Texas opens SEC play at Tennessee on Saturday, and these six Volunteers could cause major problems for Arch Manning and the No. 1 Longhorns.
Texas opens SEC play Saturday at Neyland Stadium against an unbeaten Tennessee team loaded with playmakers on both sides of the ball.
The No. 1 Longhorns are 3-0, but the No. 14 Volunteers are also perfect behind freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, who has thrown for 552 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions through three games.
LonghornsWire noted six Tennessee players Texas fans need to know.
Daune Morris, RB
DeSean Bishop leads Tennessee with 286 rushing yards, but Morris gives the Vols another dangerous option. He has 234 yards on only 29 carries, an average of 8.1 yards per attempt, with two touchdowns. Texas can't afford to focus solely on Bishop.
Braylon Staley, WR
Staley hasn't piled up huge numbers yet, but he's capable of changing a game. He has seven catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns this season and is coming off a four-catch, 59-yard performance against Kennesaw State.
David Sanders Jr., OT
Sanders may be the most important Tennessee player casual fans overlook. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound sophomore is a former five-star prospect who didn't allow a sack in eight of his nine appearances last season. Texas' pass rush will have its hands full trying to beat him.
Xavier Gilliam, DL
Gilliam announced himself immediately in Tennessee's opener by recording three sacks against Furman. At 305 pounds, he has enough size to win inside while still possessing the quickness to create problems in passing situations.
Jeremiah Telander, LB
Telander brings experience and versatility to the middle of Tennessee's defense. The senior entered 2026 with 158 career tackles and has already added an interception, a sack and multiple tackles for loss this season.
"One of my goals was to leave it better than I found it," Telander said earlier this year while discussing his leadership role.
Kayin Lee, CB
The Auburn transfer gives Tennessee an experienced defensive back capable of matching up with Texas' talented receivers. Lee entered the season with 17 career pass breakups and three interceptions.
The Longhorns have the star power, but Tennessee has enough individual talent to make Neyland a problem.
If Arch Manning and Texas are going to escape Knoxville unbeaten, these six players will have plenty to say about it.
