‘I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people’ – Under-the-radar former 3-star recruit could be a breakout player for Tennessee
The Tennessee Volunteers need some under-the-radar names to step up in 2026 after losing some talented players from last season’s roster.
The Tennessee Vols lost some key players from their defensive line from last season — Bryson Eason, Dominic Bailey, and Jaxson Moi — which means there will be an opportunity for some new names to step up in 2026.
On Tuesday, during an appearance on WNML’s SportsTalk, VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs threw out an under-the-radar name that could surprise folks along Tennessee’s defensive line this fall.
“I think Nathan Robinson, if he stays healthy, is going to have his best year,” said Hubbs. “I think he’s going to be, I guess, a surprise to a lot of people. Because he played some last year, and did some good things early on, but maybe wasn’t as consistent as he wanted to be.
“I think he’s had a tremendous offseason. I think he and (strength coach) Derek Owings’ personalities are very similar. I think they match really well together. I think he’s done a really good job and put himself in a position to really help.”
Robinson, 6-foot-7/295 pounds from Greenbrier, TN, is a former three-star recruit who signed with the Vols during the 2023 recruiting cycle. He signed with Tennessee as an EDGE, but he’s developed into a defensive tackle.
The Tennessee native played mostly on special teams as a redshirt freshman in 2024 before seeing an expanded role in 2025.
Robinson totaled 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks last season.
One of Robinson’s biggest plays last year came in the Vols’ season-opening win against Syracuse when he forced a fumble that led to a scoop-and-score for defensive back Colton Hood.
“I’d definitely say this is the best I’ve felt coming out of a spring as far as strength and power, and it’s translated on the field,” said Robinson earlier this spring. “I’m seeing myself in on more stuff, in on more plays — just affecting the game more.”
As long as Robinson stays healthy, he will have the opportunity to play an even bigger role in Tennessee’s defense this upcoming season.