Josh Heupel shares thoughts on Tennessee’s first spring scrimmage
By David Wasson
Published:
Spring has sprung for the Tennessee football team, as the Volunteers completed their first spring scrimmage Thursday morning – with coach Josh Heupel sounding pleased with the defensive performance.
“I thought defensively we played extremely well, created a couple turnovers,” Heupel told reporters after the workout. “Didn’t give up a lot of big plays, so a good day.”
Tennessee’s defense has been a definite work in progress since Heupel dismissed former coordinator Tim Banks and brought in new coordinator Jim Knowles. The former Penn State and Ohio State signal-caller, who brought with him assistants Rodney Garner and William Inge along with several Nittany Lions transfers, is installing a system that has produced seven top-25 defenses in 12 years.
“I do like where we are for 7 practices in,” Heupel added. “I think our staff has done a good job with the install process. Players and staff have worked hard. I like where we’re at in our understanding.”
The Volunteers struggled defensively in 2025, collapsing from 6th to 63rd in defensive SP+ last season en route to an 8-5 finish. Tennessee is hopeful transfer portal additions like edge Chaz Coleman, linebacker Amare Campbell and safely TJ Metcalf will ease the transition and provide immediate impact.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
