Tennessee places four newcomers on ESPN's top 100 rankings

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 3:59 PM

Last updated Jun 2, 2026

Tennessee places four newcomers on ESPN's top 100 rankings
Summary

Tennessee's football program has four newcomers listed in ESPN's top 100 rankings for the upcoming season. Defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, quarterback Faizon Brandon, edge rusher Chaz Coleman, and cornerback Kayin Lee were all highlighted. Gilliam stands out for his potential impact on the defensive line, while Brandon is in a competitive battle for the starting quarterback position. Coleman faces questions regarding his commitment and readiness after off-field issues. Lee brings valuable SEC experience to bolster the secondary as Tennessee prepares for the fall.

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By the Numbers
  • Xavier Gilliam ranked 20th among newcomers by ESPN.
  • Faizon Brandon in contention for starting quarterback after strong spring practices.
  • Chaz Coleman has faced challenges but remains a significant addition.
  • Kayin Lee brings 36 games of SEC experience to Tennessee's defense.
Latest Updates
  • 3:59 PMYahoo SportsTennessee places four in ESPN newcomer rankings
What they're saying
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The Volunteers will have some of the top-ranked newcomers in the country.

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