DaSaahn Brame arrived at Tennessee with the expectations of a blue-chip recruit. After an up-and-down freshman season, tight ends coach Alec Abeln believes the sophomore is poised to become one of the Volunteers’ biggest breakout candidates in 2026.
Brame entered Tennessee as one of the nation’s top tight end prospects. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound sophomore played in nine games as a true freshman, finished with six receptions for 63 yards and flashed the versatility that made him a coveted recruit.
But Abeln said Brame’s biggest growth hasn’t come as a receiver.
“I think it’s focus is probably the best word,” Abeln said. “For the first time in his life, he’s not the guy that’s playing the number of snaps that you want. That’s really hard as a freshman… But you can either mope about it, get sad about it, or you can use it to fuel you. I think he’s done a great job of working on the reasons why he wasn’t able to play as much as he wanted to last year and just approached it the right way.”
For Brame, that process has centered on becoming a complete tight end.
Abeln said earning trust in Tennessee’s offense starts with pass protection, where Brame has made his biggest strides.
“It starts with protection,” Abeln said. “If I can’t protect, it’s really hard to trust you to put you on the field.”
The Tennessee coach said Brame is now learning how to translate those traits onto the field through improved technique.
“I think that’s DaSaahn’s biggest jump right now,” Abeln said. “When it clicks for him, it’s going to be really fun.”
That development could be significant for Tennessee’s offense. Brame’s athleticism and natural ball skills have long been evident, and Tennessee expects him to be a key contributor after a strong finish to his freshman season.
Abeln also pointed to Brame as part of a more mature tight end room, saying the sophomore’s offseason approach has stood out alongside veterans Ethan Davis and Trent Kinselman.
“I think we’re more mature than I feel like we’ve been in the past,” Abeln said. “I think these guys love each other, but it’s a very driven group right now.”
Abeln added that as many as five tight ends have a chance to contribute this season.
