Jim Knowles’ defense had a dominant performance in a close loss to top-ranked Texas.
The Tennessee Vols had plenty of questions coming into the 2026 season. They would be handing the keys of the offense to a new and inexperienced signal caller. New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was implementing a new defense, and with plenty of new transfer portal pieces, that entire side of the ball came with a lot of uncertainly.
After Tennessee’s 20-17 loss to the No. 1 Texas Longhorns on Saturday, it’s safe to say that the Vols’ defensive question marks have been answered, and in a good way. Tennessee’s defense carried the water all day long to help keep the Vols in the game despite Josh Heupel’s offense struggling badly across four quarters.
Tennessee’s defense carried the Vols and game them a chance in 20-17 loss to Texas
Tennessee’s defense allowed a 75-yard touchdown drive to start the game, with Arch Manning completing an absolute duck for 43-yards when Emmett Mosley V got behind the Vols’ secondary. Raleek Brown took it in for a score, and the vibes weren’t great right out of the gate for the Vols’ defense…