Tennessee Football on Saturday morning released its first official depth chart for the new season, ahead of the opener against Syracuse in the Aflac Kickoff Game (Noon Eastern Time, ABC) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Here’s a look at how the Vols will lineup against the Orange:
Quarterback
Joey Aguilar was announced as Tennessee’s starter just over a week ago, beating out redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre in the quarterback competition during fall camp.
Aguilar threw for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions over 25 games in two seasons at Appalachian State.
Merklinger appeared in two games last season, completing 6 of 9 passes for 48 yards and running seven times for 22 yards.
MacIntyre was a four-star prospect who was a headliner in Tennessee’s 2025 class, ranked as the No. 15 quarterback in the class and the No. 3 in-state prospect, out of Brentwood Academy.
Running Back
DeSean Bishop is Tennessee’s leading returning rusher after he carried 74 times for 455 yards and three touchdowns last season. Peyton Lewis had 64 rushes for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Star Thomas, the Duke transfer, ran for 810 yards on 148 carries in 10 games last season, scoring seven touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. He caught 16 passes for 146 yards and another touchdown.
Wide Receivers
Tennessee lost its top three receivers from last season and nearly start from scratch this season with redshirt junior Chris Brazzell II, sophomore Mike Matthews and redshirt freshman Braylon Staley, along with two promising freshmen in Travis Smith Jr. and Radarious Jackson and Alabama transfer Amari Jefferson.
Brazzell caught 29 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns last season, ahead of Matthews at seven catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Staley had three catches for 21 yards in four games during a redshirt season.
Tight Ends
Miles Kitselman was one of Tennessee’s biggest surprises last season, catching 22 passes for 301 yards and four touchdowns after transferring from Alabama. Davis had 13 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Van Dorselaer and Brame, two freshmen who were former four-star prospects, give the tight end room added depth.
Offensive Line
Tennessee also starts over on the offensive line after losing Cooper Mays, Andrej Karic, Javontez Spraggins and John Campbell from last season, as well as Dayne Davis. Losing four of five starters means Lance Heard is the only returner at left tackle.
Five-star freshman David Sanders Jr. headlined Tennessee’s recruiting class as a top-10 prospect and the No. 2 offensive tackle in the Rivals Industry Ranking. Pendleton transferred from Notre Dame and Moe, and Arizona transfer, has impressed at guard.
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
LEO
Weakside Linebacker
Middle Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety
Star
Arion Carter led Tennessee with 68.0 tackles last season, with 29 solo and 39 assisted, to go with an interception. He has 6.5 tackles for loss. Joshua Josephs had 9.0 tackles for loss last season and Bryson Eason has 7.0.
Jermod McCoy suffered a torn ACL while working out on his own in January. He returned to the practice field in a limited role during fall camp.
Special Teams
Boo Carter was Tennessee’s top punt returner last season, averaging 16.5 yards per return on 12 returns, totaling 198 yards, including a long of 38. Peyton Lewis returned the most kickoffs with seven, totaling 151 yards, averaging 21.57 yards per return with a long of 31.
Max Gilbert was 20-for-26 on field goals last season. He was 4-for-4 between 20-29 yards, 9-for-10 between 30-39 yards and 4-for-6 between 40-49 yards and 3-for-6 from 50 yards or more. He had a long of 52.
Jackson Ross punted 53 times last season, averaging 43.94 yards per punt with 15 fair catches, 21 downed inside the 20 and 10 going 50 or more yards, with a long of 57. Josh Turbyville handled kickoffs, with 82 of 86 kickoffs for Tennessee last season, with 68 going for touchbacks.
