Tennessee Football bolstered its secondary this offseason by adding former Kansas State safety Qua Moss during the transfer period. In addition to being one of several defensive backs that Tennessee brought in through the portal, Moss was actually the Vols’ first commitment in their 2026 transfer class.
Moss gives Tennessee a quality piece at the STAR position who can handle both the run and the pass in Jim Knowles’ new defensive system. But while he’s excited to be playing for the Big Orange this year, there was a day not too long ago when he was actively rooting against the Volunteers.
While speaking with the media for the first time on Tuesday, the West Point, GA, native revealed that he grew up with another SEC allegiance.
“I hated Georgia,” Moss said with a laugh when asked about his fandom growing up. “I was an Alabama fan. I wanted to go to them at first, but then – I’m going to be real, I hated Tennessee for a while. When they beat Alabama, oh my God. But it grew on me. I was an Alabama fan growing up, though.”
Moss is a success story about proving your spot and climbing your way up the ladder with hard work. He originally began his career at Dodge City Community College before transferring to West Georgia for his sophomore year. He then got his first shot at the Power Four level as a junior with Kansas State last season. But even during his lone season with the Wildcats, Moss was eyeing the Tennessee Volunteers from afar.
“To be real with you, when I was at Kansas State, I was already thinking about – everybody should know this – but I was already thinking about after the season, I might end up transferring here,” Moss said. “Because, like, before I even went to K-State, even though Tennessee didn’t offer me out of the portal after my sophomore year, I was still thinking about coming to Tennessee. Plus, it’s close to home, too. So my family can come up. So that’s why I really chose Tennessee. And plus, I just feel like God directed me here.”
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Moss’ journey has given him confidence in himself and his ability. While it’ll be just his first year moving up to SEC play, Moss has high expectations and belief in himself.
“The chip on my shoulder, you feel what I’m saying?” Moss said. “I always knew I could be the best. I’ve just got to show it. I’ve got to prove to myself who I am. I’m going to show everybody who I am. So, I’mma keep rising. I don’t want to be cocky or anything, but I’m gonna be the best DB this year.”
Moss played in all 12 of Kansas State’s games last season with 10 starts at the STAR position. He played in 512 total snaps and did not allow a touchdown in 286 coverage snaps. Moss finished the season with 41 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, two pass breakups, one blocked kick, and one forced fumble. One of his interceptions came against former Tennessee quarterback Tayven Jackson.
While most of Moss’ family used to share his fandom for Alabama, the now-Tennessee defensive back says they’ll be switching from crimson to orange from now on.
“Oh, for sure,” Moss said with a grin. “They know to. They know to. Yeah, they are.”
