Tennessee position battles are sharpened now that the Vols announced Faizon Brandon as the starting quarterback for the opener.
The right tackle race, the No. 3 wide receiver job and the linebacker room will determine Tennessee’s Week 1 alignment against Furman; original coverage can be found at Sports Illustrated
Key Takeaways
- Faizon Brandon is the named starting quarterback for Tennessee heading into Week 1.
- The right tackle job is an active competition between LSU transfer Ory Williams and returning swing lineman Jesse Perry.
- The No. 3 wide receiver role is unsettled with several candidates pushing for snaps behind Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley.
- Linebacker Arion Carter will miss the opener due to a suspension, elevating rotation questions for Week 1.
Tennessee position battles to watch
With Week 1 against Furman imminent, the remaining position decisions will shape the opening depth chart and early-game packages.
How the staff resolves these spots will affect substitution patterns and scheme choices in the first month of the season.
Right tackle outlook
The right tackle competition is one of the most consequential position battles to watch for Week 1.
Ory Williams arrives as an LSU transfer linked to the spot, while Jesse Perry — a returning swing offensive lineman who started the second scrimmage — has pushed the race into a true lineup decision.
Perry’s versatility gives the staff immediate depth options while Williams brings SEC tackle experience that can influence early-game protection plans.
No. 3 wide receiver battle
The No. 3 receiver spot remains unsettled behind expected starters Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley.
Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith Jr. are in the conversation, while TK Keys and Joakim Dodson have increased their offseason production and could factor into rotation packages.
Linebacker depth and availability
The linebacker room must absorb the absence of Arion Carter for the opener, elevating secondary contributors for Week 1 snaps.
Jeremiah Telander provides returning starter experience, Amare Campbell is expected to join the group when healthy, and younger options such as Brayden Rouse and TJ White are poised to see earlier action than originally projected.
Positional context for Week 1 roles
| Player | Position | 2023 role | 2024 Week 1 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faizon Brandon | Quarterback | Not specified in reporting | Named Week 1 starter |
| Ory Williams | Right tackle | Transfer from LSU | Primary contender for starting right tackle |
| Jesse Perry | Offensive line | Returning swing offensive lineman | Competing at right tackle and provides versatile depth |
| Arion Carter | Linebacker | Starter | Will miss Week 1 due to a suspension |
| Jeremiah Telander | Linebacker | Starter in 2023 | Key experienced piece in Week 1 rotation |
SEC roster construction implications
How Tennessee resolves these position battles by kickoff affects early roster construction and the Vols’ readiness for SEC competition in the opening weeks.
Clarity on the offensive line and receiver rotation will influence play-calling and third-down personnel, while linebacker availability will shape defensive packages against early conference opponents.
