Tennessee enters the 2026 season with a projected win total of 7.5 games, and much of the preseason conversation has centered on the quarterback competition.
Ryan Staub, Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre will battle for the starting job during fall camp. With reports predicting Brandon will be QB1 this fall for the Vols. But Tennessee’s ability to outperform expectations could depend just as much on the development of several players around them.
Here are five Vols positioned to make a significant impact in 2026.
5. Jadon Perlotte | Linebacker
Perlotte may not open the season as a starter, but he has the tools to become an important rotational piece in Jim Knowles’ defense.
The former four-star appeared in 13 games as a true freshman, totaling 25 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and one sack while flashing explosiveness in limited opportunities.
Knowles’ 4-2-5 scheme generally features two linebackers, which will make snaps more difficult to earn. Even so, Perlotte’s physical style and ability to close on the football should earn him increased opportunities as the season progresses.
4. Qua Moss | STAR
Moss arrives from Kansas State after establishing himself as one of the Big 12’s more versatile defensive backs.
The former zero-star recruit has climbed from Dodge City Community College to West Georgia, Kansas State and now Tennessee, improving at every stop.
Last season, Moss recorded 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one blocked kick, while not allowing a touchdown on 286 coverage snaps.
His versatility makes him a natural fit at STAR, one of the most demanding positions in Knowles’ defense.
3. Braylon Staley | Wide Receiver
Staley enters 2026 as Tennessee’s leading returning receiver after earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors.
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The sophomore finished last season with 64 receptions for 837 receiving yards and six touchdowns, while adding 330 yards after the catch, showcasing his ability to create explosive plays after the catch.
With Tennessee breaking in a new quarterback, Staley’s route running, football IQ and reliability could make him the offense’s security blanket. A jump to a 900-yard season is well within reach.
2. Ty Redmond | Cornerback
Redmond emerged as one of Tennessee’s brightest young defenders after being thrust into action early in his freshman season.
After Rickey Gibson III exited the season opener with an injury, Redmond played 60 defensive snaps, finished with four tackles and two pass breakups, and earned Tennessee’s highest defensive Pro Football Focus grade (75.6) in the victory over Syracuse.
He went on to appear in all 13 games as a freshman, recording 24 tackles, six pass breakups and an interception.
Knowles’ defense puts tremendous responsibility on its cornerbacks. If Redmond continues refining the technical side of his game, he has the talent to emerge as one of the SEC’s top defensive backs during a breakout sophomore campaign.
1. DeSean Bishop | Running Back
Bishop is the safest bet on Tennessee’s roster entering the 2026 season.
The former walk-on rushed for 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, averaging 6.7 yards per carry, while eclipsing 100 rushing yards in three SEC games.
With Tennessee likely leaning on its rushing attack while breaking in a new quarterback, Bishop could again become the focal point of the offense. Matchups against Georgia Tech, Arkansas and Texas A&M provide opportunities for another productive season.
His preparation, consistency and proven production make another 1,000-yard campaign a realistic expectation.
Tennessee’s quarterback battle will dominate headlines throughout fall camp. But if these five players continue their development, the Vols could have enough talent across the roster to outperform their 7.5-win projection.
