When Tulane transfer Jordan Norman decided to transfer to Tennessee football, his family was mad. From Hoover, Alabama, his family supported what was best for his career, but they weren’t thrilled with the idea of watching him don the orange and white.
That’s because Norman’s family is all Alabama fans. The SEC rivalry didn’t stop Norman from picking the Vols, though. The benefits of playing at UT certainly outweighed the friendly banter of his family.
“Honestly, I love the history of Tennessee,” Norman said. “I’m from Bama, so I’m going against my family coming here. The history, the fans and how much ya’ll support ya’ll’s players here, I really like that.”
That does mean there’s a big red circle on the calendar for the Third Saturday in October. Norman’s family admitted they’d be rooting for the Crimson Tide, unless it’s Norman stepping up to make the play for Tennessee.
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The annual rivalry is set for Oct. 17 with a kick-off time and TV designation yet to be determined. The Vols are going for three-straight at home after pulling off upsets in both 2022 and 2024.
“That’s going to be a crazy week,” Norman said. “They said the only time they’ll be rooting for me is when I make a play. Any other time, it’s ‘Go Bama’. I can understand that.”
Norman comes in with experience in big games, though. As a part of Tulane, he played in the College Football Playoffs. The Green Wave fell short in a loss at Ole Miss, but it was a feeling he couldn’t shake.
That played a part in where he was looking in the portal. Norman wants to go back to the CFP, and he’s hoping he can do that at Tennessee.
“It really opened my eyes because I was at South Alabama my first year,” Norman said. “Had a chance to make it that far and just being in that atmosphere playing at Ole Miss, I felt like I want to be there again. That’s what I hope we get to this year.”
Norman’s versatility could see him handle a good bit of playtime, as well. He’s working at both defensive end and LEO and is expected to be a key factor for Jim Knowles’ first UT defense.
