Josh Heupel evaluates Tennessee’s defense after first spring scrimmage

Tennessee held its first spring football scrimmage at Neyland Stadium on Thursday. The Vols practiced six times ahead of their scrimmage. 2026 will mark the first season for the Vols under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles .

Following Thursday’s scrimmage, sixth-year head coach Josh Heupel discussed the progress of Tennessee’s defense during spring. "I do like where we're at for seven practices in,” Heupel said. “That's our entire defense, it's young guys, where they're continuing to trend.

I think our staff has done a really good job in the install process, of giving them an opportunity to truly grab on and grasp what they're doing. “That was true late in the winter into what we've done in the early part of spring ball, so players and staff have worked hard. I like where we're at in our understanding.

There's still a lot of growth within it. " Tennessee will conclude spring practices with its Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium on April 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.