Transfer defensive back that spurned the Vols drops quote that Tennessee should take personally in 2026
The Vols missed on a transfer defensive back after he committed to another program without visiting Tennessee.
There was some optimism going into the weekend that the Tennessee Vols could land Colorado Buffaloes transfer safety Tawfiq Byard, the younger brother of Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard.
News broke on Sunday evening, however, that Byard had committed to the Texas A&M Aggies without taking his scheduled visit to Tennessee.
Tawfiq Byard drops quote after committing to Texas A&M that Tennessee should take personally
After committing to Texas A&M on Sunday, Byard spoke to On3 about his decision.
And he dropped a quote that Tennessee should take personally.
Byard told On3 that he chose Texas A&M over other options because he thinks the Aggies have the best chance of “winning the natty next year”.
“They are a team on a rise with good players on the roster already,” said Byard of Texas A&M. “Best chance of winning the Natty next year to me.“
Maybe he’s right. Texas A&M, after all, made the College Football Playoff in 2025 while the Vols finished the season with five losses. But results in the NIL era of college football vary greatly from year to year. The Vols, which made the playoff in 2024, could easily get back in the playoff mix in 2026 if they nail their portal additions.
Tennessee, however, should still take the comment personally — especially since the Vols will play the Aggies in 2026 (November 14 in College Station).
It was clear in 2025 that not everyone on Tennessee’s roster was motivated at a championship level. And that’s a must for any team that’s going to truly compete for a national championship.
That’s why the Vols should take a lesson from Michael Jordan and use every single thing they can as motivation in 2026.
As Nick Saban famously said a couple of years ago, every team is making it personal to beat you, so if you don’t make it personal on Saturdays, you’re at a disadvantage.
Tennessee needs to make it personal on November 14 when they head to College Station to take on Byard and the Aggies.
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