Volume 149, Issue 02
Letters from sports editors
Dakota Brown steps up Page 6
Page 2
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
‘26
@utkdailybeacon
Fall Sports Preview
FAIZON BRANDON
Quarterback Fazion Brandon prepares to throw the ball during the Orange and White football game in Neyland Stadium on Apr. 11.
IN THE ISSUE
TREVOR MCGEE Sports Editor For the first time since 2004, Tennessee football will start a true freshman at quarterback. As Faizon Brandon takes the reins of Josh Heupel’s offense, his supporting cast could make all the difference. A pair of 800-plus-yard receivers return in Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews, while 1,000-yard rusher DeSean Bishop adds an-
other weapon out of the backfield. Four returning starters on the offensive line give Brandon experience up front as he takes over under center. Heupel made a major change on the defensive side of the ball when he parted ways with former coordinator Tim Banks and hired defensive mastermind Jim Knowles. Knowles brings a new scheme and several familiar faces to Knoxville as Tennessee looks to take another
step forward. At Food City Center, Tennessee volleyball looks to blend a wave of newcomers into another NCAA tournament push. On the pitch, Joe Kirt’s soccer team enters the season with early momentum and a deep group of goal scorers. The Daily Beacon’s fall sports preview takes an inside look at the teams, players and questions shaping Tennessee athletics this season.