Austin Pope has decided to end his career instead of playing a sixth season at Tennessee. Pope confirmed to multiple media outlets that he has decided to hang up his cleats.

After five seasons, Pope graduated from Tennessee in December and initially entered the NCAA transfer portal. In January, however, he had decided to return to UT for spring and play a sixth season for the Volunteers.

Unfortunately for Pope, he has dealt with a herniated disc. He had procedures in 2018 and 2020, missing the 2020 campaign entirely.

From 2017 to 2019, Pope appeared in 33 games, making 14 starts. He was primarily a blocking tight end, registering 7 catches for 85 yards in his career.