After scoring a third unanswered touchdown to open the game, Tennessee football kicker Max Gilbert connected on his third extra point of the game. Before he could exit the field, his right foot was stomped on by UAB defensive back Sirad Bryant.
While Bryant was penalized with an unsportsmanlike conduct infraction, he was not ejected from the game. Afterward, he issued an apology to Gilbert in a statement posted on his Instagram.
“First off I would like to apologize to Max Gilbert for stepping on his foot,” Bryant wrote. “Not only that, I would like to apologize to my teammates, coaches and also to Blazer Nation. What I did was inexcusable no matter the circumstances. I am better than that and take full accountability for my actions. It is not a representation of who I am as a player and person.”
??? uhh ejection??????? pic.twitter.com/tys9NModJ5
— gmannVOLS (@gmannVOLS) September 20, 2025
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During his postgame press conference, UAB head coach Trent Dilfer also gave his thoughts on what transipred. He noted that he saw the video on Instagram, but wanted to see the whole thing. He did clarify that there would be consequences for the action, though.
“I’ve seen an Instagram video of it,” Dilfer said. “I’m not happy with it. I want to get the full video of it. He will be disciplined because of it.”
Gilbert did not appear to say anything to any UAB players after the kick. However, holder and punter Jackson Ross did appear to share some quick words with Bryant before the incident. Bryant responded by stomping on Gilbert’s kicking foot just after.
Gilbert returned to the sideline with a noticeable limp. The kicker remained on the sideline and did not enter the injury tent or return to the locker room. After UT’s ensuing touchdown drive to open the second quarter, he returned to the field after Tennessee’s fourth touchdown and connected on the extra point.
Overall, Gilbert hit on each of his extra point looks. He was not asked to kick any field goals, with the Vols scoring all of their points in the 56-24 win via touchdowns.
On the season, Gilbert is 6-for-7 on field goals, with the miss against Georgia on a game-winning attempt at the end of regulation as his only miscue. He has not yet missed an extra point, either.
