The #20 Tennessee Vols opened up the 2026 football season in Neyland Stadium on Saturday as they hosted the Paladins from Furman.
The Vols went up four scores to end the first half then blew the Paladins away winning their season opener 56-9.
Freshman quarterback Faizon Branden played two and a half quarters throwing 226 yards with 5 total touchdowns 3 passing and 2 rushing. Junior running back DeSean Bishop rna for 97 yards with a touchdown to go with it. Wide receiver Mike Matthews had 132 yards off 4 receptions and 2 touchdowns.
The 20th ranked Vols open the season 1-0 and will take a road trip to Atlanta for week 2. Tennessee takes on Georgia Tech on Saturday September 12th. Coverage can be heard on 102.5 WOW Country.