A Penn State to Tennessee arc continues in 2026 for the Vols. On December 8, 2025, the University of Tennessee Athletics announced that it had parted ways with defensive coordinator Tim Banks. The decision comes after five seasons under Josh Heupel. Banks had a tenure that included remarkable highs, but ultimately ended amid a defensive regression for the 2025 season amid injuries, inconsistency, and fundamental breakdowns that ultimately forced Josh Heupel’s hand. In the s
Knoxville, TN - The Tennessee Volunteers suffered a significant setback Monday as head men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes announced that junior forward Cade Phillips will miss the remainder of the 2025–26 season. Phillips is scheduled to undergo surgery to address a recurring left-shoulder injury that has limited him throughout the early portion of the schedule. Barnes expressed both disappointment and support as he detailed the decision. “We will sincerely miss having Cade o
Nashville, TN - No. 13 Tennessee entered Saturday’s neutral-site matchup in Nashville looking to regain momentum after a challenging stretch. Instead, the Volunteers suffered a 75–62 defeat at the hands of No. 14 Illinois. The result was shaped by poor shooting, late-game lapses, and a poised, balanced Fighting Illini attack. In a physical battle, Tennessee (7–3) briefly held control in the first half and carried a 34–32 lead into the break after positive floor minutes from B