Tennessee RB Javin Gordon Runs Through Defender For 61-Yard TD

Transfer running back makes big play in Orange & White spring game

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:39pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Tennessee football player breaking through a defender and sprinting downfield, with sharp, overlapping planes of orange, white, and blue colors representing the dynamic action.A Tennessee running back's explosive touchdown run showcases the team's offensive potential heading into the new season.Rocky Top Today

In Tennessee's annual Orange & White spring game, transfer running back Javin Gordon broke off a 61-yard touchdown run, bursting through a defender on his way to the end zone. Gordon, who joined the Volunteers this offseason after playing at Tulane last year, showcased his power and speed with the impressive scoring play.

Why it matters

Gordon's big run was a highlight of an otherwise low-scoring spring game, providing a glimpse of the offensive firepower he could bring to Tennessee's backfield this fall. As a transfer, Gordon will be counted on to make an immediate impact and help replace the production of last year's leading rusher.

The details

With the game winding down, Gordon took a handoff and exploded through the line of scrimmage, shedding a would-be tackler and racing 61 yards for the touchdown. It was the final score of the afternoon in Neyland Stadium. Gordon, listed at 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, totaled 516 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns as a freshman at Tulane last season.

  • The Orange & White spring game took place on April 11, 2026.

The players

Javin Gordon

A running back who transferred to Tennessee from Tulane this offseason. As a freshman at Tulane in 2025, he rushed for 516 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Ryan Staub

Tennessee's starting quarterback, who threw a 75-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive of the spring game.

De'Rail Sims

Tennessee's running backs coach, who praised Gordon's quick learning and high-quality play at Tulane last season.

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What they’re saying

“'JG is a smart, really fast learner, has picked up on the system really fast. You can tell he played on a high-quality team last year. You kind of forget a little bit that he is still a freshman. Last year was the first semester in school for him in terms of being a high school guy. This is his second semester. He's done a really good job of interacting with the teammates. He's just an old-school football player. You can tell he's got a really good feel as a running back in terms of being able to find holes, anticipating, setting things up in terms of a blocking standpoint. So he's come along really fast since the time that he's been here.'”

— De'Rail Sims, Tennessee Running Backs Coach

What’s next

Gordon will look to build on his impressive spring game performance when Tennessee opens its 2026 season in September.

The takeaway

Javin Gordon's 61-yard touchdown run showcased the kind of explosive playmaking ability he can bring to Tennessee's offense this fall. As a transfer, he'll be counted on to help fill a key void in the Volunteers' backfield and provide a dynamic rushing threat to complement the passing game.