Tennessee Volunteers starting tight end Ethan Davis will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a torn ACL in the team’s Week 2 victory over Georgia Tech, head coach Josh Heupel confirmed Monday.
Davis Exits After Strong Start to Senior Campaign
The senior from Atlanta recorded touchdown receptions in each of No. 15 Tennessee’s first two games before limping off the field during the second half of the Vols’ 45-24 road win at Georgia Tech on Saturday. Davis had emerged as a primary target for five-star freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, ranking as the team’s third-leading receiver with three catches for 43 yards and two scores through the early season wins over Furman and Georgia Tech.
Davis, who missed most of preseason camp in August with an ankle injury, finishes his four-year Tennessee career with 39 receptions for 433 yards and six touchdowns.
Significant Blow Ahead of SEC Opener vs. No. 1 Texas
The injury deals a substantial setback to Heupel’s offense with a critical stretch looming. Tennessee (2-0) concludes non-conference play Saturday against Kennesaw State (7:45 PM ET, SEC Network) before hosting Arch Manning and the top-ranked Longhorns at Neyland Stadium in Week 4 for the SEC opener.
Next Man Up: Tennessee’s Remaining Tight End Options
With Davis sidelined, the Vols’ tight end room is now led by:
- DaSaahn Brame (Sophomore): ESPN’s No. 194 overall recruit in the 2025 class. Caught six passes for 63 yards as a freshman in 2025. Has played 32 offensive snaps this season, the most among Vols tight ends, per ESPN Research.
- Trent Thomas (Fourth-year transfer): Joined from South Alabama via the portal this offseason. Logged two receptions for 13 yards in the Week 1 win over Furman.
- Cole Harrison (Junior): One career reception.
- Luca Wolf (Freshman): Class of 2026 signee originally from Vienna, Austria.
Heupel Emphasizes “Next Guy Up” Mentality
Addressing the position group’s depth on Monday, Heupel struck a resilient tone while acknowledging the personal disappointment for Davis.
“This game requires the next guy up,” Vols coach Josh Heupel said of Tennessee’s tight end situation Monday “You have heard me talk about that. Our team has heard that, too. You have to be prepared for when your opportunity arises. The next guy, multiple guys have to step up in that role.”
“I hate it for Ethan,” Heupel continued. “The work he has put into it, the growth of the person and the player, that his season is cut short. The next guy has to be prepared and take advantage of the opportunity. You have seen a lot of those guys play already this year. They have to continue to grow and step into that role.”
Tennessee will need immediate production from Brame, Thomas, and the younger depth pieces as they prepare for the biggest test of the early season against the Longhorns.
