2026 Tennessee football preview: Mike Bethea II
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Redshirt senior defensive lineman Mike Bethea II enters his third season at Tennessee in 2026, his final year of collegiate eligibility.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound defensive lineman appeared in 12 games for the Vols from 2024-25, recording four tackles. He appeared in 10 contests in 2025, primarily on kickoff coverage.
Bethea II totaled three tackles last season, including one against East Tennessee State, Georgia and Arkansas. His only tackle in 2024 was against Kent State.
Bethea II transferred to the Vols from Maryville College. In 18 games with the Scots from 2022-23, he totaled 39 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, one interception, four pass deflections and two forced fumbles.
The third-year Vol is from Maryville High School in Maryville, Tennessee. He played two years under head coach Derek Hunt. Bethea II attended Westwood High School in Blythewood, South Carolina before playing for the Rebels.
Tennessee will kick off its 2026 football season Sept. 5 versus Furman at Neyland Stadium. The season opener is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT (SEC Network+).
The Vols will also host Kennesaw State, Texas, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky and LSU, while playing at Georgia Tech, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt during the 2026 campaign.
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee defensive lineman Mike Bethea II 2026 football preview
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