Tennessee

Titans WR Makes Bold Declaration

Published

1 year ago

October 31, 2024

The Tennessee Titans are heading into their Week 9 matchup against the New England Patriots desperately needing a win. After last week’s blowout loss, they fell to 1-6 on the season.

One of the only bright spots from their 52-14 loss to the Detroit Lions last week was the play of wide receiver Calvin Ridley.

Ridley had gotten off to a slow start to the season, but following the DeAndre Hopkins trade he looked much better in Week 8. He went off for 10 catches for 143 yards, finally showing off the potential and talent he has to be a legitimate No. 1 target for the Titans.

Following his big game and looking ahead to this week’s game, Ridley made a very bold statement.

“It’s just about getting better,” Ridley said. I think my preparation all week — I just worked every moment I was here throughout the day. . . . I just worked, and it showed up. I should have all games like that.”

There is no question that he has the talent and ability to play like he did last week all of the time. He has always possesses elite route-running, speed, and hands.

If he can just follow through on that statement and prove that he should be a star each and every week, Tennessee would be in a much better place. They certainly need him to be that kind of threat for second-year quarterback Will Levis.

So far this season as a whole in seven games, Ridley has caught 22 passes for 326 yards and a touchdown. Hopefully, those numbers are about to start rising.

Going up against the Patriots offers the Titans a chance at a much-needed win. New England has not been great this season either. This game will also have major implications on the 2025 NFL Draft order.

Both teams are current contenders to end up with the No. 1 overall pick. While they aren’t going to “tank,” losing is not necessarily the worst thing in the world for either franchise.

All of that being said, it will be interesting to see how Ridley plays following this statement. He’s right that he should be a big factor week in and week out. Now, fans will be watching closely to see if he’s capable of actually doing it.

Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

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Tennessee

Tennessee ‘3 strikes’ crime bill fails in Senate committee

Published

4 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Tennessee ‘3 strikes’ crime bill fails in Senate committee

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Tennessee

Tennessee football, Vanderbilt target Ayden Woodruff transfers to Ravenwood

Published

16 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Tennessee football, Vanderbilt target Ayden Woodruff transfers to Ravenwood

One of Tennessee high school football’s top recruits in the Class of 2028 has a new home ahead of the 2026 TSSAA football season.

Ayden Woodruff has transferred to Ravenwood from defending Division II-AA state champion Battle Ground Academy, Raptors coach Ricky Rodriguez confirmed to The Tennessean on April 8.

The 6-foot-5, 284-pound Woodruff is the state’s No. 3-ranked recruit in the Class of 2028 and the No. 10-ranked defensive lineman nationally in the 247Sports Composite. Woodruff holds offers from Ohio State, Tennessee, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Texas and more.

In his sophomore season, Woodruff recorded 40 tackles, 12 for a loss and five sacks as BGA went 13-1 on its way to the program’s first state title since 2003. He was named to The Tennessean’s All-Midstate Large Class Second Team while also earning TnFCA All-State and DII-AA All-Middle Region honors.

Woodruff’s move further positions the Raptors for another run at the Class 6A TSSAA state title. Last season Ravenwood went 14-1 and reached the state championship game for the first time since 2019, suffering a 62-21 defeat to Oakland.

Ravenwood’s last state championship came in 2015.

Harrison Campbell covers high school sports for The Daily Herald and The Tennessean. Email him at hcampbell@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @hccamp.

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Tennessee

Nolan Smith receives contract extension at Tennessee State – HoopDirt

Published

1 day ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Nolan Smith receives contract extension at Tennessee State – HoopDirt

Tennessee State University and head men’s basketball Coach Nolan Smith have agreed to a contract extension that will keep him leading the Tigers through the 2031 season, Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen announced today. The extension reflects the university’s commitment to sustained excellence and the continued growth of its athletics program.

“My staff and I are incredibly blessed to continue leading this program,” said Smith. “Last season, we laid the foundation and established a clear standard for a winning culture. We’re excited, motivated, and ready to keep building something that makes the Tennessee State University community proud.”

“Nolan Smith has made an immediate and transformative impact on our program, leading with purpose, energy, and a commitment to excellence,” said Allen. “He is a winner whose passion for this university has energized our community and strengthened TSU basketball’s national profile. This well-deserved extension provides stability and momentum for the future, and we look forward to continued success under his leadership.”

In his first season, Smith guided the Tigers to a 23–10 overall record and a 15–5 mark in conference play, culminating in Tennessee State’s first OVC Tournament title in more than three decades and the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994.

“This is about building something sustainable and positioning Tennessee State for long-term success,” said TSU President Dwayne Tucker. “Coach Smith has elevated our program in just one year, and this extension reflects our confidence in his leadership and our vision for the future of TSU athletics.”

Smith’s achievements earned him OVC Co-Coach of the Year honors, the first in Tennessee State history, along with finalist recognition for the Joe B. Hall, Ben Jobe, and Hugh Durham Awards, which recognize the nation’s top mid-major coaches. His leadership helped produce a high-scoring offense averaging 80.5 points per game, a relentless defensive presence, and several all-conference players, including OVC Player of the Year Aaron Nkrumah.

“As we continue to move the university forward, strategic investments like this strengthen our ability to compete at a high level, attract top talent, and bring greater national visibility to Tennessee State University,” Tucker added. “This is about momentum, opportunity, and ensuring our student-athletes have the resources and leadership to succeed.”

Head Coach Nolan Smith said, “I’m honored to continue leading this program. Our players, staff, and community have worked tirelessly to build a culture of hard work, accountability, and pride. This extension reflects our shared commitment to elevating TSU basketball, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

With this extension, Tennessee State basketball looks ahead to continued success on and off the court. Under Smith’s leadership, the program is positioned to build on its historic momentum, attract top-tier talent, and further elevate TSU’s presence on the national stage.

https://tsutigers.com/news/2026/4/7/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-head-coach-nolan-smith-agrees-to-extension-through-2031.aspx

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