Tennessee football’s defense is going to look a whole lot different this year. The Vols have not just moved on from defensive coordinator Tim Banks and hired Jim Knowles as his replacement, but will have a good bit of new personnel joining, as well.
One of the under-the-radar additions that is now taking headlines is Penn State transfer defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam. The redshirt-sophomore doesn’t just have the familiarity of Knowles’ scheme with the Nittany Lions, but has drawn his coaches’ praise all spring.
After Gilliam’s second scrimmage at UT, Tennessee insider Austin Price joined 99.1 The Sports Animal’s Josh and Swain to discuss the buzz around his string of practices. This included a comparison to a recent star Vols defensive tackle.
“Xavier Gilliam has flashed a lot,” Price said. “The name that has been tossed around to me is Omarr Norman-Lott as far as how twitchy he is inside. He’s not an overly big defensive tackle, but a guy that can play inside, but is also quick enough to make the lives of interior offensive linemen really, really difficult. I think he’s had a nice start to his Tennessee first spring here in Knoxville.”
“Xavier Gilliam has flashed a lot. The name that’s been tossed around to me is Omarr Norman-Lott.”@AustinPriceless discussed a DL transfer who’s made a quick impression for Tennessee on @JoshandSwain. pic.twitter.com/QeLMiGW9pK
— Josh Ward (@Josh_Ward) April 3, 2026
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In the aftermath of the second scrimmage earlier this week, Vols head coach Josh Heupel was asked about what Gilliam brings to the table. He praised what he’s been able to do in block destruction and as a pass rusher.
“He’s a guy that has played some football,” Heupel said. “Has familiarity with the scheme. Had a really good offseason in our winter program. And then as we’ve continued to go through spring ball, I think he’s flashed more and more, the deeper that we’ve gotten into it. First and second down, really good at the point of attack. Not getting moved versus double teams. Does a good job using his hands. I’ve shown him a couple of times in our block destruction drill that we do up front.
“And then you look at some of what he’s done in our pass rush. That’s our pass rush period. It’s also during team. He showcased the ability to play on an edge and affect the quarterback.”
Gilliam’s talent will be on full display next Saturday. Tennessee will take to Neyland Stadium for the annual Orange & White Game. Admission is free for fans, but it will not be broadcast.
