By SCOTT FELTS
“Come gather ‘round people, wherever you roam….,For the times they are a-changin’.” – Bob Dylan – “The Times They Are A-Changin’”
The Orange & White Game is this Saturday, April 11th, at 2 p.m. in Neyland Stadium. It’s the big spring finale of the Vols’ major rebuild for the 2026 season and like the song says, there are major changes.
With Joey Aguilar‘s extra year of eligibility denied, the Vols are breaking in a new quarterback, installing new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ scheme, and adjusting to the Southeastern Conference’s new nine-game conference schedule.
Win total projections for 2026 are sitting around 7.5 to 8.5.
The Vols have held two closed scrimmages so far, one at the end of week one and another more recently. As my report earlier in the week laid out, there have been flashes on both sides of the ball.
The biggest storyline this spring is the quarterback battle. By all indications it’s wide open between redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and five-star true freshman Faizon Brandon, with Colorado transfer Ryan Staub a full step behind. MacIntyre and Brandon have been splitting first-team reps.
After the second scrimmage Vols coach Josh Heupel said, “In general, I have been really pleased in their decision making and taking care of the football.”
He then specifically praised Brandon: “For a true freshman getting here in January… he’s been really sound… I am certainly pleased with what he has done.”
Saturday’s Orange and White Game will give fans their clearest look yet at who might lead the offensive attack in the fall.
Whomever ends up winning the starting job at quarterbacks will be surrounded by a strong collection of talent. DeSean Bishop returns at running back, and has looked strong when he has been allowed to play at full speed.
The offensive line is showing better movement and double-team execution as spring has progressed. There’s experience and size up front with guys like returning tackle David Sanders, Jr. and some portal transfers that are turning heads.
The wide receiver room is deep with returning starters Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews, plus incoming talent like Tristen Keys and others battling for that third starting spot.
Elsewhere on the offense, tight end DaSaahn Brame created a big play down the middle in the second scrimmage and has impressed as a complete player in the run game and pass protection.
Defensively, everyone’s excited about the arrival of Knowles. The veteran coordinator and new assistants that have coached under him at various stops are already roaming the practice field, evaluating every player and how they fit his complex, evolving scheme. Early reports say the defense is showing real progress. The tackling looks better, and the secondary has shown improvement.
In the first scrimmage, the defense was assignment-sound, created turnovers, stopped the run well, and didn’t give up many big plays. The secondary, in particular, has shown strong growth and good communication. Returning corner Ty Redmond had multiple pass breakups and an interception in that first scrimmage. Junior Edrees Farooq had picks in both and has shined. The new additions in the secondary — especially portal guys like Qua Moss, TJ Metcalf, and Dejuan Lane — have brought experience and traits that the coaches love.
Another name that’s flashed consistently is transfer defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam. Heupel raved about him after the second scrimmage, saying he’s gotten better every week, wins at the point of attack against double teams, uses his hands well, and has shown the ability to rush the passer from the edge. Gilliam earned defensive player of the day honors recently and looks like a key piece up front.
A little troubling news from the defensive front is that number two overall defensive portal transfer EDGE Chaz Coleman is reportedly not adjusting well to being away from home. Coleman was a reportedly $3.5 million dollar portal addition, so getting him to gel with the defense is crucial.
In the linebacking corps, true freshman Brayden Rouse has turned heads with his speed and physicality. He’s been the fastest linebacker in most practices, made a big statement hit in one of the scrimmages, and coaches see huge upside in him already.
This spring is all about installing that new system and seeing who steps up in the front seven and secondary.
There are questions to be answered.
- Who separates themselves at quarterback?
- How does the new defense look in live action?
- Can the young talent flash enough to build real excitement for a bounceback 2026 season?
Will any of those questions be answered Saturday? Probably not.
Heupel likes to keep things vanilla in open scrimmages, so I’m not sure how much tempo, spread looks, and big plays downfield there will be, but the weather is set to be beautiful and the day should be a fun family event.
Logistics for Saturday
Gates open at 1 p.m., clear bag policy is in effect, only certain gates and sections are open because of construction.
Vol Village kicks off at 10:30 a.m. in Lot 9 with live music, food trucks, the band, cheerleaders, and Sterl the Pearl.
No TV broadcast, but you can listen on the Vol Network or follow along on the app.