Following a dominant 56-9 win over Furman to begin the 2026 season, No. 20/18 Tennessee is preparing for its first road game of the year when it travels to Atlanta on Saturday night to face Georgia Tech at historic Bobby Dodd Stadium.
The Volunteers’ defense made an impressive debut under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, recording 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks against Furman. Tennessee will now look to carry that momentum into a much tougher road matchup.
The defense is also expected to receive a major boost with senior captain Arion Carter returning after missing the opener because of an NCAA suspension. Carter has established himself as one of Tennessee’s most respected leaders, both on and off the field.
During the offseason, the Smyrna, Tennessee, native cut his hair in support of his girlfriend, Mariah Bryant, who is battling breast cancer, while also working to raise money for her cancer treatment through Sisters Network Nashville.
Head coach Josh Heupel praised Carter’s development Monday, pointing to his growth as a player and leader, his community involvement and his academic accomplishments.
Heupel said Carter represents the qualities Tennessee wants from its players and called him one of the strongest leaders in the locker room.
Carter is also turning his performance on the field into an opportunity to support cancer awareness. Through a partnership with his mother Sheteka Alexander’s nonprofit, Girls in Real Life Situations (GIRLS), Carter will donate $427 for every tackle he records this season.
He will give $500 for each sack, $1,000 for an interception or forced fumble and $5,000 if he scores a defensive touchdown.
Carter explained that the initiative was inspired by his girlfriend’s battle with cancer and his mother’s longtime desire to establish a nonprofit supporting women and girls. He said he wanted to transform a difficult situation into something positive while raising awareness and contributing to cancer research.
Heupel also discussed several areas Tennessee must improve before facing Georgia Tech. While he was pleased with the defense’s overall performance, he noted that the Volunteers still have work to do, particularly with communication and execution along the offensive line and in the running game.
The Tennessee coach said some of the early struggles in the rushing attack came from mistakes by the tight ends, communication issues and missed assignments. With the Volunteers playing their first road game at night, Heupel stressed that small mistakes could quickly become costly.
Heupel also praised Knowles for his ability to change defensive looks, rotations and pressure packages from week to week while making adjustments during games. He believes those qualities could be important as Tennessee prepares for Georgia Tech.
The Volunteers are also keeping a close eye on Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza and running back Justice Haynes. Heupel praised Mendoza’s ability to quickly work through his progressions, accurately deliver the ball and extend plays with his athleticism. He described Haynes as a dynamic and physical runner with excellent vision and pad level.
Tennessee will also need to account for Georgia Tech’s physical rushing attack and experienced offensive line. Heupel noted that the Yellow Jackets have more than 90 combined offensive-line starts despite some turnover up front and said their deep running back group makes them particularly difficult to defend.
On the offensive side, Heupel said quarterback Faizon needs to prepare thoroughly, communicate effectively and protect the football. He emphasized that execution on the road requires even greater attention to detail.
Tennessee will also be without receiver Joakim Dodson after he suffered an injury in the Furman game. Heupel expressed disappointment for Dodson, noting the receiver had worked extensively throughout the offseason and made a strong kickoff return before suffering the injury. Tyreek King is expected to see an increased role in Dodson’s absence.
With Carter back and the defense coming off a dominant opening performance, Tennessee heads into Atlanta looking to prove that its strong start can translate against a more challenging Georgia Tech opponent.
