This weekend, Texas walks into one of the toughest atmospheres in the country to open their SEC slate. Tennessee is led by true freshman QB Faizon Brandon, with NFL talents like RB DeSean Bishop and LB Arion Carter with him. The Volunteers are off to an undefeated start, beating Furman, Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State to open the season. Now, their talent-laden roster is looking to upset Texas and vault themselves firmly into CFP contention.
Here are the six players Texas fans should know before kickoff on Saturday:
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The Tennessee offense has a number of elite playmakers on it. Daune Morris is overshadowed by DeSean Bishop at times, but he brings so much to the table. To start this season, he has 234 yards on 29 carries, including over 95 yards in each of the last two weeks. He’s averaging 8.1 yards per carry this season, including a 47 yard TD run against Georgia Tech. DeSean Bishop is tough enough but Morris makes the Tennessee run game even tougher to slow.
On the outside, the Tennessee WRs are a very deep unit. Mike Matthews is the leading receiver through three games but Braylon Staley can change games as well. Staley has just 7 catches for 87 yards and two scores this season, but totalled nearly 900 yards last season. He’s coming off his best performance of the season thus far, reeling in 4 catches for 59 yards and a TD vs. Kennesaw State. Every Tennessee WR is tough to cover but Staley seems primed for a breakout, so Texas will need to keep track of No. 14.
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I will very rarely have an offensive lineman on this list. David Sanders Jr. is the exception. Sanders Jr. is in the class of Trevor Goosby when it comes to OTs in the SEC. Despite being younger, his ability is remarkable. At 6 ‘6″, 310lbs, he moves incredibly well and it makes him nearly impossible to beat in pass protection. The Tennessee OL isn’t the strongest unit for the Volunteers but Sanders at LT is the single best player on the team. Muschamp will have to confuse the sophomore to get pressure from the left side.
Tennessee Volunteers DL Xavier Gilliam
In seasons’ past, James Pearce Jr., Joshua Josephs and Bryson Eason have made headlines along the Tennessee DL. This season, it’s not as many household names but the ability is the same. Xavier Gilliam is leading the way, with 12 tackles, 3 sacks and a FF on the season already. He’s capable of taking over the game inside or outside of the DL. This is the player the Texas OL will have to slow down to give Arch Manning time on Saturday.
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Tennessee Volunteers LB Jeremiah Telander
Arion Carter often gets the headlines in this LB group but Jeremiah Telander is every bit as good. He enters this game with 11 tackles, 1 sack, 2 PDs and 1 TD on the season. He’s an incredibly diverse skill-set, giving the Tennessee defense tons of versatility at their LB position. While Manning is scanning the Tennessee defense pre-snap, he’ll have to find No. 22 every time. If he loses track of him, he can change the game in a second.
Tennessee Volunteers CB Kayin Lee
Despite this being the first time Texas has played Tennessee during their SEC stint, there is some familiarity between the rosters. Kayin Lee and Cam Coleman are both former Auburn Tigers and faced off constantly in practice. Lee joined the Volunteers this offseason, bringing some strong coverage ability to the table. Throughout his first three seasons, he has 17 PDs and 3 INTs but hasn’t logged either this season. Coleman, Wingo and Mosley will have to find openings against the senior CB if they want consistent success on Saturday.
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Comedian Shane Gillis watches during the NCAA football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Comedian Shane Gillis watches during the NCAA football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
NBA basketball player Kevin Durant throws a football on the sideline during the NCAA football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Woody Harrelson interacts with Brutus Buckeye during the NCAA football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves walk on the sideline during the NCAA football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Sep 12, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Pat McAfee looks on before the game between Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Sep 12, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ja’Kobi Jackson (24) scores a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns in the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Sep 12, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jay Timmons (25) celebrates a forced fumble during the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) runs around Texas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) during the NCAA football game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Riley Pettijohn (5) sacks Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (2) celebrates a sack of Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (2) sacks Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (2) celebrates a sack of Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the first half at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a catch during the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Sep 12, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Sep 12, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (2) tackles Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Matthew McConaughey celebrates on the field following the NCAA football game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. The Texas Longhorns beat the Ohio State Buckeyes 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian watches during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain (8) reacts to a missed interception during the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jay Timmons (25) loses his helmet as he hits Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Payton Pierce (26) disrupts a pass attempt by Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the NCAA football game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Longhorns star Colin Simmons named Wuerffel Trophy semifinalist
Sep 12, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) reacts during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Sep 12, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates after a touchdown by running back Hollywood Smothers (2) in the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Texas Longhorns students light up their section during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches his players leave the field following the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches his players leave the field following the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Fans celebrate with Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) following the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Texas Longhorns fans and players celebrate following the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Sep 12, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) celebrates with teammates after defeating the against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leaves the field following the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Texas Longhorns fans and players celebrate following the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Fans celebrate with Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) following the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Texas completes historic comeback to down No. 1 Ohoi State
Sep 12, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; General view as the Texas Longhorns celebrate after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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