Tennessee
Here are Tennessee’s connections to Super Bowl 60, including 20 from Titans
Former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel reaching Super Bowl 60 made big news as soon as Vrabel’s new team, the New England Patriots, earned a berth against the Seattle Seahawks.
Just two years after being fired by the Titans, Vrabel has the Patriots in the 2026 Super Bowl, which will be played on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Vrabel is not the only person with Tennessee ties who will participate in the Super Bowl. He will be joined by many other former Titans players, coaches, and front-office officials.
Other Tennessee ties in the Super Bowl include college players and coaches from Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Middle Tennessee State, and Memphis, as well as other colleges and high schools in the state.
Here’s a detailed list of some of the state’s connections for Super Bowl 60 (5:30 p.m. CT, NBC):
New England Patriots
Julian Ashby, long snapper (Vanderbilt): Ashby has played in every game this season. He had one tackle in the conference championship win over the Broncos, giving him three on the season.
Scott Booker, safeties coach (Titans): After serving as a defensive assistant in his first two years (2018-19) with the Titans, Booker was promoted to safeties coach for his final four years (2020-23).
Thomas Brown, tight ends coach/passing game coordinator (Chattanooga): Brown was the running backs coach at Chattanooga in 2012.
Tony Dews, RBs coach (Titans): Dews was the running backs coach at Tennessee from 2018-22 and then the tight ends coach in 2023.
Joshua Dobbs, quarterback (Tennessee Vols, Titans): Dobbs played for the Tennessee Vols (2013-16) and the Titans (2022). In his ninth NFL season, he has played in four games, completing 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards.
Todd Downing, wide receivers coach (Titans): After spending four seasons as the Titans’ tight ends coach (2019-20), Downing was promoted to offensive coordinator (2021-22).
Jack Gibbens, linebacker (Titans): As the Patriots’ third-leading tackler, Gibbens has 96 total stops, a sack, and eight tackles for loss.
Antonio Gibson, running back (Memphis): Gibson suffered a season-ending injury in October. He rushed for 106 yards and scored a TD prior to the injury.
Justin Hamilton, cornerbacks coach (Titans): Hamilton began his NFL career as a defensive quality control coach with the Titans in 2023.
Darius Harris, linebacker (MTSU): Harris, who has played in three Super Bowls, signed with the practice squad in September. He was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 18 with an undisclosed injury.
Austin Hooper, tight end (Titans): Hooper has played in all but one game and has 22 catches for 277 yards and two TDs.
Jason Houghtaling, assistant OL coach (Titans): Houghtaling landed his first NFL job with the Titans as assistant offensive line coach in 2021 and was promoted to offensive line coach in 2023.
Zak Kuhr, inside linebackers coach (Titans): Kuhr was promoted from defensive quality control coach at Tennessee in 2020 to the inside linebackers coach role.
Harold Landry III, linebacker (Titans): Landry leads the Patriots in sacks with 8.5 and has 49 tackles. He has 10 total tackles for loss.
Riley Larkin, offensive assistant (MTSU): Larkin spent the 2022 season on MTSU coach Rick Stockstill’s staff. He was also on the coaching staff at Ravenwood High (2019-20).
Doug Marrone, offensive line coach (Tennessee Vols): Marrone was the tight ends and offensive line coach at UT in 2001. His wife, Helen, is the daughter of former MTSU coach and athletic director Boots Donnelly.
Clint McMillan, defensive line coach (Titans): After spending four seasons in various defensive roles with the Titans, McMillan joined the Patriots staff in 2025.
Milton Patterson, defensive assistant (Titans): Patterson completed a coaching internship with the Tennessee Titans (2023) as part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowship.
Kobee Minor, defensive back (Memphis): Minor has played in four games and recorded one tackle.
Robert Spillane, linebacker (Titans): Spillane is the Patriots’ leading tackler with 111. He has four tackles for loss and two interceptions.
John Streicher, VP of football operations/strategy (Titans): Streicher spent six seasons (2018-23) with the Titans in various roles on Vrabel’s staff.
Darrell Taylor, defensive end (Tennessee Vols): After playing for the Seahawks (2020-23), Chicago Bears (2024), and Houston Texans (2025), Taylor joined the Patriots practice squad earlier this month.
Terrell Williams, defensive coordinator (Titans): Williams spent six seasons with the Titans as a defensive assistant before leaving for a position with the Detroit Lions in 2024. He took a leave as the Patriots DC after being diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this season.
Tom Quinn, assistant special teams coach (Titans): Quinn arrived as the Titans’ assistant special teams coach in 2023 and became the special teams coordinator after Craig Aukerman was fired.
Mike Vrabel, coach (Titans): In his first season as New England’s coach, Vrabel, who spent six seasons with the Titans, has led the Patriots to a 17-3 record, including a 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game.
Seattle Seahawks
Rob Caprice, defensive intern (Tennessee Vols): After spending three seasons as a defensive assistant at UT, Caprice joined the Seahawks staff in 2024.
Quandre Diggs, safety (Titans): Diggs spent five seasons with the Seahawks and then two with the Titans before returning to Seattle in November. He is currently on the practice squad.
Devin Fitzsimmons, defensive assistant (Vanderbilt): Fitzsimmons was the special teams coordinator and tight ends coach at Vanderbilt (2019-20) on coach Derek Mason’s staff.
Velus Jones Jr., running back (Tennessee Vols): After playing in three regular-season games, Jones was elevated from the practice squad for the divisional round win over San Francisco. He has 42 yards on 10 carries this season.
Frisman Jackson, wide receivers coach (Titans): Jackson spent the 2017 season as the Titans’ wide receivers coach on Mike Mularkey’s staff.
Quinshon Odom, offensive assistant (Vanderbilt): Odom, who also serves as the quality control offensive line coach, was an offensive graduate assistant at Vanderbilt (2016-17) and then offensive quality control coach (2019-20).
Justin Outten, run game specialist/assistant offensive line (Titans): Otten was hired by the Seahawks on Feb. 18, 2025, after spending the last two seasons as the Titans’ running backs coach.
Kenneth Walker III, running back (Arlington High School): A second-round pick by the Seahawks in 2022, Walker is the team’s leading rusher with 1,205 yards and nine TDs.
Tennessee
Tennessee Football 2028 In-State CB Target Jermaine Cobbins Talks Recruitment
One of the nation’s fast-rising 7v7 events made it back to the Atlanta area as The Sevens 7v7 tournament was held at Peachtree Ridge High School over the weekend.
Many of the top organizations across the country registered and entered the tournament such as Hustle INC, C1N, NPA, 24K Cold Hearts, and Fast Houston.
The amount of star power each brand displayed with many of the top athletes from all of the country was insane to fathom.
One of the nation’s coveted 2028 cornerbacks was in attendance as Jermaine Cobbins and NPA showed up on a mission.
NPA earned the number 1 seed during pool play on the first day of the event. The team fell just short of the championship game, but the players went down swinging.
Vols on SI caught up with Cobbins to discuss any recruiting updates, and to shed light on an off-field story that deserves some attention.
Jermaine Cobbins Update
“The recruitment is going great,” Cobbins said.
“You know, a lot of teams are showing love,” Cobbins continued. Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M were a few schools mentioned to be showing a lot of love to the Tennessee native.
Cobbins has plans to get on the road once dead period is over.
March 2- Auburn
March 6- USC (potentially)
March 13- Alabama
March 17- Georgia
March 19- Tennessee
March 21- Vanderbilt
As Cobbins is wrapping up his sophomore year and on his way to becoming a junior, the pace will pick up as schools will come on stronger as some will fall back. The talented defender has to check boxes of his on while spending time with each school.
“The main thing I’ll be looking for is probably how much love are they going to be showing, their background (track record), and how the coaches coach,” Cobbins explained.
With a visit to Rocky Top in a few weeks looming, this will be the first time Cobbins has made it to Tennessee since the staff changes on the defense.
Cobbins had a relationship with Coach Michael Hunter Jr., who joined the Volunteers staff for a very short time before taking an opportunity in the NFL.
“Me and the corners coach had a great relationship, he came (to UT) but he left out for the NFL, so kudos to him. Love that for him. I’ve met Coach Poindexter. He’s a great coach,” Cobbins said.
The coaching staff at Tennessee stands out to the Springfield (TN) student-athlete as, “they coach at a high level.” Cobbins would go on to describe how the Vols pulling in great talent truly has an impact because you get to practice against some talented players day in and day out.
Cobbins Gives Back
Cobbins recently had the opportunity to give back to the next generation, and it was no surprise to see this act carried out, so Vols on SI had to ask about this act of kindness before concluding the interview.
“That was very important (to me), you know. It just really made me feel good inside. I always love giving back to the little kids, especially from my hometown,” Cobbins said with a smile.
Cobbins understands the small-town life, and how such a simple gesture can make a huge difference. Talent aside, this is an A+ young man.
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Tennessee
Vanderbilt Basketball Guard Leaves Program Ahead of Tennessee Matchup – Knoxville Today
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Vanderbilt basketball guard Frankie Collins is leaving the program, head coach Mark Byington announced on Tuesday night. The news comes just days before the Commodores are set to face off against Tennessee in the regular season finale, with the Volunteers looking to clinch a top-four seed and double-bye in the SEC Tournament.
Why it matters
Collins was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, but injuries limited him to just nine games this season. His departure leaves the Commodores shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against their in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep.
The details
The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 7.8 points, 4.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game this season, but suffered a meniscus injury in December that sidelined him for the majority of the year. With the emergence of sophomore point guard Tyler Tanner and Oklahoma transfer Duke Miles, Collins never quite found his footing in the Vanderbilt lineup.
- Frankie Collins left the Vanderbilt program on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
- Vanderbilt is scheduled to face Tennessee on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
The players
Frankie Collins
A 6-foot-1 guard who was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, coming to Nashville after spending the 2024-25 season at TCU and the three prior years at Arizona State and Michigan.
Mark Byington
The head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores basketball team.
Tyler Tanner
The sophomore point guard who emerged as a key player for Vanderbilt this season.
Duke Miles
An Oklahoma transfer shooting guard who joined the Vanderbilt roster this season.
Rick Barnes
The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team.
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What they’re saying
“Frankie has left Nashville, and he’s not gonna be on the team. It’s gonna be good for both sides of it. We wish him well. So we’ll roll with the guys we got.”
— Mark Byington, Head Coach, Vanderbilt Commodores (rockytopinsider.com)
What’s next
With a victory over Vanderbilt, Tennessee will clinch a top four-seed and a double-bye in next week’s SEC Tournament. Vanderbilt could potentially earn a double-bye themselves with a win and a little extra help.
The takeaway
The loss of Frankie Collins leaves Vanderbilt shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep. The Commodores will have to rely on the emergence of players like Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles to try and pull off the upset and keep their own postseason hopes alive.
Tennessee
Tennessee Lands Three in Top 60 Picks of ESPN’s Post-Combine Mock Draft – Atlanta Today
Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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According to ESPN’s latest NFL mock draft, three former Tennessee Volunteers players are projected to be selected in the top 60 picks of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood are both projected to be first-round picks, while wide receiver Chris Brazzell II is projected to be a second-round selection.
Why it matters
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players highlight the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark the first time Tennessee has had two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall during Heupel’s tenure.
The details
Cornerback Jermod McCoy is projected to be selected 29th overall by the Los Angeles Rams, despite not participating in on-field workouts at the NFL Combine due to a previous ACL injury. Teammate Colton Hood is projected to be the final pick of the first round, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II impressed at the Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick, going 60th overall to the Buffalo Bills.
- The NFL Combine was held in late February 2026.
- Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April-May 2026.
The players
Jermod McCoy
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.
Colton Hood
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chris Brazzell II
A wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers who impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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What they’re saying
“If we’re going strictly by talent, McCoy is a top-10 prospect in this class. But he hasn’t played a game since 2024, missing all of last season after suffering an ACL tear in January 2025. We’re still not sure where he’s at in his recovery, as he did not participate in testing or drills at the combine. This gives the Rams — who haven’t drafted a corner in the first round since 2006 or before Day 3 since 2019 — the potential to get a steal here. McCoy is an easy mover who has squeaky-clean technique.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The reigning champions have a clear need at corner, as Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen are both scheduled to be free agents. Hood is a scheme-versatile player who can thrive in press man while also having the fluidity to excel in zone. A former all-state center fielder in high school, Hood’s ball skills frequently show up on tape (10 pass breakups and an interception last season). With his poised technique and wrap-up-and-finish tackling, he would fit well on the outside of Mike Macdonald’s secondary.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The Bills need someone who can separate on the outside, and Brazzell is an ‘X’ receiver who can be a deep vertical threat. He can also sink his weight and run a true route tree, making him a good fit with quarterback Josh Allen.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
What’s next
Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026, where McCoy plans to participate in on-field drills to further showcase his recovery from the ACL injury. Strong performances at the Pro Day could potentially push McCoy back up draft boards into the top half of the first round.
The takeaway
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players demonstrate the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark a significant milestone for the program, with Tennessee potentially having two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall for the first time during Heupel’s tenure.
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