Tennessee football honors late sports writer Wes Rucker at Neyland Stadium

Tennessee athletics plans to hold a private dedication for the late sports writer Wes Rucker in the Tom Elam Press Box prior to the season opener against Furman on September 5, 2026. The tribute will include Rucker's wife, Lauren, and children, Hank and Rose, alongside colleagues and media relations staff. Rucker, who began covering the University of Tennessee in 2000, died in a car crash on February 19. The university has placed a photograph at his former seat in the press box accompanied by a message referencing his unique terminology for the stadium. Fans and reporters previously raised $783,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to support his family following his death. The ceremony takes place at Neyland Stadium shortly before the 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

• 3:05 PMYahoo Sports — How Tennessee football will honor Wes Rucker in Neyland Stadium press box