Josh Heupel, Josh Elander remember Tennessee sports reporter Wes Rucker
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The Tennessee coaches who got to know Wes Rucker well are offering their condolences to the family of the late Tennessee sports reporter.
After Tennessee‘s 5-0 win over Kent State, UT baseball coach Josh Elander opened his postgame press conference by remembering Rucker.
“As you guys all know, we suffered a tragic loss in the Knoxville community here, the passing of Wes Rucker,” Elander said. “Wes has been a day-one guy for us. I’ve got to know him over the last 9 years and I’m gonna miss seeing him here.
“And I just want to give a heartfelt… just sending love and good vibes to his family, especially his wife Lauren, his son Hank, his daughter on the way. We’re gonna miss seeing him here and he was always good and fair to us. I wish them nothing but the best moving forward. That’s from everybody here at Tennessee baseball and the athletic department as well.”
Josh Elander opened his postgame presser with a tribute to Wes Rucker pic.twitter.com/BoumwLwQuT
— Mike Wilson (@ByMikeWilson) February 21, 2026
Heupel did not meet with the media on Friday, so he spoke out via social media. The Tennessee football coach remembered Rucker and called on fans to donate to the GoFundMe in support of the Rucker family.
Hard to find the words following this tragedy, but Wes Rucker was one of a kind and always respectful. A proud husband, father and member of our media, I’ll miss seeing his familiar face throughout the year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.
— Josh Heupel (@coachjoshheupel) February 20, 2026
Please support…
With encouragement from Heupel and others, including many of Rucker’s media friends and peers, the GoFundMe has already raised over $475,000.
Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes offered his condolences earlier and many others who knew Rucker shared tributes on social media.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
