Xavier Gilliam discusses debut with Tennessee football
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Junior defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam made his Tennessee debut on Sept. 5.
The Vols (1-0) opened their 2026 football season with a, 56-9, win against Furman (1-1) at Neyland Stadium.
Gilliam led Tennessee in sacks (three), tackles (six), tackles for a loss (five) and forced fumbles (one). He tied senior linebacker Amare Campbell for tackles.
The 6-foot-2, 305-pound Gilliam transferred to Tennessee, along with Campbell, from Penn State following the 2025 season.
He discussed his debut with the Vols after the Furman game.
“It was, obviously, fun," Gilliam said. "The crowd’s energy felt like it was flowing through the stadium. I had a great time out there with my teammates and it was my first time in Neyland. I’m looking forward to the next game."
Tennessee will next play at Georgia Tech (0-1) on Saturday in Week 2. The contest is slated for 7 p.m. EDT at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia (ESPN).
The Vols will return to Neyland Stadium on Sept. 19 against Kennesaw State (7:45 p.m. EDT, SEC Network).
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