Tennessee Vols Game Center

Alontae Taylor, a former wide receiver from Coffee County High School who committed to Tennessee after initially pledging to Vanderbilt, was unhappy when Jeremy Pruitt moved him to cornerback. Taylor said he was "so mad" about the switch because he had never played defense and struggled initially, losing to receivers who knew their routes while he had to react. Pruitt worked out a compromise: Taylor would practice wide receiver for the first seven practices and defensive back for the final eight, with a decision to come after spring training. Pruitt convinced Taylor to stay at cornerback by showing him draft data and telling him he could be a first-round pick at the position. Taylor took the coach's advice and eventually became a day-two draft pick for the New Orleans Saints. He recently signed with the Tennessee Titans as one of the NFL's highest-paid cornerbacks.

• Taylor initially resisted the position change from wide receiver to cornerback and wanted to return to receiver
• Pruitt used draft analytics to convince Taylor that cornerback offered better professional opportunities than receiver
• The position switch proved successful, as Taylor became a high-paid NFL cornerback with the Titans

CoachJeremy Pruitt recalled Taylor's initial resistance: "I don't know how Alontae recalls this, but the way that I recall it, he wasn't that willing to change positions."

Cole Cubelic, an ESPN analyst, has offered a detailed assessment of how Tennessee's defense has changed under Jim Knowles compared to the previous regime. Last season under Tim Banks, the Vols showed impressive disruptive numbers — 10 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries, 87 tackles for loss, and 37 sacks — but finished with the No. 92 scoring defense nationally. Cubelic and Greg McElroy identified Banks as an "emotional play-caller" who made reactionary decisions: blitzing after giving up a big play, or automatically calling pass plays after the run was stopped, without adjusting to what the offense might actually do next. Now in his first season, Knowles has addressed that issue. Cubelic praised Knowles' approach as "more responsible" and "not as emotional" or "as reactionary" as Tennessee's defense has been in recent years. While Knowles may not always make the perfect call — sometimes the offense simply wins the play — he avoids putting defenders in bad spots due to emotional reactions.

• Jim Knowles' defensive scheme prioritizes patient, calculated calls rather than emotional reactions to offensive success
• Tim Banks' disruptive statistics masked a fundamental problem: reactionary play-calling that often backfired and led to poor scoring defense
• Cole Cubelic specifically noted Knowles does not fall into the trap of blitzing after big plays or changing coverage on a whim, giving Tennessee's defense more stability

CoachJosh Heupel hired Jim Knowles to replace Banks last December, and Knowles has brought a more measured, patient approach to defensive play-calling that avoids the reactionary mistakes of his predecessor.

What's nextWatch whether Knowles' more disciplined defensive scheme can achieve both disruptive statistics and improved scoring defense results as the season progresses.

Tennessee Football looks to improve to 3-0 as the regular season continues. The Volquest staff has weighed in with their predictions for the upcoming game, though the specific opponent, location, and individual staff picks are not detailed in the available snippet. The team currently sits at 2-0 after two weeks of play.

• Tennessee is undefeated through two games
• Staff analysis is available from Volquest
• The Vols pursue a third straight win

What's nextVolquest staff picks and analysis for Tennessee's third game of the season

Antonio Pemberton, a top-20 prospect in the 2027 class, will announce his college commitment at 4 p.m. ET on CBS Sports today. The 6-foot-1 point guard from Massachusetts is choosing among Tennessee, Boston College, Creighton, Kansas, Marquette, Michigan State, Ohio State and UCLA. Pemberton ranks No. 20 nationally and No. 5 at his position on 247Sports; he is a five-star on the 247Composite. He visited Tennessee in August and recently completed an official visit to Michigan State. A 247Sports crystal ball prediction favors Michigan State, though Pemberton has additional official visits scheduled to Ohio State, Boston College and UCLA. He is known for his scoring ability, facilitating skills, and shooting range from midrange and three-point distance.

• Pemberton is a five-star point guard ranked top-20 nationally in the 2027 class
• He visited Tennessee in August but recent momentum appears to favor Michigan State
• He still has official visits pending to multiple schools before committing

What's nextWatch for Pemberton's commitment announcement at 4 p.m. ET on CBS Sports today to see if Tennessee lands the five-star point guard or if he chooses another finalist.

Amari Evans, a sophomore guard who left Tennessee through the transfer portal this offseason, joined Texas and will face his former team twice in the upcoming season. Tennessee and Texas will meet in Austin on Saturday, February 27, with a possible SEC Tournament matchup to follow. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Evans expressed nostalgia for Knoxville, saying he wished the game were at the Food City Center "one last time" so he could return there. He also noted that comparisons of his game to Josh Hart were motivation, quipping, "If being Josh Hart gets me to the NBA, let's do it." During his lone season with Tennessee, Evans averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, with improved SEC play numbers of 5.2 PPG and 3.5 RPG. He was known for strong perimeter defense and played in 35 games, averaging 14.4 minutes. Evans scored 24 points in the season finale against Vanderbilt and had two other double-digit SEC performances. Evans was the seventh UT player to enter the portal, though Troy Henderson eventually returned to Tennessee.

• Evans transferred to SEC rival Texas and will play against Tennessee on February 27 in Austin, with a potential SEC Tournament rematch
• Evans expressed sentiment about returning to Knoxville, indicating his year with Tennessee held meaning despite his departure
• Evans averaged 5.2 points in SEC play during his freshman year, showing growth as the season progressed and earning two late-season starts

What's nextEvans' performance when Texas visits Tennessee in late February will reveal how the transfer adjusts to facing his former program in SEC play.

Tennessee basketball is hosting four-star center Peter Julius for an official visit this weekend. Julius is the No. 45 recruit nationally in the 2028 class according to 247 Composite and ranks as the No. 8 center and No. 3 player from Georgia. The 6-foot-9, 230-pound prospect from Eagle's Landing in McDonough, Georgia, was named 16U EYBL Defensive Player of the Year. He holds offers from Alabama, Baylor, Cincinnati, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, LSU, Maryland, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. Tennessee extended its offer in February 2026. The visit comes as the Vols also host four-star 2027 center Chris Brown from Arizona this week. In the 2028 class, Tennessee holds no commitments but previously hosted five-star prospect Bentley Lusakueno, the No. 6 recruit nationally, two weekends ago.

• Peter Julius is a highly ranked defensive prospect with multiple Power Conference offers
• Tennessee is actively recruiting top centers for future classes
• The Vols have hosted multiple elite recruits in recent weeks as they build their 2028 class

What's nextTrack Peter Julius's recruitment and whether Tennessee can secure a commitment from the four-star center in the 2028 class.

Guard Avery Strickland Hurst, a former Tennessee Lady Vol, has committed to the University of Missouri–Kansas City as a fifth-year transfer. Strickland Hurst re-entered the transfer portal in late August following lawsuits that granted an extra eligibility year to players in her class. She announced her commitment via Instagram on Thursday. Strickland Hurst joined Tennessee as a sophomore in the 2023-24 season under Kellie Harper, averaging under one point and one rebound per game in 20 contests before missing time due to injuries. She remained through the coaching transition and played for Kim Caldwell in the 2024-25 season, averaging 1.9 points and 1.3 rebounds in 19 contests. After Tennessee's Sweet 16 appearance last season, she entered the transfer portal and committed to Belmont, where she averaged 13.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 44.2% shooting. Her move to UMKC places her in the same city as her husband, Grant Hurst, who is an assistant coach for the Kansas City Monarchs.

• Strickland Hurst regained eligibility due to lawsuits granting an extra year to players in her class
• She played for Tennessee under both Kellie Harper and Kim Caldwell before transferring to Belmont
• At Belmont, she significantly increased her production to 13.0 points per game and shot 44.2% from the field

What's nextWatch for Lady Vols recruitment updates and official visits scheduled for the coming weekend.

Tennessee women's basketball is hosting five-star point guard Cece Dennis on an official visit this weekend as Kim Caldwell pursues recruits for the 2027 class. Dennis, a 5-foot-6 true point guard from Creekside High School in Fairburn, Georgia, ranks as the No. 29 recruit nationally, the No. 3 point guard, and the No. 1 player from Georgia on the 247 Composite. She is also visiting Georgia, Clemson, Auburn, and Florida State as she narrows her college options. According to 247 director of women's basketball scouting Brandon Clay, Dennis has emerged as one of the nation's premier point guard options, showcasing range on her jump shot, attacking ability off the bounce, and strong defensive play during the Overtime Select League championship run. Dennis missed significant time last season due to a knee injury suffered in November but is expected to further establish herself as a top point guard prospect if healthy. Tennessee currently holds no commitments in the 2027 recruiting class.

• Cece Dennis is a five-star point guard prospect ranked No. 29 nationally and No. 3 at her position in the 2027 class
• Dennis is also considering Georgia, Clemson, Auburn, and Florida State, making Tennessee one of five finalists
• The Lady Vols have no current commitments in the 2027 class as Caldwell builds the recruiting roster

CoachKim Caldwell is building a strong recruiting class heading into her third year leading the Lady Vols.

What's nextWatch for Cece Dennis's decision among her five finalists and continued Tennessee recruiting activity during the football season.

Tennessee Athletics announced that Standard Nuclear will serve as the presenting partner for the 2026-2027 "Salute to Service" initiative, which honors military members and veterans across multiple sports. The Lady Vols will host a women's basketball "Salute to Service" game in November, with specifics to be announced closer to the start of basketball season. During the designated game, current military members, veterans, and first responders can present a military ID, DD 214, or other valid identification at ticket locations outside Food City Center for complimentary admission for themselves and their immediate family (limit of 4 to 6, based on availability). Free parking and shuttle service from UT's Ag Campus will also be available for the Lady Vol basketball game. The program has welcomed thousands of military and veteran attendees since its introduction in 2018.

• Lady Vols will participate in "Salute to Service" with a November home game featuring free admission for military and veterans
• Standard Nuclear is the presenting partner for all 2026-2027 "Salute to Service" events across Tennessee Athletics
• Military families can attend for free with valid ID and receive complimentary parking and shuttle service from Ag Campus

What's nextDetails about the specific November women's basketball "Salute to Service" game opponent and date will be announced closer to the start of basketball season.

Tennessee baseball is hosting five recruits on an official visit for a game against Kennesaw State. The visit provides prospective student-athletes an opportunity to experience the program, facilities, and game-day atmosphere as part of the recruitment process.

• Tennessee is actively recruiting and bringing prospects to campus for official visits during the fall season
• Official visits tied to game days create recruiting momentum and allow recruits to see the program in action
• The Kennesaw State game serves as the backdrop for evaluating prospects in a live competition setting

What's nextTrack which recruits visit and their eventual commitment decisions to Tennessee baseball

Tennessee baseball is preparing to host five prospects from the 2028 recruiting class for campus visits. The source provides limited additional detail about which prospects are scheduled to visit or when those visits will take place. This recruiting activity reflects the program's ongoing efforts to build its roster for future seasons during the offseason.

• Tennessee is actively recruiting the 2028 class
• Five prospects have scheduled visits to campus
• Visit activity indicates focus on long-term roster building

What's nextResults of the 2028 class recruiting visits and any commitments from visiting prospects

Josh Elander sat down with Volquest for an exclusive interview to discuss Tennessee baseball's newcomers and preview the upcoming fall ball season. The article captures Elander's insights into the team's new additions and what fans can expect as the Vols prepare for fall practice. Specific details about which newcomers were highlighted and exact quotes from the interview are not available in the provided snippet, which contains only the headline and publication information.

• Elander addressed Tennessee baseball's new roster additions in an exclusive interview
• Fall ball preview provides early look at team direction heading into the offseason
• Interview with Volquest offers direct access to coaching perspective on roster changes

What's nextFull details from Elander's interview on fall ball roster and newcomer integration