The Tennessee Volunteers continued their strong start to the 2026 season Saturday night, cruising past Kennesaw State 42-9 at Neyland Stadium.
The No. 15 Volunteers improved to 3-0 with the victory, wrapping up their nonconference schedule undefeated and setting up a massive matchup with No. 1 Texas next weekend.
Faizon Brandon Continues to Impress
Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon once again showed why Tennessee has so much confidence in him.
Brandon completed 18 of 26 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 47 yards and another score. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground helped Tennessee control the game despite an inconsistent first half.
The Vols entered halftime leading 21-3, but the offense really began to pull away after the break.
Daune Morris Breaks Loose
With DeSean Bishop slowed by an injury during the game, Daune Morris stepped up in a major way.
Morris rushed for 116 yards on 14 carries and scored a touchdown, including a 42-yard touchdown run that helped Tennessee put the game out of reach.
Bishop still managed to find the end zone before leaving the game and later returned in the second half.
Tennessee’s Defense Takes Control
The Volunteers’ defense also played a major role in the victory.
Kennesaw State struggled to consistently move the football, particularly during the first half. The Owls managed only 126 yards of offense through the opening 30 minutes, allowing Tennessee to build its lead without needing a perfect offensive performance.
Tennessee ultimately finished the night with another convincing victory and enters SEC play with a perfect 3-0 record.
Texas Is Waiting
Now the Vols get the game everyone has been waiting for.
Top-ranked Texas comes to Neyland Stadium next Saturday in Tennessee’s first SEC game of the season. The matchup will provide Tennessee with its biggest test yet and give Brandon and the Volunteers an opportunity to make an early statement against one of the nation’s top teams.
Tennessee took care of business against Kennesaw State.
Now, Rocky Top turns its attention to Texas.
