Ahead of the 2026 season, Tennessee football boasts some serious star power. The Vols return multiple proven pieces from last year’s team on both sides of the ball and added more to supplement the roster through the transfer portal.
As a result, a number of UT’s stars are getting deserved recognition. In Athlon Sports’ 2026 Preseason All-SEC Teams, 11 Tennessee players were named across the four teams.
This featured one player earning a Preseason All-SEC First-Team nod. Offensive guard Wendell Moe Jr. was given the honor after a breakout first year with the Vols following transferring in from Arizona. He now returns for his redshirt-senior year, already earning a Walter Camp Preseason All-America Second-Team nod.
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On the second team, a trio of offensive players is named. This includes star running back DeSean Bishop off of his 1,000-yard season, wide receiver Braylon Staley after winning SEC Freshman of the Year and former five-star recruit David Sanders Jr., who is flipping back to left tackle after starting on the right side as a freshman.
Defensively, two players made the second team. This features returning sophomore cornerback Ty Redmond, who burst onto the scene after injuries to Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III, and Penn State transfer linebacker Amare Campbell.
On the third team, only returning linebacker Arion Carter is named. He comes back for his senior year after briefly entering the draft, withdrawing his name, entering the transfer portal, then removing his name from the portal.
The fourth team features three additional offensive pieces. This includes wide receiver Mike Matthews, tight end Ethan Davis and versatile offensive lineman Jesse Perry. Defensively, the fourth team lists Penn State transfer defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam.
