2026 Tennessee Volunteers

Don Wassall

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Since 2005 Tennessee has started 4, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4, 2, 4, 10, 5, 6, 7, 5, 1, 1, 4, 1, 2, 4, and 4 White players. The Volunteers start 3 in 2026.

Redshirt freshman George MacIntyre is the starting quarterback. He’s 6’ 6” and 208 pounds. He’s a four star recruit so hopefully will do well in his first season as the starter.

Sam Pendleton is the starting center, and Jesse Perry starts at right guard.

LG Shamurod Umarov, who is a mix of Turkish, Kazak and Uzbek, is the only other o-lineman on the two deep. He looks White from the picture I saw of him. Ryan Staub is listed as the third string QB and Mason Phillips is fourth string. Fourth stringer Cole Harrison is the only White TE on the roster.

The starting defense is all black. NT Nathan Robinson is the only White on the two deep, while end Carson Gentle and MLB Jeremiah Telander are both third on the defensive depth chart. Truthteller wrote the following about Telander last year:

“Jeremiah Telander looked good; even had an Int. Prior to looking him up, I thought he was a safety, due to his size, speed, agility and number (22). Came out of High school at 6'2", about 200 lbs (ideal safety size?), but ranked as #11 LB in the nation by ESPN. He's bulked up and listed at 235 lbs, but doesn't look that heavy. Basically, he's been "stacked" at MLB. Worth tracking, as a draftable, potential NFL prospect down the road. Worst case scenario, he'll be seen as a Justin Barron type (ex-Syracuse).”

Having a White starting QB is the only positive on Tennessee’s usual ultra-black team.

Quarterback: George MacIntyre, Ryan Staub, Mason Phillips
C: Sam Pendleton
RG: Jesse Perry
LG: Shamurod Umarov

NT: Nathan Robinson
DE: Carson Gentle
MLB: Jeremiah Telander
 
Nice write up Don!

Jeremiah Telander has started 21 straight games for the Vols entering 2026...dont understand how he's 3rd team now; my Athlon's magazine list him 2nd team ; still disappointing
...oh i see a magical Transfer from UNC + A Sophomore now `1 - 2
Will still be looking for #22

Found this confusing update from 8 days ago

Linebackers:
Starters: Arion Carter, Amare Campbell
2nd: Jadon Perlotte, Edwin Spillman
3rd: Jeremiah Telander, Brayden Rouse


The linebacker position group is becoming one of the better position groups on the entire roster. Despite the injury to Jaedon Harmon, I still believe the Vols' linebacker room is three groups deep. As of now, I believe Jeremiah Telander may be as low as the third string, but he could be the player who rises the most.
 
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