Meet UT alum Betsy Hunderson, Knox County’s new mayor
Soccer traffic jams roads near Regal Stadium
Volume 149, Issue 05
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Wednesday, September 23, 2026
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ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ returns to Knoxville for UT battle OLIVER FRANKLIN Contributor ESPN’s “College GameDay” is returning to Knoxville on Sept. 26 for the first regular-season meeting between Tennessee and Texas. The game kicks off at noon on ABC between the No. 1 Longhorns (3-0) and No. 14 Vols (3-0). It is the first time Tennessee and Texas have faced off in 57 years. The schools have met three previous times, all in the Cotton Bowl, where Texas leads the series 2-1. Tennessee hosted College GameDay early in the 2025
season for a top-15 clash with Georgia, a high-scoring affair the Vols lost in overtime. It is the 13th time Tennessee has hosted “College GameDay,” owning a 5-7 record in the games. The Vols last won while hosting when they knocked off Alabama in 2022. The set will remain on the hill at Ayres Hall from 9–11 a.m. before shifting inside the stadium for the final hour of the show. “We know that we’re getting ready to play a great opponent in Texas, early kickoff, Checker Neyland,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “To our fan base, however you get ready for game
time, wake up early and whatever you need to be at your best at 12, make sure you’re ready to be at your best at 12 and be a part of the football game for 60 minutes.” How Tennessee, Texas have performed this season Coming off a home win against Kennesaw State, Tennessee now sits at 3-0. The Vols have excelled on the ground with a backfield led by senior DeSean Bishop, who’s scored a touchdown in each game so far this season.
ESPN presenters during College GameDay in front of Ayres Hall. on Sept.
Continued on Page 9 13, 2025. File / The Daily Beacon
‘It Takes a Volunteer’: UT kicks off $3.5 billion campaign KELA FIFER Staff Writer
The City of Knoxville is battling invasive kudzu, as seen behind Arby’s on Chapman Highway on Sept. 16. David Smith / The Daily Beacon
Vines devour Dixieland Knoxville City Council says kudzu has overstayed its welcome LOGAN WEST Staff Writer
Covering hillsides, climbing telephone poles and creeping over abandoned homes, kudzu is a staple of Knoxville and the Southeastern United States. But the invasive vine’s tenure is coming to an end. In May, Knoxville City Council approved an $80,000 project to remove kudzu and other invasive plants from city parks. This project, funded by a Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry grant, will target non-native plants identified in the 2024 Urban Forest Master Plan as ecologically threatening to the state’s environment. What’s the deal with kudzu? Since its introduction in the late 19th century, kudzu has rapidly spread across the
Southeast. The Asian vine is a part of the legume family, originally implemented as a cover crop to replenish necessary nitrogen to agricultural soil or advertised as a forage for livestock. The invasive plant was also thought to be an erosion control measure, but while it covered the ground quickly, it often hid deterioration instead of preventing it. Will Luke, stormwater coordinator for the University of Tennessee, said kudzu is found in abundance near water sources, sometimes increasing soil degradation. “The reason that you see a lot of (kudzu) near our waterways is because over time we’ve degraded the ecosystems around that,” Luke said. “There’s water rushing underneath the canopy. All these large leaves are just these little spindly vines that aren’t holding the soil at all, so the water is actually eroding the ground underneath that canopy readily.” Erosion is not the only cause for concern as this vine suffocates vegetation, blocks sunlight and outperforms native plants. “A lot of our native vegetation have just gone away because they’re very susceptible to flooding and environmental concerns,” Luke said. “And unfortunately, these invasive species can outcompete our native species.” Whether it targets short, ground-level grasses or tall
pine trees, Kudzu is anindiscriminate killer, shading out anything in its path. Kudzu is not the only target of this removal campaign as the region continues to face challenges with invasive species including Chinese privet, Persian silk tree and bush honeysuckle. Unfortunately, ecological similarities provide an ideal climate for alien species to thrive. “We need to clean (invasive plants) up, the kudzu specifically,” Luke said. “We brought it here to stabilize, and it shades out everything. Nothing else can grow there.”
Two glowing Power T’s illuminated the dim Student Union auditorium. Faculty, donors and administrators shuffled about the room, exchanging pleasantries as they waited for Chancellor Donde Plowman to take the stage. Following open remarks from Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick, Plowman stepped on stage before a backdrop of silver shimmering curtains. On Sept. 18, at her eighth annual Flagship Address, Plowman announced the launch of UT’s new “It Takes a Volunteer” campaign. Plowman spoke directly to potential donors when addressing the campaign, which is set to be funded by $3.5 billion in donations. UT is already 60.8% of the way to its goal, with $2.1 billion raised so far. “This is a campaign inspired by you, Volunteers who have given your talent, your effort and your compassion to make life better for others,” Plowman said. “It is a campaign that values generosity of the purse and generosity of the spirit. It is an invitation to share your time and your wisdom. To share your stories. To share how the university has prepared you, shaped you, inspired you. And to help us as we grow our impact on others.” The campaign’s content is centered around improving
UT holistically, rather than focusing on one specific area of growth. “We will deliver our best for Tennessee by leveraging our strengths and staying laser-focused on our next level of priorities,” Plowman said. To Plowman, the priorities in question include improving research, athletics and the student experience. Plowman first highlighted current success in the research sphere. The university received three research grants from the National Science Foundation in the last two months and has recorded $413 million in expenditures. Notable projects include the development of turf technology used at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the ongoing formulation of manufacturing materials from grasses. “Our goal isn’t just to grow funding, it’s to grow impact,” Plowman said. “Our relentless push for excellence is what will help Tennessee become the country’s next thriving hub for innovation and economic development.” Plowman is gunning for top performances from the athletics department both on and off the field. “Seven of our teams finished in the top 10 last year … three teams finished in the top three,” Plowman said. “But I am most proud of our student athletes’ highest ever GPA: a record 3.49 last fall.” Continued on Page 2
Welcome to the jungle As kudzu began taking over East Tennessee, the tangled messes of vines created spaces in Knoxville that look like they are from another continent. A viral tweet featuring a photo of the Arby’s on Chapman Highway with kudzu as the backdrop playfully points to this notion, causing many to affectionately refer to the location as the “Jungle Arby’s.” Students on UT’s campus shared their thoughts on the plant removal process at the iconic location. While most expressed disappointment in losing the site’s notoriety, students overall showed support for the city’s action due to the invasive nature of the vine. Chancellor Donde Plowman speaks at the 8th Annual Flagship Address Continued on Page 4 on Sept. 18. Luke Goins / The Daily Beacon
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US congressional candidate reflects on UT education MAGGIE DUCKETT Contributor Long before launching a campaign for U.S. Congress, one University of Tennessee alum ran for a different office: student body president. Chaz Molder, former UT Student Government Association president and current mayor of Columbia is now running for U.S. Congress in Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District. Molder often reflects on his time as SGA president, believing his experience there prepared him well for his future candidacies. “When I look back on my collegiate career, and really my career as a whole, being the student body president is something I’m the most proud of,” Molder said. “I think I’m a better candidate for Congress because of my candidacy, campaign and time serving as student body president. I truly believe that.” Molder said his experience campaigning for and serving as SGA president taught him lessons that have followed him throughout his career, many of which he still uses as a candidate today. Among those lessons was the importance of being genuine when seeking office. “You’ve got to be authentic,” Molder said. “You have to be in it for the right reasons.” Outside of SGA, Molder served as president of UT’s Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, worked with the Interfraternity Council and participated in events off campus. “The totality of that really was such a good campus experience,” Molder said. “I look back on my four years at UT with such great memories because we were so involved in so many different things.” However, after his successful campaign at UT, Molder faced an unexpected setback as he prepared for his future. After serving as both SGA president and president of his fraternity chapter, Molder applied to UT’s Winston College of Law but got denied.
He described the rejection as particularly difficult after holding visible leadership positions on campus. “Being a sort of high-profile student on campus, not getting into law school was a disappointment for me,” Molder said. Molder later attended the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law before beginning his legal and public service career. Looking back, Molder said the experience taught him a lesson about how people respond to setbacks. “People pay attention to how you handle yourself in a time of disappointment more so than how you handle yourself in a time of success,” Molder said. “I tell my kids, be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.” That lesson followed Molder into his political career when he lost his first race for district attorney. The loss, he said, helped him realize that holding elected office was not the only way he could serve his community. That perspective now shapes the advice he gives to UT students interested in government or running for office themselves. “Go chase the public service component before you chase the elected office component,” Molder said. Years after his own time on Rocky Top, Molder said his experiences continue to influence his life. He added he met his wife while they were both students on campus, and many of the friendships he made at UT have lasted into adulthood. Now, Molder said his daughter may follow in her parents’ footsteps. “She sees when we come back to campus the love that we have here,” Molder said. “I think there’s something special about that, that she wants to go get herself too.” For Molder, maintaining those connections to UT also means supporting the university after graduation. His final advice to current students was simple. “Remember that when you leave here,” Molder said, “always try to give back.”
Chaz Molder speaking with supporter after his speach on Sep. 19. Max Rogers / Contributor
I look back on my four years at UT with such great memories because we were so involved in so many different things.” CHAZ MOLDER Mayor of Columbia and Congressional candidate
‘It Takes a Volunteer’ campaign | cont. from Page 1 Faculty and staff continue to support students as they make Rocky Top their new home. The numbers reflect this support, with the firstyear retention rate reaching 93%, up 5% from the rate five years ago. “Students who feel like they belong are students who thrive in college,” Plowman said. “Students who thrive in college are graduates who succeed in work.” Plowman recalled an experience with a current student and his parents during move in. UT staff reassured the uneasy parents as they said goodbye to their student, prompting the parents to later send a letter to UT expressing their gratitude for the university’s welcoming community. “They left him in the possible hands,” Plowman
said. “Because volunteers take care of one another.” Between research, athletics and student experience, Plowman is striving to fulfill this comprehensive campaign by 2030. With a 112% increase in philanthropic support reported in the last three year, UT ranks first in the Southeastern Conference for fundraising growth. “Together, we will light the way for our students and for everyone whose lives we touch,” Plowman said. “It truly does take a volunteer.” The Flagship Address is a tradition that began during Plowman’s inaugural year, marking a time of reflection and anticipation for the university. “Our greatness is defined by the difference we make for others,” Plowman said. “the problems we solve, the
opportunities we create and the impact we have.” Aside from announcing the campaign, Plowman spent the address acknowledging the current momentum of the university. This year, the university is experiencing
record enrollment numbers, with 41,287 students enrolling in the fall semester. Plowman also recognized the university’s recent investment of resources in online learning, civic education and recruitment of
in-state students. “We are creating opportunities for students. We are finding solutions for industry. We are providing value for our state,” Plowman said. “Because that is what a great university does.”
Our goal isn’t just to grow funding, it’s to grow impact. Our relentless push for excellence is what will help Tennessee become the country’s next thriving hub for innovation and economic development.” DONDE PLOWMAN UT Chancellor
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick speaks at the 8th Annual Flagship Address on Sept. 18. Luke Goins / The Daily Beacon
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Meet UT alum Betsy Henderson, Knox County’s new mayor CHAPMAN WORD Contributor
Knox County inaugurated University of Tennessee alum Betsy Henderson as the county’s new mayor on Sept. 3, and despite Labor Day weekend interrupting her team’s acclimation, they are determined to make Knox County a great place to live and work. Henderson replaced the term-limited, prior incumbent Glen Jacobs. When asked about the large shoes she has to fill, Henderson acknowledged the challenge but also saw the circumstances as motivating. “I look forward to building on that legacy and making sure that it’s a great place for people to raise a family here,” Henderson said. “And one thing that’s really important to me, too, is making sure that the next generation wants to stay here.” Henderson herself is a testament to that vision. Born to a Knox County native mother and a Greek immigrant father, she described the values of family and hard work her parents gave her. “He came here when he was 16. He didn’t speak English,” Henderson said. “My dad didn’t graduate high school, so education was really important to him, and making sure that we got that
college education.”.
When the time for that college education came, Henderson chose to stay close and attend UT. Before she graduated in 2001, Henderson was a member of UT’s Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority chapter. She credits her time with the sorority as critical in the fostering of leadership skills she brought with her to the professional world. In September 2001, the week of 9/11, Henderson began her political career working in the office of Tennessee Congressman John Duncan in Washington. She stayed in the nation’s capital for the next decade, where she married her husband Scott and welcomed their two kids. Eventually, the Hendersons decided to move back to Knoxville to raise their family. “It’s a good place,” Henderson said. “It shares our morals and values, so we moved back home 13 years ago. It’s a great place to live.” Shortly after her return to Knoxville, Henderson began to get involved with her children’s schools. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she chose to run for the Knox County School Board. “I was really passionate about was making sure that our kids
You know, UT is great at educating kids and making sure that those pathways are there, and it’s my job to make sure that it’s aligning with the jobs and the businesses that are coming here as well. ” BETSY HENDERSON Knox County mayor
Knox County Mayor Betsy Henderson in her downtown Knoxville office on Sept. 17 . David Smith / The Daily Beacon were able to read by third grade, so literacy is something that’s really important to me, making sure that all kids have opportunity,” Henderson said. She spent the next six years on the school board, including two as the chair. Then, at the beginning of this year, the opportunity to run for county mayor presented itself. “I really wanted to serve in a new way,” Henderson said. “and really serve the community, and be a part in impacting what the community looks like for the next 20 to 30 years. And so I decided to run for this office.” It was an uphill battle from the beginning. During the Republican primary, the Henderson campaign was outspent by its main challenger 6-1. Still, Henderson ended up winning the primary by 14 points. In the general election, Henderson faced Democratic challenger Beau Hawk, president of the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council. Henderson
won the election at the beginning of August with 52.47% of the vote. The discord surrounding Flock Safety cameras proved to be one of Henderson’s first challenges. The Knox County Commission and former Mayor Jacobs had spoken out and passed legislation to shut down the cameras. Despite their efforts, Flock argued that they would not be able to dismantle the nearly 150 cameras in Knox County before their Sept. 16 deadline. “We decided, all right, as the county, we’re going to cover them up. We promised the people that they would be down. And so we covered the cameras up,” Henderson said. ”And out of 143 cameras, today there’s only 10 left that are up. And so we’re well on our way to getting those down.” Education continues to be a primary issue for Henderson. In recent weeks she has had meetings with both Knox County Schools leaders and higher
education leadership like UT President Randy Boyd and UT Chancellor Donde Plowman. “I was very blessed that my parents built the American dream for us, and I want that for the next generation … making sure that we have those workforce opportunities,” Henderson said. “Because we don’t want our kids leaving for Nashville, Atlanta, D.C — we really want to keep the students here.” Henderson sees relationships with UT leadership as important to the accomplishment of this goal. “You know, UT is great at educating kids and making sure that those pathways are there, and it’s my job to make sure that it’s aligning with the jobs and the businesses that are coming here as well,” Henderson said. Although she is only a few weeks into her four-year term, Henderson said she is “really excited about the opportunity” to serve as Knox County mayor.
Soccer game traffic jams roads near Regal Stadium
LUKA PROFILOSKI Contributor Students and fans pouring into Regal Stadium to cheer Lady Vols Soccer on Aug. 23 clogged roads and walkways at parking entrances, causing long delays for drivers trying to attend the match. The home game against Western Carolina University marked the second consecutive home game with an over-capacity crowd. The 4-0 Lady Vols win was immediately accompanied by backed-up roads and incredibly long lines to leave the stadium. “It felt like a long time before we were able to get into the parking lot,” Jonathan Oen, a freshman mechanical engineering student who attended the game, said. This year’s student enrollment is the largest in UT’s history. Combined with the growing support of the women’s soccer team, the previous infrastructure the university used to accommodate game day traffic has brought congestion to areas surrounding the stadium. Fans entering and leaving the stadium parking lot on foot and by car has become a noticeable cause of the traffic issue. “I thought that leaving was worse than getting in because of all the people walking through the parking lot,” Oen said. The heavy traffic has drawn the attention of the University of Tennessee Police Department, which noted that the increased vehicle and pedestrian activity has raised concerns from the community.
“UTPD is reviewing traffic operations from recent matches and coordinating with Athletics to identify measures that can improve traffic flow and pedestrian movement. This includes officer deployment, traffic control points, signage, parking access and pedestrian routing around the venue,” Ryan Moore, the department’s public information officer, said. The foot traffic has also been a cause for concern. Many students opted to walk to the game instead of driving through the busy parking lot. While the volume of pedestrians did not seem to invite problems, the walking route itself poses a risk. The route to the stadium on foot is not direct, requiring students to walk around the train tracks that divide campus and the soccer stadium. To cut down on travel time, many students try to cross the train tracks, putting themselves and others at risk. “UTPD strongly encourages students and visitors to use designated pedestrian routes and marked areas when traveling to and from athletic events. Crossing railroad tracks at unauthorized locations is unsafe and should be avoided,” Moore said. Tennessee Athletics sent out warnings against such actions in a campus-wide email hours before the game on Aug. 23. “Do not walk on, cross, or stand on the railroad tracks. Doing so is dangerous and against the law. Be safe and Go Vols,” the email said. Before the fall semester began, the university installed a traffic light on the Neyland Drive and Joan Cronan Way intersection
in another attempt to mitigate traffic. The light bridges the stadium’s exit with a busy highway on the edge of campus. Students have ideas for how to improve the situation beyond additional police presence, suggesting a separation between pedestrians and vehicles near the stadium, where both battle for space before and after games. “I think a pedestrian bridge the train tracks would be a great idea, or having separate paths for pedestrians and cars in the parking lot might improve efficiency,” Oen said. The next home Lady Vols Soccer game is against Mississippi State on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. The game will test whether university warnings and continued police presence are enough to stop further congestion.
Cars drive through construction barriers and cones at the intersection of Neyland Drive and Joan Cronan Way. Ethan Garnier / The Daily Beacon
Do not walk on, cross, or stand on the railroad tracks. Doing so is dangerous and against the law. Be safe and Go Vols!” TENNESSEE ATHLETICS utathletics@mail.utsports.com
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How to beat the heat at UT football games KELA FIFER Staff Writer Excitement, competitiveness and camaraderie are not the only things blanketing Neyland Stadium in the early weeks of the football season. According to Mark Wilbanks, UT Medical Center’s event medicine logistics and communications coordinator, a “perfect storm” of humidity and heat has overtaken Knoxville, impacting Tennessee fans attending games. With three games behind the Volunteers and Saturday’s game against Texas on the horizon, UT students and safety officials shared advice on how to safely cheer for the Vols. Why is it so hot in the Volunteer state? A sweltering heat dome is situated over Tennessee and the surrounding Southeast. The heat dome, formed by high pressure in the atmosphere, traps warm air and prevents clouds from forming, causing the sun to further heat the air. While the heat is more concentrated over Nashville and Memphis, which saw temperatures in the triple digits this summer, the heat dome brought soaring heat to Knoxville, too. Nearing the fall solstice, the city continues to see temperatures in the low 90s, and it feels even hotter. What are Vols doing to stay cool? Despite the high temperatures, UT students, parents and alumni showed up as Tennessee took on Furman and Georgia Tech in the first two weeks of the college football season. Donning sunglasses, hats and light clothing, fans entered Neyland Stadium, trying to stay cool while Tennessee played Furman on Aug. 5. Some attendees brought sealed water bottles to the game, and
others kept portable fans on hand. “I went to the first game of the semester,” junior microbiology major Kianna Jackson said. “I brought my fan (and) made sure it was 100% charged because I needed it throughout the whole game.” Others used slightly simpler strategies. “I’ll probably just drink water,” freshman finance major Dean Westersten said. Among varying responses, almost every Vol shared this common piece of advice: Stay hydrated. “Definitely bring water with you - that way you stay hydrated because you’re going to be in a big crowd, so it’s like heat’s going to be everywhere,” freshman computer engineering major Brady Rogers said. “You definitely got to make sure you’re not going to be one fainting out there in the stands.” Some fans took this advice to heart ahead of the game against Kennesaw State. “Today is Friday — game is on Saturday. (I) started hydrating last Thursday,” Wyatt Bergman, freshman nuclear engineering major, said on Sept. 18, the day before UT faced Kennesaw State. How is UT keeping fans safe? The university leverages its partnership with UT Medical Center to care for large crowds gathering on Rocky Top. “Our job, basically, is to provide medical care to folks that come to a lot of different events on campus, not just football,” Wilbanks said. Across Neyland Stadium, UT Medical Center manages five first-aid stations to serve fans. For the team of doctors, nurses, paramedics and EMTs, preparation is the most essential part of their role. “It’s all about preparation for the day of the event,” Wilbanks said. “We always make sure that we have plenty of staff, that we’ve got all the equipment that we need.”
A Tennessee fan cools herself down while tailgating in Circle Park on Sept. 19. Ethan Garnier / The Daily Beacon According to Wilbanks, fans should be on the lookout for symptoms of cramping, stomach pains, heavy sweating and dizziness. Pre-existing medical conditions can exacerbate the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Alcohol consumption can quickly affect fans as well. To combat these symptoms, Wilbanks stressed the importance of “pre-hydration.” “Let’s talk about pre-hydration,” Wilbanks said. “... that is a term meaning days leading up to coming to something like (Furman) ... Gatorade, electrolytes, water, things like that. Avoiding gross amounts of alcohol.” Protection from the heat doesn’t stop once fans enter the stadium. Wilbanks encourages fans to step away from the game and rehydrate for a few moments. Water is sold at concession stands, along with WaterMonsters that are set up around the stadium. If fans need medical assistance, they can talk to ushers, alert the medical team wearing designated vests or, in case of emergencies, call 911. For fans who find themselves
in the first-aid stations, the UT Medical Center focuses on getting them hydrated and back out to enjoy the event. For more extreme circumstances, patients are transported to the nearest hospital for proper treatment. “Oftentimes, all we need to do is get them cool and provide hydration,” Wilbanks said. “We want you to be able to stay and enjoy the event that you came to see.” In addition to hydrating days leading up to an event, Wilbanks advises fans to wear loose and cool clothing, apply sunscreen and wear hats. Medical event staff from UT Medical Center, the Knoxville Fire Department, American Medical Response and other first responders are working to support fans. “We are super thrilled that we are partnering with the University of Tennessee,” Wilbanks said. “It is a huge step for the university to take to make sure that they’re protecting everyone that comes to their events. It’s a great honor to be part of this program, and we are proud to be here.”
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A Tennessee fan cools herself down while tailgating in Circle Park on Sept. 19. Ethan Garnier / The Daily Beacon
Kudzu overstaying its welcome | cont. from page 1 Kudzu removal attempts Initially, the city utilized goats to graze the kudzu as a removal technique, however, they proved to not be as efficient as desired. While goat grazing has been proven effective for clearing grasses and shrubs, the height and root length of kudzu made this attempt virtually impossible without root removal efforts. City council member Karyn Adams said the use of herbicides to kill the invasive plants concerned her, but after the goat removal attempt failed, the city pivoted to other, sciencebacked solutions. “This is not spraying a bunch of awfulness, and then just hoping for the best,” Adams said. “This is a plan.” For this project, the city has partnered with Ijam’s Nature Center, Trees Knoxville and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to fund the kudzu removal through four contractors. “These were all organizations that I have worked with, and that I know get it,” Adams said. “They don’t want to do things in a way
that’s gonna harm the environment.” Contractors secured a 5-year contract to apply Environmental Protection Agency and FDA-approved herbicides to the affected areas, strategically targeting invasive species and avoiding natives. The city applied the first round of treatments to Fort Dickerson Park, Tyson Park and Third Creek Greenway. The progress is visible, with the kudzu framing the “Jungle Arby’s” donning a lifeless brown hue. “We’ve witnessed what happens with the first spray,” Adams said. “Everything went brown, but, also, you can see what they didn’t kill, and that’s probably the more important thing.” Later, the city plans to reintroduce native plants to the treated areas in hopes of ecological restoration. “I think we’re at a point where we’ve learned from some of the mistakes of
the past, and we’re in a position now where we can make some better, smarter, science-based choices,” Adams said.
Graphic by Kiersten Colins
Arts & Culture
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‘Dial M for Murder’ brings suspense to UT stage MAGGIE DUCKETT Contributor For audiences attending “Dial M for Murder,” the question was not who was behind the crime, but whether the characters would figure it out in time. “It’s not a murder mystery. There is no mystery,” director Melissa Maxwell often told the cast during rehearsals, according to Elise Thayn, a second-year MFA acting graduate candidate who plays Maxine Hadley. “The audience is in on it from the beginning,” Thayn said. “For the audience, the suspense comes from knowing something the characters don’t and aching for them to figure it out.” “Dial M for Murder” centered on a carefully planned murder and the consequences that follow. This production ran at the Clarence Brown Theatre from Sept. 2 through Sept. 20. Rather than keeping the crime hidden from the audience, the play created tension by letting viewers watch the plan unfold. Thayn said the pacing of each scene played an important role in building that tension. “From my perspective, building suspense requires a really specific focus on tempo,” Thayn said. “Speed and intensity build and build and build … until everything suddenly goes quiet.” Thayn played Maxine Hadley, an American murder mystery author with what the character herself describes as an “obsession with tying up loose ends.” Despite the differences in style and era between Thayn and her character, she found similarities between them. “Her direct nature, fiery attitude and love for problem-solving are all things that I see in myself,” Thayn said. But portraying Maxine also meant exploring what happens when that confidence breaks down. Thayn described the character as someone who protects her vulnerability, which led her to focus on moments when Hadley is caught off guard. “For the audience, it’s fun to see a character in their ‘armor,’
From my perspective, building suspense requires a really specific focus on tempo. Speed and intensity build and build and build … until everything suddenly goes quiet.” ELISE THAYN Second year MFA acting graduate candidate
Kat Lee and Elise Thayn in ‘Dial M For Murder’ for the Clarence Brown Theatre. Maggie Duckett / The Daily Beacon but things get way more interesting when that armor is stripped away,” Thayn said. One of Thayn’s biggest challenges came not from her character’s personality, but from her voice. Thayn uses a 1950s accent throughout the production, a style of speaking she said initially felt unnatural. She spent time experimenting with the accent until it became comfortable. Now, the challenge may be turning it off. “I catch myself in Maxine’s voice all the time in class and at home,” Thayn said. Nash Tetterton, another second-year MFA acting candidate, played Lesgate, a “petty con-man” who seeks access to wealth and privilege. Tetterton said he focused on the contrast between Lesgate’s working-class background and the upper-class persona he adopts to manipulate those around him. One of Tetterton’s favorite moments, however, required a
different kind of performance. “I love being dead,” Tetterton said. “Mostly because I love hearing and feeling the scene happening around me that I cannot watch or engage with but am fully a part of as essentially a prop.” Thayn said the production guided viewers through the small details rather than requiring them to solve the crime themselves. One of her favorite moments came near the end of the show during a scene with another character, Tony Wendice. “I won’t give anything away, but I love the back and forth we have and the plot twists that come up in that scene,” Thayn said. “There’s a line I have that always makes the audience gasp, and that reaction is so incredibly rewarding.” For an audience that knows more than some of the characters onstage, those reactions became a part of the tension and suspense.
Elise Thayn, Kat Lee, Christopher Joel Onken and David Brian Alley in ‘Dial M For Murder’ for the Clarence Brown Theatre. Maggie Duckett / The Daily Beacon
Ewing Gallery exhibit challenges stereotypes LINDSEY LAWYER Contributor The Ewing Gallery in the Art and Architecture building was created to honor C. Kermit “Buck” Ewing, and features a rotating monthly exhibit. The space allows artists to showcase their work and is free for entry. This month’s gallery is a great opportunity for students and visitors to experience creative and original works. Starting on Aug. 26 and continuing through Oct. 18, the gallery brings in a selection of pieces featured in Dr. Timothy Hiles’ 2026 book “Art, Movement, and Disability: Transcending the Beauty Paradigm.” The gallery features works from eleven unique artists who aim to challenge stereo-
types of disabilities and their representation. Through the curation of this exhibit, Dr. Hiles hopes to broaden his audiences’ perspectives and work to eliminate bias towards those with disabilities. Hiles’ book follows three central themes: reclamation, invisibility and the conversation of disability stereotypes and society’s perceptions of them. The Ewing exhibit this month is centralized around the same ideals through its works and displays. Kadyn Kilborne, a senior graphic design major, remarked on the exhibition. “It’s very experimental (the gallery). There’s always tons of different materials in there. Right now, there’s a lot of different artists who use mediums in unique ways,” Kilborne said. David Johnson’s “Rosie
1” represents one of these unique mediums through his combination of audio and a screenshot of a Microsoft Word document. As a blind artist, Johnson focuses on helping his audience experience art through multiple senses and ensuring that his pieces aren’t dominated by their visual aspects. Johnson’s work is one of the many distinct pieces available to see this month. The gallery operates from 1–4 p.m. on Sundays, and 10 a.m to 5 p.m. on weekdays, extending to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. The exhibiting artists include Sue Austin, Laura Ferguson, Matt Bodett, Elizabeth Jameson, David Johnson, Rebecca Kamen, Christine Sun Kim, KYRIANNA, Riva Lehrer, Alessandro Schiattarella and Alice Shepard. Macy Steingrube, a senior
graphic design major, described the gallery as a staple of the Art and Architecture building. “It’s a really cool space for students and outside artists to come in and share their work
with aspiring designers and creatives.” Next month’s exhibition will feature photographs by Walker Evans from Nov. 2 to Dec. 2.
“Brain Fog” by Kyrianna is displayed during the Art, Movement, and Disability: Transcending the Beauty Paradigm exhibition at the Ewing Gallery on Sept. 16. Meredith Lambert / The Daily Beacon
It’s very experimental (the gallery). There’s always tons of different materials in there. Right now, there’s a lot of different artists who use mediums in unique ways.” “Favorite (Memories Series)” by Matt Bodett is displayed during the Art, Movement, and Disability: Transcending the Beauty Paradigm exhibition at the Ewing Gallery on Sept. 16. Meredith Lambert / The Daily Beacon
KAYDYN KILBORNE Senior graphic design major
Opinion
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An ode to ‘Outer Banks”
One last wave to the show that felt like home MARISSA HUNT Contributor Lately, I’ve been watching shows for the first time right when their final season airs. Everyone else has been emotionally invested for years, and I’m barging into the finale with fresh opinions and the confidence of a girl who thinks “late to the plot” is an aesthetic. That happened to me last semester when I reviewed the final season of “Euphoria” after binge-watching the earlier seasons for the first time in January. “Outer Banks” ended up being the same story. I didn’t start the series until this summer, which is funny because when the show originally dropped, I was living in a beach town too — Wilmington, North Carolina. I was a “Wilmy” girl for six years, fully tapped into the coastal, Pogue-coded lifestyle. No wonder the show feels like home. After four seasons of treasure hunts, betrayals, near-death escapes and a family stitched together by saltwater and eternal loyalty, the final chapter tries to answer the question fans
have been asking for years: What happens when the chase finally catches up to the Pogues? To commemorate the final season, let me talk about my “Outer Banks” favorites. My favorite character is Cleo. She’s criminally underrated and a true Pogue in every sense of the word. We still don’t really understand where her parents are or what her childhood looked like, and that mystery makes her one of the most compelling characters in the entire series. She’s sharp, loyal, fearless and ride-or-die for every single member of that friend group. Honestly, she deserves better from them. I don’t think the Pogues appreciate her — or Pope — nearly as much as they should. Cleo brings heart, humor and grit to every scene she’s in, and I’ll forever stand on the shoreline shouting that she deserves more attention, more backstory and way more screen time. My favorite moment of season five was the finale when Kiara and Pope pay back their parents (my own personal dream, too). Right after that, my next favorite
moment is when Pope buys Tannyhill and finally gets to celebrate his ancestors. It’s symbolic and powerful: a Pogue reclaiming an empire the Kooks stole. Denmark Tanny is an enslaved man who saved the “Royal Merchant” shipwreck survivors and hid the gold on the ship in clever ways. His legacy was stolen, erased and exploited, especially by wealthy families like the Camerons. Although it might be an unpopular opinion compared to character deaths throughout the show, for me, the most heartbreaking moment is the season two finale when Pope loses the cross and laments how everything has been stolen from his ancestor, that not even Tannyhill’s legacy can be celebrated. In the end, “Outer Banks” reminds us that every map leads somewhere, and for Pope, it finally leads to his rightful home, with Cleo by his side. Sarah and John B. begin their family, and Kiara becomes a marine conservationist working in sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. It’s the perfect full-circle
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Graphic by Marissa Hunt
moment: the girl who always felt caught between two worlds finally chooses the one that makes her feel grounded, useful and free. Was season five perfect? Not really. Could it have been better? Absolutely. It drifted into later-era “Fast and Furious” levels of ridiculousness more than once (if you know, you know), but I still had a blast. I’m going to miss these characters and their vsetting: Outer Banks — paradise on Earth. “Outer Banks” feels like a love letter to everyone who’s ever lived along the North Carolina coast, and
I’m honestly glad I waited until now to watch it. This season made me miss Wilmington — and especially Wrightsville Beach — more than I expected. It reminded me how much I loved being a coastal girl, and how I can’t wait to be one again.
Marissa Hunt is a senior at UT this year studying journalism. She can be reached at mhunt44@vols.utk.
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the
The Art of Walking Away MARIN MCGUIRE Contributor The bravest thing you can do is walk away. Most people view walking away as a sign of giving up. A sign of failure. But what if, rather than failure, it was a sign of courage? What if we changed the way we looked at walking away? This idea that walking away from something, whether that is a person, situation or place, labels us as a “failure” is a false pretense. Walking away from something doesn’t render you worthless — it calls you courageous. Stephen Chbosky’s 1999 novel “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” follows Charlie as he takes on the struggles of high school, combined with his past trauma and introverted personality. As Charlie goes through high school, he encounters several situations that make him question the actions of those around him. One of the most memorable moments is when he observes his sister’s boyfriend being violent toward his sister, prompting him to ask his professor why she would stay with him through the violence. That is where his professor responds with the infamous quote, “We accept the love we think we deserve.” Although Chbosky’s novel tackles several important lessons, this is the most powerful. Even through pain, violence and unhappiness, it is human nature to stay. We fight to be in places we are uncomfortable in order to fulfill and prove that we are strong enough. That we can succeed no matter the cost. After all, success is what drives us. Humanity wants happiness and success in life, but that “acceptance” isn’t driving real happiness. It is common to worry that we will never find happiness if we leave what we have, thus leading people to accept the love they have instead of braving finding something new. This causes us to fail to recognize how “staying” is degrading us more than accepting the change. As much as I believe becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable is a crucial part of adapting and living a happy life, the way we grow further is by understanding what we can do for ourselves. The “love” that Charlie’s professor describes can be interpreted literally or figuratively. It can literally explain why we stay in bad relationships and friendships. It can also figuratively describe “love”
as a situation we accept because we believe we aren’t good enough for anything better. We believe it is what we deserve, so we accept it. I can relate to the anxiety that comes with walking away. Not only is change scary, but you are leaving behind what you are used to confiding in. And the fear of never being accepted draws people, including me, back into a hole of seclusion and acceptance. Chbosky’s novel ends promisingly, where Charlie seems to have finally found his people and his place in the world. He has learned what it means to be “infinite” — truly alive and happy. However, Charlie’s sister, Candace, is stripped of her relationship when her boyfriend breaks up with her. She struggles to cope without his love, despite its violence. But in the end, she finds herself. She goes to college and meets a man who supports her. She no longer just “accepts” the love someone gives her, but rather changes her understanding of what she thinks she deserves. She finally understands, like Charlie, what it feels like to be infinite. A lot of us believe there is nothing better than where we are. That we aren’t good enough and don’t deserve to be loved well. I believe that because of these thoughts, we are all a little broken. We are trained to worry that we aren’t enough. And it takes a lot to see that we are. Sometimes all it takes to see what you deserve is to walk away. What is so crucial to understand is that you can walk away to take care of yourself. You can recognize that you aren’t happy and begin the journey to finding what you want instead of what you were conditioned to think you deserve. The act of walking away takes more courage than pushing through the struggle. It takes more courage than just “accepting” where you are. The desire that you feel for something more is a sign to walk away and begin again — it’s the path to feeling infinite. Marin McGuire is a freshman at UT studying biochemistry. She can be reached at mmcgui34@vols.utk.
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the
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Longhorn Nation looks forward to taking on the Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. See you soon!
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Vols close out nonconference slate, open SEC play Saturday THEO COLLI Senior Staff Writer The Tennessee football schedule only gets tougher as the Vols closed out their nonconference schedule Saturday with a meeting against Kennesaw State. The No. 15 Vols defeated Kennesaw State 42-9 in a fairly one-sided contest, yet a looming sense of next weekend’s matchup cast a shadow over what was to come on the schedule. In what will be one of the Vols’ (3-0) biggest tests of the season, the team welcomes No. 1 Texas into Neyland Stadium next Saturday. The Longhorns are just about two weeks removed from one of the biggest wins in the Steve Sarkisian era, when they defeated the former No. 1-seeded Buckeyes at home in a tight 24-23 finish. Now, the Longhorns hit the road for the first time in their 2026-27 season in a tough Neyland environment, but the Vols are going to need more than just a tough atmosphere to defeat the Longhorns. The first and main key for the Vols will be just how successful they are running the ball. So far, through the first three games, including Saturday against Kennesaw State, the run game has
supreme. Tennessee has rushed for 896 yards across the first three games, with DeSean Bishop and Daune Morris leading the way. Bishop has 286 yards, while Morris has 234 — including 116 yards from Morris against Kennesaw State. Morris took over as the lead back in Week 3 after Bishop went down with an injury in the first half. Besides the two top rushers, Justin Baker, Javin Gordon and quarterback Faizon Brandon add even more dynamism to the ground attack. “At the end of the day, you are going to need everybody inside of that room,” Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel said. “So Daune ran extremely well. Hunter Barnes went in and ran well. DeSean ran really well. Just didn’t think it was smart to put him back in at that point in the game, and we have a conference stretch here.” Having a two-headed attack, as well as the versatility of the quarterback position, may be one of the Vols’ best bets against a tough Texas team.
Yet Brandon knows as well that his play isn’t scratching the surface of what it can be. “I feel like I’m at a pretty good spot right now,” Brandon said. “Definitely a lot of things I can work on, but I just need to continue to not try to do anything extra and take what the defense gives me and continue to try to extend plays when things aren’t there. But I feel like there’s certain things I can work on, but I feel like I just need to keep on taking what the defense is giving me.” Brandon has yet to unlock the full potential of the passing attack, as Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews have both yet to fully hit their stride this season. Matthews leads the room with 189 yards through three games, while Radarious Jackson is second with 113. While the offense has its work cut out for it, the defense gets its first real test of the season against Arch Manning and the Longhorns’ offense. “We don’t really hear a whole lot,” Tennessee linebacker Edwin Spillman said. “More so just
focusing on ourselves, getting better, improving in a new system, new coaches and everything like that, so it’s just more focusing on us and what we gotta do now.” The meeting between the two ranked SEC teams takes place Sept. 26 at noon inside Neyland Stadium. “Great team, No. 1 team in the
country,” Spillman said. “We’re just excited to go and compete and go put it all out in front of the world.”
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The Tennessee Volunteers embrace after the win against Kennesaw State in Neyland Stadium on Sept. 19. Ethan Garnier / The Daily Beacon
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Ethan Garnier / The Daily Beacon
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No. 1 Texas awaits, but Tennessee football isn’t changing its approach TREVOR MCGEE Sports Editor Tennessee football doesn’t care about the No. 1 ranking on the other side. It’s just another game between the white lines for the Vols. But the matchup indicates more than that No. 14 Tennessee (3-0) faces No. 1 Texas (3-0) at Neyland Stadium at noon on Sept. 26 — the first-ever regular-season matchup between schools fighting for “UT” supremacy. The Manning family looms over storylines as Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning takes the field in the stadium where his uncle Peyton Manning has his jersey retired. ESPN’s “College GameDay” adds to the spectacle, with the show set to broadcast from Ayres Hall before moving inside Neyland Stadium for the final hour. “There’s more media attention or whatever on this football game,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said. “At the end of the day, it’s the beginning of conference play. You’ve got to understand the quality of the opponent that you’re getting ready to play. Saturday will be electric in the stadium. But it comes down to winning each day, your preparation and practicing the right way to give
yourself a chance.” That’s the language Tennessee always uses when facing a big opponent. Heupel’s messaging remains focused on what’s happening inside the building. Even as a former Oklahoma quarterback who knows the rivalry with Texas, Heupel wouldn’t bite: “I think about this Saturday,” he said. “That’s really what I think about.” Attention to detail is ultra important when kicking off SEC play. A season ago, the Vols faced a similar task against No. 6 Georgia in their SEC opener. Tennessee drove into position for a game-winning field goal in the final seconds, but Max Gilbert missed from 43 yards, sending the game to overtime. Georgia eventually won 44-41. Now comes a Texas defense that has made explosive plays difficult to come by. The Longhorns have only allowed seven passing plays of 20-plus yards and just two rushes of longer than 15 yards this season. Only four total plays have gone for 30-plus yards against Texas — two of them being a pair of 43-yard receptions by superstar Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. “They got a really good backend,” Vols wide receiver Braylon Staley said. “Some special players in the
backend. So, we got to just hone into what we got to do, details. Come out ready to play.” For Tennessee’s defense, the task will be containing an explosive Texas offense that mounted a 20-point fourth-quarter comeback to overcome No. 7 Ohio State two weeks ago. The Longhorns have found their explosiveness primarily through the passing game. They have just three rushes of longer than 20 yards this season, while Arch Manning has completed 61.9% of his passes for 664 yards and seven touchdowns. “Go back to the Ohio State game, his ability and his team’s ability to be resilient, to keep playing the next play,” Heupel said. “To be in a situation like that and be able to
fight back tells you about their competitive makeup.” Tennessee’s defensive backfield will have its hands full. The Vols’ secondary has not been seriously tested yet this season, but that will change when facing Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo. Coleman is an Auburn transfer with 178 yards and four scores. Wingo, a one-time Tennessee target on the recruiting trail, has 165 yards and a pair of
scores. “I feel like they got a lot of speed,” defensive back TJ Metcalf said. “I don’t think they want to be physical, but at the same time, they do play a lot of good football.” When Tennessee takes the field on Saturday, it’ll be looking to defeat a No. 1-ranked team for the first time since 1985 when the Vols overtook Bo Jackson and the Auburn Tigers.
There’s more media attention, or whatever, on this football game. At the end of the day, it’s the beginning of conference play. You’ve got to understand the quality of the opponent that you’re getting ready to play.” JOSH HEUPEL Head coach
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Huepel meets a Kennesaw State coach after a game in Neyland Stadium, Sept. 19. Luke Goins / The Daily Beacon
ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ returns | cont. from page 1 True freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon has not made any big mistakes so far, turning the ball over once in his first three career starts. The next test will be the biggest as he faces the No. 1 team in the country. Texas hosted “College GameDay” in Week 2, where it pulled off a thrilling 20-point comeback against No. 7 Ohio State (2-1). Quarterback Arch Manning and his various weapons on offense have been slow out of the gate, but have come through when it matters most. Manning has tossed seven touchdowns to two interceptions this season. His defense has been stellar, allowing 36 points across three games with less than 290 yards per game given up. Who will be the guest picker?
was in college when Tennessee played Ole Miss. Look, I love my university, my alma mater. Pull for them unconditionally. But nothing is more important to me than my family.” The connection between both teams makes Peyton Manning a natural option for the guest picker. If Peyton Manning does end up as the guest picker, it would be his second appearance on GameDay. The first time he was picked, the Vols upset No. 3 Alabama at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 15, 2022. Knoxville-area natives Morgan Wallen, Kenny Chesney or Kelsea Ballerini could also fill the role. Well-known comedian and actor Kevin Hart, who was spotted at Neyland Stadium in the Vols’ win over Kennesaw State, would also be a reasonable pick, as his son, Hendrix, is a freshman on the UT track team.
The last time Tennessee hosted “College GameDay,” Lady Vol basketball legend Candace Parker handled the celebrity guest picks. This time around, many options make sense.
Even Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes could be an option, as the 72-year-old spent 17 seasons as the head coach of the Longhorns before spending the last 11 seasons at Tennessee.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning is the nephew of all-time Vol Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning is one of eight retired numbers in UT history. He still makes guest lecture appearances in the classrooms he once sat in. Despite his consistent support for Tennessee, he will likely be favoring a darker shade of orange this Saturday. “Obviously, it’s going to be a huge SEC game,” Peyton Manning said during his Manning Passing Academy camp in June. “My dad dealt with it when I
Fans hold signs during ESPN’s College GameDay in front of Ayres Hall. Sept. 13, 2025 on File / The Daily Beacon
ESPN presenters during College GameDay in front of Ayres Hall. on Sept. 13, 2025. File / The Daily Beacon
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Defense steps up after slow start against Owls WILL SILBERMAN Columnist After Kennesaw State strung together a methodical 13-play, 59-yard drive on its first offensive possession, the Vols’ ability to stop the run may have been doubted. However, that sentiment couldn’t be further from the truth. After allowing 31 rushing yards on the first drive, Tennessee’s defense snapped to life and allowed 71 over the next 10 drives en route to a 42-9 win Saturday night at Neyland Stadium. The Vols allowed 291 yards of total offense, 189 through the air and the rest on the ground. The No. 15 Vols (3-0) have plenty to clean up over the next week as they prepare to host No. 1 Texas, but they know just what they need to fix. “We definitely need to be better to the boundary,” linebacker Edwin Spillman said. “Just getting underneath the flats. And then I’ll also just say better tackling. We all got to finish up, setting the edges and then tackling.” Quarterback Rickie Collins strung together a solid game for the Owls (1-2), mainly through the air but with his legs, too. “He’s an athletic quarterback — I thought he was decisive,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “You see him getting better every week on tape.” The junior Syracuse transfer was a respectable 22-for-34 passing, netting 189 yards for the Owls. He ran the ball himself 14 times, picking up just
36 yards but also evading sacks and tackles for loss. Tennessee managed to get to Collins five times, dropping him for a season-low two sacks and recovering one fumble in the win. “He was a really slippery, real fast guy,” defensive lineman Mariyon Dye said. “That was really the biggest thing for him.” After Kennesaw State’s calculated march down the field to open the game, the Owls scrambled for answers over the next three quarters. Tennessee’s defense held them scoreless over the next seven drives, allowing just 42 yards along with the fumble recovery by Dye. With just 12 minutes to go, the Owls showed their first offensive signs of life since the first quarter. Back-to-back 13 and 14-play drives let them boot two short field goals in the final quarter, making it a 42-9 final score. “Having a goose egg on the scoreboard is probably what we’re going for,” Spillman said. “But any time nobody gets in the end zone, it’s a win for Tennessee.” With their nonconference slate in the books, the Vols turn their full attention to the challenge ahead. Top-ranked Texas is set to pay Tennessee a visit Saturday, Sept. 26, at noon in Neyland Stadium. “We didn’t really hear a whole lot,” Spillman said. “More so just focusing on ourselves, getting better, improving in a new system, new coaches and everything like that, building relationships. It was more just focusing on us and what we got to do.”
We definitely need to be better to the boundary. Just getting underneath the flats. And then I’ll also just say better tackling. We all got to finish up, setting the edges and then tackling.” Tyree Weathersby (18) and others celebrate a recovered fumble during the game against Kennesaw State in Neyland Stadium on Sept. 19. Ethan Garnier / The Daily Beacon
EDWIN SPILLMAN Junior linebacker
Tennessee running backs shine against Kennesaw State NATHAN MILES Columnist
Daune Morris has had a two-week stretch to remember. The Tennessee football sophomore rushed for a career-high 98 yards and a touchdown Sept. 12 against Georgia Tech, and on Saturday night, he one-upped himself, rushing for a team-leading 116 yards on 14 carries as the Vols blew out the Kennesaw State Owls, 42-9. After his increased role in the Georgia Tech game, Morris knew that he would get more snaps against Kennesaw State, but that didn’t change his approach. “It wasn’t different going into the week,” Morris said. “Just still prepping like a regular game. Everybody’s just doing their job and going into the week with high intensity, focusing on our details and our alignment.” Through nonconference play, the key for Tennessee football has been the running game. DeSean Bishop has been the headliner, but Morris, Justin Baker and Javin Gordon have all shown their ability to contribute meaningful snaps. And on Saturday night, another contributor emerged from far down the depth chart: Hunter Barnes. “He cares about this program,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “Great family and a great teammate, selfless, and is prepared for his opportunity when it comes. He’s a great lesson for everybody of not just wanting something, but preparing for when your opportunity comes.” The fifth-year player, who has mostly seen action on the special teams unit, rushed for a career-high 63 yards against the Owls, capped off by a 38-yard scamper that led to a 3-yard touchdown rush, the first of Barnes’ career.
“Hunter’s always a great teammate,” Morris said. “Any opportunity that you get or anything that goes on, on and off the field, he’s always there for that room. He’s still focusing on helping us as a running back room and just building up and helping people around. He’s a great person off the field as well.” After Bishop exited in the second quarter with an injury, Morris became the lead back. Then, with the game in control in the second half, Heupel elected to keep Bishop out of the game for rest purposes, and Barnes got his chance to prove himself. “Hunter Barnes goes in there and plays extremely well tonight,” Heupel said. “Those guys are smart. They care. They’re selfless. Coach (De’Rail) Sims does a great job leading those guys.” Morris’ contributions over the last two weeks have confirmed what Heupel and the rest of the staff say they already believed about him. “We’ve got great trust in him,” Heupel said. “He’s grown so much in understanding, playing without the ball and growing inside of it in the run game, too, pressing, understanding flow, delivery of blocks and making really good cuts and playing with a really good pad level at the end. He finished his runs extremely well tonight.” The Vols have averaged 298.7 rushing yards per game this season, the best mark in the SEC and fourth in the country behind only the service academies. If that trend is going to continue, it will be because of the depth provided by Morris and company. “At the end of the day, we’re going to need everybody inside of that room,” Heupel said.
Daune Morris (17) stiff arms a defender during the game against Kennesaw State on Sept. 19. Ethan Garnier / The Daily Beacon
“At the end of the day, we’re going to need everybody inside of that room” JOSH HEUPEL Tennessee head coach
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Tennessee volleyball prepares for conference play THEO COLLI Senior Staff Writer Tennessee volleyball is riding into SEC conference play with full momentum after a big-time win on Sunday. The No. 13 Lady Vols (9-1) closed out nonconference play with a massive 3-1 win over No. 9 Penn State on the road, serving as the team’s first top-10 victory since 2021 and their first top-10 road victory since 2011. The Lady Vols finished their 2025 season with a conference record of 10-5. That placed them fourth in the final conference standings. This year, the league enters conference play with five ranked teams. Leading the pack is No. 3 Kentucky, which will take on the Lady Vols on Oct. 21 in Food City Center. Next in the rankings is No. 7 Texas, which will open the Lady Vols’ conference play at Food City Center on Sept. 25. The tests won’t get any easier, as the team travels to Gainesville, Florida, for a meeting with the No. 8 Gators in the next game. The fourth and final ranked team is the defending champion Texas A&M Aggies, who will welcome the Lady Vols on Oct. 30. Though the rankings don’t reflect recent movement, as the Aggies stand at 6-5 through their nonconference play, they still will be a tough test. The Aggies downed the Lady Vols 3-1 in a rough showing in Knoxville a year ago. The Lady Vols final regu-
Tennessee volleyball players celebrate after a point during a game against Illinois at Food City Center on Sept. 1. Luke Goins / The Daily Beacon
lar-season home game is a rivalry matchup on Nov. 8 against Alabama. The Crimson Tide enter conference play with an 8-1 record.
“It’s great for our players,” Tennessee volleyball head coach Eve Rackham Watt said. “It’s become, I think, the best league top to bottom in the country, and just knowing that every single weekend and every time you play an SEC team, you’re going to be pushed.” It’s been 10 games played so far for Rackham Watt’s squad, with just one loss coming against No. 2 Pitt, who proved they were one of the top teams in the nation by sweeping the match 3-0. The Lady Vols proved they can still top some of the nation’s best after downing the Nittany Lions in four sets. Sophomore Kennedi Rogers proved that she’s one of the
team’s offensive leaders, tying her career high with 21 kills in four sets. It even drew praise from Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel during his weekly media availability. “I’ll start by just saying congratulations to our volleyball team and the success that they’re having,” Heupel said. “Obviously a big one on Friday night. Hopefully our fans show up in a big way for them.” This season, Rogers averages a team-high 4.72 kills per set. She’s followed by Jalyn Stout, who has 3.35 per set. Maggie Dostic has also quietly had an impressive season with 2.21 kills per set in her second season with the Lady Vols. Yet, the team wouldn’t
be where it was if it wasn’t for senior setter Caroline Kerr. Through her first 31 sets played, she’s tallied 342 assists, good for 11.03 assists per set. She has a career average of 10.72 assists per set across her three-plus seasons. On Sunday, Sept. 20, against Penn State, Kerr had a seasonhigh 42 assists, once again remaining the glue that keeps the attack alive. This time last season, the Lady Vols had just one loss compared to nine wins, the same situation the team finds itself in now. Their first test will be against a tough Longhorns team on Friday, Sept. 25.
2026 FOOTBALL PICK ‘EMS
Alex Sarkis, Assistant Sports Editor (19-2) Texas 31 vs. Tennessee 21
Texas A&M vs. LSU
Ole Miss vs. Florida
Oklahoma vs. Georgia
Iowa vs. Michigan
Oregon vs. USC
Trevor McGee, Sports Editor (18-3)
v
Texas 27 vs. Tennessee 21
Texas A&M vs. LSU
Ole Miss vs. Florida
Oklahoma vs. Georgia
Iowa vs. Michigan
Oregon vs. USC
Trip Scouten, Digital Editor (17-4) Texas 28 vs. Tennessee 31
Texas A&M vs. LSU
Ole Miss vs. Florida
Oklahoma vs. Georgia
Iowa vs. Michigan
Oregon vs. USC
Theo Colli, Senior Staff Writer (16-5)
Texas 30 vs. Tennessee 23
Texas A&M vs. LSU
Ole Miss vs. Florida
Oklahoma vs. Georgia
Iowa vs. Michigan
Oregon vs. USC
Natalie Dripchak, Opinions Editor (16-5) Texas 35 vs. Tennessee 15
Texas A&M vs. LSU
Ole Miss vs. Florida
Oklahoma vs. Georgia
Iowa vs. Michigan
Oregon vs. USC
Patrick Busch, Editor-in-Chief (14-7)
Graphic by Delaney Karr
Texas 23 vs. Tennessee 27
Texas A&M vs. LSU
Ole Miss vs. Florida
Oklahoma vs. Georgia
Iowa vs. Michigan
Oregon vs. USC
Page 12
Entertainment
The Daily Beacon
@utkdailybeacon | Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | www.utdailybeacon.com
This chart is compiled weekly by Tessa Nacke, assistant news editor, in accordance with the 60-Day Crime Log available at https://clery.utk.edu/crime-log/.
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