Tennessee football Max Gilbert had a perfect game against Arkansas and is being rewarded with an SEC Special Teams Player of the Week nod. He shares the award with Texas punt returner Ryan Niblett, who found the end zone on a return in the win over Oklahoma.
Gilbert went 4-for-4 on extra points and 2-for-2 on field goals. This included a make from 37 and 50 yards out. With the Vols winning by three, by the score of 34-31, his kicking was one of the differences in the victory.
Gilbert is now 2-for-2 on kicks of 50 yards or more this season. This coincides with his NIL deal with Moonshine Mountain Cookies.
He did it AGAIN! Get two free cookies on MONDAY at our 3 Knoxville stores! Get snacks with MAX! @maxgilbs7 pic.twitter.com/ocp1XmHenu
— Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company (@mmccknoxville) October 11, 2025
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On the year, Gilbert is now 10-for-12 on field goals. His misses were the game-winning attempt at the end of regulation vs. Georgia and one on the road in the win over Mississippi State.
“Listen, I told the team, it’s a series of one play that make the wins,” Heupel said after the loss to UGA. “And as a specialist, sometimes your life gets showcased in a way where you get very limited opportunities. I love the fact that he came back over time, drains it. Unfortunately, he didn’t make the one before, but he had his head high. And that’s the life of being a kicker, you know what I mean? And I love the way he responded. He’ll continue to grow and we got great trust in him. Unfortunately, he didn’t finish that one.”
Next, Tennessee heads to Tuscaloosa to square off with Alabama at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air on ABC.
Tennessee is looking for its first road win in the rivalry under Heupel, as well. The Vols coach has won both meetings in Knoxville, but couldn’t close out a very strong start in 2023. Now, with an offense that’s rolling and a defense that’s shown flashes despite shortcomings, he’s headed to play one of the hottest teams in the country.
