‘I think Tennessee will do whatever it takes to make sure he’s back in orange’ – There’s optimism that UT will keep key player in 2026
The 2025 regular season isn’t over yet, but the Tennessee Vols are already looking ahead to what their roster will look like next fall. Between transfer portal decisions and NFL draft decisions, there will inevitably be some turnover with Tennessee’s roster over the next few weeks. One player that’s essential for the Vols to keep […]
The 2025 regular season isn’t over yet, but the Tennessee Vols are already looking ahead to what their roster will look like next fall.
Between transfer portal decisions and NFL draft decisions, there will inevitably be some turnover with Tennessee’s roster over the next few weeks.
One player that’s essential for the Vols to keep is wide receiver Braylon Staley, who has enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, catching 58 passes for 771 yards and six touchdowns through the first 11 games of the season.
There’s optimism that Tennessee will keep Braylon Staley in orange in 2026
VolQuest’s Austin Price joined WNML’s Josh and Swain on Friday and he seemed optimistic that Tennessee will be able to keep Staley in Knoxville for the 2026 season.
“He’s one of them that Tennessee’s really focused on making sure that they take good care of him,” said Price. “It would be pretty shocking if he was one of those that didn’t get done and something happened there. Whether it’s officially done or not, I don’t want to speculate on that.
“But I know that there’s a number of guys that they’ve gotten some deals done with heading into the 2026 season. And I do expect him back here next year. I think he’s very happy in orange. I think Tennessee will do whatever it takes to make sure he’s back in orange.”
It certainly sounds like Tennessee is focused on making sure Staley is wearing orange and white in 2026. That’s obviously good news for the Vols. But things can change quickly in college football in this new world of NIL deals and the transfer portal. Nothing is ever done until it’s done when it comes to player retention.
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