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Reporter Provides Key Information During Tennessee Vols Defensive Coordinator Search

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Reporter Provides Key Information During Tennessee Vols Defensive Coordinator Search


The Tennessee Volunteers have the chance to make some big-time moves in the month of December, as they are looking to make a decision that can impact the future of the defense in a positive way.

Former Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks, that Monday as the DC for the Vols, but he would close the day off the staff. This is due to a decision that was made by Josh Heupel and others to part ways with the long-term DC for the Vols. Fans were calling for this decision on both social media and in real life, as fans even went as far as painting the rock and putting “Fire Tim Banks” on it.

After this was made official, fans started to speculate on what’s next for the Vols with the defensive coordinator opening. They started naming options and timelines, but since then more information has been revealed by a reliable source. Here is what was said.

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Chris Low Confirms Some Details

Defensive coordinator Tim Banks coaches players during a drill during Tennessee Football s first fall practice, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
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“Would expect this one to be done pretty quickly. Vols made Banks one of the highest-paid DCs a year ago and will be willing to pay big money again,” said Chris Low.

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This is good news as fans are hopeful that the Vols will go for a quality-based choice and try their hardest to land a top defensive coordinator in college football. There have been multiple names that have been thrown around, and some are among the best in the nation. Others may have to prove a bit to the fanbase. All of the names that have been released as possible options seem to be additions outside the current staff, except for one coach who could also be promoted.

That coach is William Inge, who has been named as the interim defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers for their game against the Illinois Fighting Illini. The other question has been, “Will Josh Heupel make an addition with someone he has had ties to?”

If that’s the case, then there is a chance that the Vols shoot their shot with Ryan Walters. Walters is the current defensive coordinator for the Washington Huskies and has been improving with that program. He is a former staff member who was on the opposite side of the football coaching staff from Josh Heupel. Heupel was the offensive coordinator while Walters served as a co-defensive coordinator.

Make sure to stay tuned with Vols on SI.

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Tennessee Football 2028 In-State CB Target Jermaine Cobbins Talks Recruitment

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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.

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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.

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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

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2028 Springfield (TN) cornerback Jermaine Cobbins | Dale Dowden- Vols on SI

“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.

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March 2- Auburn
March 6- USC (potentially)
March 13- Alabama
March 17- Georgia
March 19- Tennessee
March 21- Vanderbilt

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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.

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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.

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“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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Vanderbilt Basketball Guard Leaves Program Ahead of Tennessee Matchup – Knoxville Today

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Vanderbilt Basketball Guard Leaves Program Ahead of Tennessee Matchup – Knoxville Today


Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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.

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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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Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.

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Tennessee Lands Three in Top 60 Picks of ESPN’s Post-Combine Mock Draft – Atlanta Today

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Tennessee Lands Three in Top 60 Picks of ESPN’s Post-Combine Mock Draft – Atlanta Today


Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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.

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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.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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)

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“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.

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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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