After a disappointing ending to the 2025 season with a loss in the Music City Bowl, Tennessee Football heads into the 2026 season with several new pieces to both the coaching staff and the roster of players. From a coaching perspective, Tennessee revamped its defensive unit by adding defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, co-defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter, cornerbacks coach Derek Jones, and LEOs coach AJ Jackson.
The Vols are hoping many of their new additions, both through the transfer portal and high school recruiting, can make a quick impact as Tennessee tries to claw back into the College Football Playoff conversation in the near future.
With less than 100 days until the start of the college football season, ESPN’s Billy Tucker listed out the Top 100 newcomers around the sport. Tucker’s list includes both transfer players and incoming freshmen alike. Tennessee landed four players on the list, three of whom were from the portal.
The highest-ranked Tennessee player is former Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam at No. 20, who fills an important need on the defensive line. The Vols’ line was depleted during the offseason as Bryson Eason, Tyre West, Joshua Josephs, and Dominic Bailey all departed for the NFL. But with Knowles’ new defensive scheme being implemented in a short time, Gilliam’s presence will be a key one to fill the void.
“Gilliam doesn’t have gaudy production (12 solo tackles in 2025) but his impact jumps out on tape,” Tucker writes. “He holds at the point of attack but also puts some pressure on the quarterback when rushing with continuous effort. He plays with heavy hands and power. Though he’s not a dominant athlete, he is an effective player and Tennessee will likely deploy him in several different ways along its defensive front.”
Just two spots below Gilliam is the Vols’ lone high school prospect on the list, which is quarterback Faizon Brandon. Tennessee is going through its second-straight quarterback battle this offseason, and Brandon is in the running alongside redshirt-freshman George MacIntyre. Brandon has all the tools to be a successful quarterback in the SEC during his career, but the important questions will be how quickly he can get into form and if he winds up getting his shot in 2026.
“He will have to grow up fast and adapt quickly to the pace and smaller throwing windows in college, but he has very good tools to make an impact if his name is called,” Tucker writes. “Brandon is more advanced than Hendon Hooker at the same stage and more advanced as a passer than Joe Milton.”
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Then you get to Tennessee’s third player on the list, who is shrouded in controversy at the moment. That would be former EDGE rusher Chaz Coleman. The former Penn State standout was the crown jewel of Tennessee’s portal class, but he missed the back half of spring camp and didn’t play in the Orange & White Game. Coleman is reportedly in town for summer workouts, according to On3’s Chris Low, but there are still mysteries around his future.
ESPN acknowledges the ongoing issues as Tucker slots Coleman at No. 27 on his list. If he can be a contributor for the Vols, though, Tucker believes that he fills a major need.
“Coleman not only fills a major need but also brings significant upside and first-round potential,” Tucker writes. “As a true freshman, he cracked a talented Penn State defensive rotation by playing with burst and explosion off the edge. He has a quick first step that immediately stresses offensive tackles and pairs his vertical pass-rush ability with effective countermoves and fluid change of direction. As he continues to develop physically and finish plays more consistently, Coleman has the tools to become a disruptive force for the Vols.”
The final Volunteer in the class could be one of the most underrated pickups in the cycle. Tucker lists Tennessee cornerback Kayin Lee at No. 68 on his Top 100 list. The Vols have had good success with transfer cornerbacks with Colton Hood and Jermod McCoy in the past, and Tennessee is hoping Lee is next on that list. He’s played in 36 games at Auburn over the last three seasons and brings much-needed experience to Tennessee’s secondary.
“He’s an impact talent and sticky cover corner who plays physically at the line of scrimmage,” Tucker writes. “His hips are fluid and he has the speed to carry receivers downfield. Lee does a great job limiting offensive production while being competitive at the catch point, giving up only two touchdowns since 2024 when targeted.”
Check out Billy Tucker’s full Top 100 Newcomers list for ESPN here.
3 Responses
So is he dismissed from the team or not?
Be sure and try to sign Roman Iqwewebujke from Mt. Carmel High School next year. He is a senior in high school next year. He plays linebacker now but is very athletic and flexible in positions. This past year, as you know Mt. Carmel out of Chicago won the high school class 6A state championship. This young man is outstanding in sports, academics, and an excellent upcoming senior that excels in making friends! He is a grandson to my first cousin, so I know th facts on him
I think he has the makings of a great player. He is amazing! Sign him because he has it all and I think he is rated in the top five linebackers in the country with a heck of a motor.
Be sure and try to sign Roman Iqwewebuijke. Last season as a junior he played for Mt. Carmel High School, which won the Indiana 6A high school football championship. This young man has great talent and is a grade A student. He is very strong, quick and fast. Played ILB last year and is a fine person with a from a great family. I know him because he is a grandson to a first cousin of mine. I believe, depending on ho you talk to, that he is one of the top five rated linebackers in country for the upcoming season. Really good prospect.