Through five games, Tennessee football’s defense has taken a step back from its dominance of a year ago. However, the pass rush is just, if not more, effective than before. While stats don’t always tell the whole story, this one does help paint the picture.
According to Tru Media, the Vols’ defensive line is tied for third in the country for fastest average time to pressure in the FBS. Clemson leads the country at 3.00 seconds, Texas A&M is in second place at 3.02 and Tennessee and Louisville are tied for third at 3.04.
This has shown up in counting stats, as well. The Vols have produced 21 sacks for a loss of 124 yards in five games. In Saturday’s win against Mississippi State, UT slung down Blake Shapen for five sacks. This included Tyre West’s pancake of a sack that sprung the ball loose for a Joshua Josephs touchdown return.
Fastest average time to pressure, FBS DLs:
1) Clemson: 3.00 seconds
2) Texas A&M: 3.02
3) Tennessee: 3.04
3) Louisville: 3.04
5) Army: 3.08
6) Utah: 3.09
7) Michigan: 3.11
8) Texas Tech: 3.12
8) Pittsburgh: 3.12
8) Duke: 3.12
11) UConn: 3.15
12) Bowling Green: 3.16
13)… pic.twitter.com/D76A7NRAxV— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) September 30, 2025
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The sack count is spread out, as well, typically marking the sign of a healthy defensive line. Tied for the most sacks on the team are Caleb Herring, West and Josephs with three. Herring is in his junior year, while West and Josephs are both seniors looking to up their draft stocks.
Then, it’s a versatile piece, Dominic Bailey, who has played both defensive end and tackle at two. Interior lineman Nathan Robinson and defensive back Jalen McMurray are also at 1.5 on the year.
Others to get in on a sack include Charles House, Boo Carter, Arion Carter, Edwin Spillman, Tyree Weathersby, Jordan Ross, Mariyon Dye and Isaiah Campbell.
For Tennessee to reach its goal of getting back to the College Football Playoffs, it’s going to need its defense to take a step forward as a whole, though. The next test for the vaunted pass rush will be against Arkansas after the upcoming bye week. Kickoff in Knoxville is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. ET and will air on the SEC Network.
