‘At a different level physically right now’ – Second year Vols player is going to play an important role for Tennessee in 2026
The Tennessee Vols will be relying on some youth at a couple of key positions in 2026.
A second year Tennessee Vols player that’s flying under the radar nationally is someone to watch in 2026.
Vols sophomore tight end DaSaahn Brame flashed as a true freshman in 2025, catching six passes for 63 yards in limited action.
With Miles Kitselman moving on to the NFL, and Jack Van Dorselaer transferring to Oklahoma, it leaves Brame and redshirt junior Ethan Davis as Tennessee’s top two options at tight end.
VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs joined WNML’s SportsTalk on Tuesday and he pointed out that Brame is at a “different level” physically this offseason.
“I think DaSaahn Brame is at a different level physically right now,” said Hubbs. “In terms of his strength and his growth — that’s helping him be a more complete tight end. I think he’s gotten off to a nice start. They need him to continue to grow there.”
Brame, 6-foot-4/235 pounds from Derby, KS, is a former four-star recruit who was rated as the No. 4 tight end in the 2025 recruiting class.
The sports management major is an interesting weapon for the Vols. Brame is capable of lining up at wide receiver, giving Tennessee a creative way to create some mismatches.
That’s important because UT head coach Josh Heupel is constantly looking for ways to create mismatches.
Transfer running back could also play an important role for the Vols in 2026
Another under-the-radar player who could play an important role in Tennessee’s offense this fall is Tulane transfer running back Javin Gordon.
Redshirt junior DeSean Bishop is Tennessee’s top running back option. Gordon, however, could push sophomore Daune Morris for opportunities.
“I’m curious to see the Tulane running back transfer, who’s originally from Toccoa, GA,” said Hubbs. “I’m curious to see what he does in the scrimmage on Thursday. He has looked the part. Now, they’re starting to add pads, and we’ll see. But I think he can certainly push in that running back backfield, where a guy like Daune Morris understands he’s got to show up every day — nothing is a given for him to be the one-two punch with DeSean Bishop.”
Competition is never a bad thing — especially at running back, a position where it can be difficult to keep players fresh over the course of a long season.
The best case scenario for Tennessee would be for Bishop, Morris, and Gordon to form a lethal three-headed monster at running back this fall.