‘I think he’s found a different gear’ – Vols redshirt junior is a candidate to have a breakout season after quiet first few years at UT
A Tennessee Vols upperclassman could be in for a breakout season in 2026.
Tennessee Vols redshirt junior defensive lineman Tyree Weathersby has had a relatively quiet start to his college career.
Weathersby, who signed with the Vols as a four-star recruit during the 2023 recruiting cycle, has totaled 26 tackles and one sack during his first three seasons at Tennessee.
Despite the limited production — which is due in large part to a season-ending injury he suffered as a true freshman during fall camp in 2023 — Weathersby has stuck around in Knoxville instead of entering the NCAA transfer portal in search of greener grass.
That decision could pay off in a big way for the Georgia native in 2026.
Tyree Weathersby has “found another gear”
VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs joined WNML’s SportsTalk on Tuesday to discuss spring practice getting underway for Tennessee this week.
Hubbs pointed out Weathersby as a player that he’s hearing good things about.
“Continue to hear good things about Tyree Weathersby and kind of where he is physically,” said Hubbs. “He’s had that hip injury that he suffered his freshman year, and he really hasn’t been the same since. But I think he’s found a different gear.”
Weathersby had the best season of his career in 2025, totaling 24 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack as a redshirt sophomore.
The former four-star recruit was praised by Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner last August for his strong fall camp.
“I think he’s had a really good camp thus far,” said Garner. “I think he picked up where he left off in the spring. He’s a kid that had a really good spring. He’s a kid that has a tremendous skill set, and he’s done a really good job of picking up the system. He has minimum bust. He plays hard. He has the right prototype body type that you’re looking for.
“So we’re excited about him as far as where he’s been these first six days. Counting on him to continue to climb and move that needle in the right direction. And I can see that kid playing a significant role on this team this year.”
Hip injuries can be tough to recover from. Now that Weathersby has been healthy for a couple of years, maybe he can take another big step forward and develop into a key defensive lineman for the Volunteers in 2026.
It certainly sounds like he’s on the right track.
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