DeSean Bishop is the engine that makes Tennessee’s offense go, but it’s already obvious that he’s not going to be as productive in 2026
It’s not a bad thing, but DeSean Bishop probably won’t be as productive for the Tennessee Vols in 2026.
There is no doubt that senior running back DeSean Bishop is the engine that makes Tennessee’s offense go.
The Vols’ offense under Josh Heupel is known for splash plays, but a strong running game is the real secret to its success.
Bishop, who has another season of eligibility remaining after 2026, had a breakout year in 2025, rushing for 1,076 yards in his first season as Tennessee’s No. 1 running back.
Tennessee’s had a running back go over 1,000 rushing yards in three straight seasons (Jaylen Wright in 2023, Dylan Sampson in 2024, and Bishop in 2025).
The assumption is that Bishop will make it four straight seasons in 2026, but it will be tough for the Knoxville native to be as productive this fall.
Tennessee has more optios in the running game in 2026
Bishop carried the ball 182 times last season partially out of necessity. He was by far the best option as the Vols didn’t have much running back depth (Peyton Lewis, who transferred to Virginia after the season, was second on the team with 290 rushing yards).
This season is different. Tennessee has much better running back depth in 2026. The Vols added Tulane transfer Javin Gordon, who rushed for 47 yards on 10 carries in the season opener against Furman. Additionally, sophomore Daune Morris is much improved and looks like he deserves more opportunities as he enters his second season at Tennessee (20 yards on five carries against Furman).
And then there’s sophomore Justin Baker, who showed against Furman that he’s ready to be a contributor.
Baker rushed for 89 yards on three carries (including a 73 yard touchdown run).
“He’s the consummate pro,” said Heupel of Baker on The Mike Keith Show. “He’s very similar to Bishop in his approach of how he comes into the building every day. The way that he takes care of his body and the nutrition side of it.
“He had a tremendous offseason and played really good football through spring ball and (fall) training camp. And we felt really good about what he had put on tape. On Saturday, he gets an opportunity, and obviously everybody saw the long run. He did a great job on that play. But we love the way that he’s playing right now.”
Tennessee has enough options that Bishop may not be needed to carry the ball as much as he did last season. And while that may cut into Bishop’s production, it’s a good thing for the Vols — a fresh Bishop in November is more important than a worn down Bishop with better stats.
