Vols Wrap Up Second Spring Scrimmage

Tennessee's defense sets the tone early, but offense responds in the second half

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:39am

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A cubist, geometric painting in vibrant orange, white, and navy blue, depicting fragmented and overlapping scenes of a Tennessee football game, capturing the energy and movement of the sport.Tennessee's spring scrimmage showcases the team's evolving defensive and offensive units as they prepare for the upcoming season.Chattanooga Today

Tennessee's football team wrapped up its third week of spring practice with a second scrimmage at Neyland Stadium. The defense stood out in the first half, led by newcomer Xavier Gilliam, a transfer from Penn State. But the offense found its rhythm in the second half, with tight end DaSaahn Brame making a big play. The Vols will now take a break for Easter before returning for the final week of spring ball, culminating in the Orange & White Game on April 11.

Why it matters

Spring practice is a crucial time for college football teams to evaluate their rosters, install new schemes, and prepare for the upcoming season. Tennessee is looking to build on a solid 2025 campaign and will be closely watching the development of both its defense and offense during these scrimmages.

The details

Tennessee's defense, which has a reshaped front and secondary, set the tone early in the scrimmage. One standout was Penn State transfer defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, who made his presence felt. In the second half, the offense picked up the pace, with tight end DaSaahn Brame making an explosive play for a touchdown.

  • The scrimmage took place on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The Vols will take a break for Easter and return to practice next Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The Orange & White Game is set for 2 p.m. ET on April 11, 2026.

The players

Xavier Gilliam

A redshirt sophomore defensive tackle who transferred from Penn State, where he started in the Pinstripe Bowl victory over Clemson.

DaSaahn Brame

A tight end entering his second season with the Vols, who made an explosive play for a touchdown in the scrimmage.

Josh Heupel

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers football team.

Ethan Davis

A tight end who forms a solid returning duo with DaSaahn Brame.

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What they’re saying

“He's a guy who has played some football and has familiarity with the scheme. He had a really good offseason in our winter program, and then as we have continued to go through spring ball, I think he has flashed more and more the deeper we have gotten into it.”

— Josh Heupel, Head Coach

“He understands space, leverage, being able to go up and high point with a big catch radius. He created a big play today down the middle of the football field. He has definitely grown in becoming a complete tight end, of being able to play in the run game and protection too. I am really excited about what he's done.”

— Josh Heupel, Head Coach

What’s next

The Vols will return to practice next Tuesday, April 8, 2026, to kick off the final week of spring ball, leading up to the Orange & White Game on April 11, 2026.

The takeaway

Tennessee's spring practice is providing valuable opportunities to evaluate the team's defensive and offensive talent, with newcomers like Xavier Gilliam and DaSaahn Brame making strong impressions. The final week of spring ball will be crucial as the Vols prepare for the upcoming season.