5 Bold Predictions for Tennessee Volunteers’ Week 1 Opener vs Furman

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The Tennessee Volunteers kick off their 2026 season on Saturday at Neyland Stadium against the Furman Paladins. It’s an early opportunity for Josh Heupel’s team to shake off some early rust and find their rhythm before a tough Week 2 draw at Georgia Tech. Ahead of Saturday’s Furman vs. Tennessee kickoff on the SEC Network+, we’re making a few bold predictions for the game.

Let’s dive into our five bold predictions for the Volunteers’ regular-season opener.

Faizon Brandon Throws TD on Opening Drive

Tennessee Volunteers, Faizon Brandon — Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) during Tennessee football’s first preseason practice in Knoxville, Tennessee, Aug. 5, 2026.

Will there be plenty of ups and downs for true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon? Absolutely; just look at what happened with Bryce Underwood this past season at Michigan. What feels particularly promising about this situation long-term is that Brandon is walking into a spot with an excellent offensive line, a proven receiving corps and a quarterback-friendly scheme. Facing a Furman defense that allowed 6.0 yards per play and 50 total touchdowns in 12 games last season, we think Brandon hits Mike Matthews on a touchdown to open the scoring, with Neyland Stadium erupting as they witness the 18-year-old record his first career touchdown pass.

DeSean Bishop Rushes for 100+ Yards, 2 TDs in Three Quarters

Tennessee Volunteers, DeSean Bishop — Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

Coming off a breakout season that earned him second-team All-SEC honors, Knoxville native DeSean Bishop is going to put on a show in Week 1. Furman struggled mightily versus the run last year, surrendering 4.8 yards per carry and over 175 rushing yards per game, and Clemson (219 rushing yards) was the only Power 4 offense they faced. Bishop only cleared the 100-yard rushing mark three times in 2025, but he averaged 5.9 yards per carry. He’ll be unleashed on Saturday afternoon, ripping off a 40-plus-yard touchdown run and resting late in the third quarter after putting up over 120 rushing yards with two scores.

Jim Knowles’ Defense Gets a First-Half Shutout

Tennessee Volunteers, Jim Knowles — Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Knowles during the Vols’ spring football practice in Knoxville on March 19, 2026.

It’s been said before and is worth mentioning again: it takes several years before defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ system really clicks and fans start seeing everything come together. There will be a lot of growing pains for the Volunteers defense this fall, especially against experienced quarterbacks and some of the SEC’s best play-callers. Neither are a worry in the season opener. Furman was below average last season when it came to converting on third down (39.08%), and they often struggled to put their offense in good field position. The talent disparity between these two programs will be very apparent on Saturday, with Tennessee’s defense pitching a shutout in the first half and then allowing some of its younger players to see extended playing time in the second half.

TK Keys Scores First Career TD

Tennessee Volunteers, TK Keys — Tennessee wide receiver TK Keys (5) during Tennessee football preseason practice in Knoxville, Tennessee, Aug. 14, 2026.

TK Keys, the No. 1-rated receiver in the 2026 recruiting class, has already made a positive impression in his first summer in Knoxville. Standing at 6-foot-2, the true freshman wideout has carved out an early role for himself to open the season, and he should get even more playing time in the home opener. He’ll catch a pass from Brandon in the first half, but Keys’ first career touchdown will come in the third quarter when backup quarterback George MacIntyre connects with him in the red zone.

Cooper Ranvier Hits a 50-Yard Field Goal

Tennessee Volunteers — Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

Tennessee brought in a new kicker this offseason, pulling Cooper Ranvier away from Louisville after he put up 102 points with an 84 percent field-goal conversion rate this past year. Ranvier has been money from inside 40 yards, going a perfect 13-for-13, and he has just one miss (6-of-7) from 40–49 yards out. While he doesn’t necessarily have one of the strongest legs in college football, he does have two makes from 50-plus. Saturday should provide Heupel with an opportunity to test out Ranvier’s leg in live action, and we think he’ll just sneak in a 50-yard attempt.