

The running back group will be led by DeSean Bishop, who is looking like a monster ahead of the 2026 season. He is a great running back with plenty of production. Behind him will be Tulane transfer Javin Gordon and returning running backs Daune Morris and Justin Baker.

Wide Receiver:
Starters: Mike Matthews, Travis Smith Jr., Braylon Staley
2nd: Radarious Jackson, TK Keys, Joakim Dodson

The wide receiver corps is by far one of the best position groups for the Vols this season. The biggest battle within this position group is going to be between Travis Smith Jr. and Radarious Jackson. TK Keys will also be in the battle, but it seems that his chances of starting could be lower than the other two. As of now, I believe Smith Jr. is up for the job.

Tight End:
Starter: Ethan Davis
2nd: DaSaahn Brame
3rd: Trent Thomas
4th: Cole Harrison

The tight end position seems a bit set in stone, although the two that I believe could change around are Cole Harrison and Trent Thomas. This is going to be a battle that plays out through fall camp.

Offensive Line:
Starters: David Sanders Jr., Wendell Moe Jr., Sam Pendleton, Sham Umarov, Ory Williams
2nd: Gabriel Osenda, Donovan Haslam, Nic Moore, Jesse Perry, Jeremias Heard

The offensive line seems to be set at the majority of the positions. While some believe that Jesse Perry will be the starter, I personally project Sham Umarov to be the starter for the second season in a row for the Vols. I also believe that Perry could be better used off the bench this season thanks to his versatility. I believe he will still receive some major reps.

Defense Depth Chart Projection

Interior Defensive Line:
Starters: Xavier Gilliam, Daevin Hobbs
2nd: Nathan Robinson, Isaiah Campbell
3rd: Ethan Utley, JJ Finch
4th: Charles House III, Darryl Rivers

On the interior of the defensive line, it seems that Gilliam will be taking charge as the leader. He will be joined by returning Vol Daevin Hobbs, who spent plenty of last season hurt. Now that he gets the chance for a blank slate, it seems that a major season could be on the horizon.

EDGEs:
Starters: Jordan Norman, Tyree Weathersby
2nd: Mariyon Dye, Christian Gass
3rd: Carter Gooden, Keldric Golston

The EDGE positions took a major hit when Chaz Coleman was revealed to be injured and no longer with the team. Now the team will have to use an unexpected starter, as I currently project Tyree Weathersby and Jordan Norman to take charge this season.

Linebackers:
Starters: Arion Carter, Amare Campbell
2nd: Jadon Perlotte, Edwin Spillman
3rd: Jeremiah Telander, Brayden Rouse

The linebacker position group is becoming one of the better position groups on the entire roster. Despite the injury to Jaedon Harmon, I still believe the Vols' linebacker room is three groups deep. As of now, I believe Jeremiah Telander may be as low as the third string, but he could be the player who rises the most.

Cornerbacks:
Starters: Kayin Lee, Ty Redmond, Qua Moss
2nd: Tre Poteat, Zay Anderson, Isaiah Hardge
3rd: Tim Merritt, Tevis Metcalf, Jamyan Theodore

The cornerback room isn't as deep as the Vols may have hoped for after the injury to Jadais Richards. As of now, I believe there are multiple freshmen who could find the field this season. I will be watching them closely in 2026.

Safeties:
Starters: Edrees Farooq, TJ Metcalf
2nd: Dejuan Lane, Joel Wyatt
3rd: Sidney Walton, DJ Burks

This room is extremely deep, as the Vols will be able to use three veterans at the highest level. This was a bit hard to predict, as it is hard to justify Lane being on the bench, but with the staff having Farooq and Metcalf as the starters, it seems reasonable. This season is going to be electric from the third level.

Special Teams Depth Chart Projection

Special Teams
Kicker: Cooper Ranvier
Punter: Jackson Ross
Longsnapper: Bennett Brady
Punt Returner: Ian Duarte
Kick Returner: Joakim Dodson

The special teams are basically set in stone until the return men. I believe that Duarte and Dodson will be the best players for the job at this time.

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