ESPN tabs Tennessee's most intriguing positional group, and it's one that could make a big jump in 2026
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The Tennessee Vols have plenty of question marks entering the 2026 offseason. Putting aside the quarterback battle between George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon, and Ryan Staub, which will get the attention from and center through the offseason, there are many more question marks that will need to be answered, and the biggest number comes along with new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ defense.
Tennessee lost star LEO Joshua Josephs along with defensive linemen Bryson Eason, Jaxon Moi, Tyre West, and Dominic Bailey, so reestablishing a strong defensive front and pass rush will be crucial among the transfers, which include star edge rusher Chaz Coleman from Penn State.
However, the secondary will get the biggest facelift of any group, and it’s the one that could transform into a good one in 2026 with the new faces. Safeties TJ Metcalf (Michigan), Qua Moss (Kansas State), and DJ Burks (Appalachian State) all have the upside to become important pieces, as do cornerback transfers Kayin Lee (Auburn) and Jadais Richard (Miami).
As such, ESPN listed the most intriguing positional group on Monday for each team, and college football writer Mark Schlabach listed the secondary for the Vols.
ESPN lists Tennessee Vols’ secondary as most intriguing position for 2026
“Tennessee’s secondary is getting a complete overhaul, so new co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach Anthony Poindexter is going to have his hands full,” Schlabach wrote. “The Volunteers brought in seven new defensive backs to shore up the back end of their defense. Auburn transfer Kayin Lee is probably in line to start at one of the cornerback spots, and safeties Qua Moss (Kansas State), TJ Metcalf (Michigan) and DJ Burks (Appalachian State) are potential upgrades.”
Losing Colton Hood and Jermod McCoy to the NFL Draft was obvious by the end of the season, but the Vols are returning a potential star in rising sophomore Ty Redmond. McCoy predicted over the weekend at the Combine that Redmond would become an All-American in 2026, which is clearly high praise.
Redmond was outstanding as a freshman, tied for the SEC lead in passes defended (13) and leading all SEC freshman in pass breakups (10). If he can take that step and become a true CB1 at the SEC level, then that will obviously help the Vols transition in a new group of starters and a new system.
We’ll see how things start off in the Knowles era soon enough, with spring football getting started later this month.
This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Mar 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Nashville section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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