Tennessee football released its official 2026 season roster on Friday afternoon with the start of fall practice just under a month away.
Amidst the multitude of number changes was a very notable weight change. LEO Christian Gass is up 28 pounds from 217 to 245 pounds from his true freshman to redshirt freshman season.
An inside linebacker in high school, Gass moved to the LEO spot after arriving at Tennessee as a freshman. Battling an injury in fall camp made it difficult for Gass to earn any real role during the 2025 season with the Georgia native playing in just two games and totaling three tackles.
There’s a more significant sense of urgency for Gass entering his second season than Tennessee would like after the departure of Chaz Coleman earlier this offseason.
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Tennessee lost Josh Josephs to the NFL Draft and both Jordan Ross and Caleb Herring to the transfer portal this offseason. The Vols’ LEO room was young and unproven even with Coleman on the roster and slated to play an abundance of snaps. That’s the case all the more so with Coleman off the team.
Gass is not in line to be a starter for Tennessee but there is an opportunity for him to earn playing time in his redshirt junior season. If the Vols catch any bit of the injury bug at the spot then they could need Gass to step up and play meaningful snaps. Adding needed wait to his frame helps his chances of holding up against the run and earning playing time.
Tulane transfer Jordan Norman is the most likely player to step into the starting role after an offseason of turnover. Freshmen Kedric Golston and Carter Gooden will be in the mix at LEO while strong side defensive end players like Mariyon Dye or Tyree Weathersby could slide into the LEO spot if injuries become a major factor.
Tennessee’s ability to rush the passer, particularly at the LEO spot, is one of the biggest questions facing its new look defense next season.
