PAPER_090325

Along for the

Ride:

New student organization puts

Peyton Manning donates $4 million to CCI, read more on page 3 Page 11: Joey Aguilar’s confidence shines in win over Syracuse Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Man’s Best Friend’ review, page 6

theme park

engineering into motion

read more on page 3

The Daily Beacon

|

Volume 147, Issue 03

| Wednesday, September 03, 2025 |

@utkdailybeacon

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NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 3, 2025

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Students call into question UT’s handling of communication during Hodges active threat PATRICK BUSCH News Editor

While the scene was deemed clear and safety assured swiftly on campus, the active threat hoax at Hodges Library on Monday, Aug. 25, has left students and faculty with questions and concerns about how communication was handled.

The UTPD maintains it understood the threat to be a hoax the entire time. Some students and faculty did not share the same level of clarity or confidence during the event.

Carolina Hightower, a freshman and public relations major, was attending her 1:10 p.m. class in the Lindsay Young Auditorium on the first floor of Hodges on Monday afternoon. As news of what was going on in the building around them began to flood in through texts and social media, Hightower describes a confusing and uneasy atmosphere among the students.

“Our whole class felt like it was being ignored,” said Hightower. “We weren’t sure what was going on and I was very frustrated not knowing if something dangerous could happen. I wish a cop or someone could’ve come to let us know what was going on.”

In a statement provided to the Beacon, UTPD Public Information Officer Ryan Moore explained that in accordance with department procedure and the Clery Act, emergency alerts are to be sent out when confirmation of an imminent threat to campus is identified.

“In this recent situation, with only a single call to Knoxville Police on a non-emergency line, the information available, the presence of officers already on scene, our real-time camera monitoring, and the recent rise in hoax calls targeting universities, there was no confirmation of an immediate threat,” Moore said.

Moore said that the use of an emergency alert at other universities has led to unintended injuries as individuals attempt to flee or barricade themselves. Accordingly, officers had to consider that an unnecessary alert could result in injuries when deciding whether to send out an alert or not.

There was no public alert or statement issued during the entire process of UTPD and KPD officers swarming, searching, clearing and leaving the library. The lack of communication and the scene of officers armed with rifles served to rattle many students who experienced Monday’s events firsthand.

Hightower was walking into the library to attend class just minutes after the active threat hoax phone call was placed.

Hightower walked past police officers and into her class as usual, until her professor

received an email.

“My professor, Darcey Morris, got an email from a student saying that there were cops all around (Hodges),” said Hightower.

“She told our class she didn’t know what was going on and asked if anybody knew anything. We were really just getting our information from rumors on social media.”

Hightower heard rumors that people on the second and third floors were getting evacuated, but the first floor — where her class was located — was not. According to Hightower, her professor told students that they could decide to stay or leave, and ultimately continued with class as usual.

“No, (the police) never came into the room or sent any sort of phone call, or text or anything,” said Hightower. “I was really scared. I wasn’t sure if there was an actual threat, because I knew there was a threat at UTC the week before. I thought it might not be anything serious because of the lack of communication, but I was still scared of the possibility of something dangerous coming to the room.”

Hightower says it wasn’t until an hour into that class that she became aware of the reality of the situation: that there had been a hoax threat made, but no real threat existed.

Sadie McPherson, a junior studying English, showed up to attend the same class as Hightower. At first, police officers prevented her entrance on the side facing Volunteer Boulevard. McPherson, worried about getting to class on time, went to the doors facing Melrose Avenue and entered there without issue.

McPherson echoed a similar sentiment — that confusion, fear and rumors dominated her and her classmates’ understanding of what was happening. Fearing for her safety, McPherson left class early and exited Hodges.

“In that moment, it really put things into perspective for me, because life is short and unfortunately, situations like this are still happening in the country today,” said McPherson. “You don’t want to spend your time focusing on bad things, but it’s important to take your safety into account.

The fact that stuff like this could happen at your school, and [you] not know it – just, hopefully after this, this changes things with the UT alert system.”

It wasn’t just students within Hodges who found the situation concerning, but those all around campus.

Elizabeth Levine, a senior studying business management, was in a class across the street from Hodges in the Haslam Business Building on Monday afternoon.

According to Levine, throughout the lecture, multiple students stood up to interrupt class to express concern over what they were

seeing and hearing from friends about a large police presence across the street.

“I was terrified,” said Levine. “It was so odd to see the way our school handled the situation because in high school we practiced lockdowns and barricading doors for even just a threat. Everyone in class was very clearly shaken.”

In spite of that, Levine says her class proceeded as usual. Levine and her classmates, receiving no formal communication, were left to speculate on the events occurring right outside their building.

“I thought there had to be a shooter or some threat because I was getting texts from friends and people were showing videos from their friends (in class) … I definitely thought something was going on,” said Levine.

Levine didn’t learn of the phone call and that it was a hoax until she read it on the UTPD’s Instagram page. Around twenty minutes elapsed between the class learning of a potential threat and their fears being put to rest. Levine was left dissatisfied with the level of communication from UT. “It just worries me in the case that something actually happens, what would we do? The communication was a mess and it really freaked me out, especially hearing about all the other campuses’ having events and how they handled it better than we did,” Levine said.

Other schools that have recently experienced active threat hoaxes have reacted with letters from their presidents or statements from the university’s own communications department.

The day after an active threat hoax at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, the university’s communications and marketing department released a statement to the community. Villanova University’s president released a statement to the university the same day as its active threat hoax. Another SEC school, the University of South Carolina ,experienced a similar active threat hoax and released a statement from its president and two vice presidents.

No form of alert was sent out to campus between the placing of the phone call, right around 1:00 p.m., and the library resuming normal operations shortly after 1:30 p.m.

The UTPD has published on social media a statement outlining their response. There has been no official communication from the Office of the Chancellor about the event.

The safety of all students was secured professionally and promptly by the UTPD on Monday afternoon, but the handling of communication during and after, by both the UTPD and university administration, left some members of the UT community unsatisfied.

NEWS

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 • The Daily Beacon

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New roller coaster club wants you along for the ride JERRY SAGUIN Contributor Jackson Moore built his first rollercoaster, Mild Mouse, in a garage.

“It was real simple, just one loop,” Moore said.

It was also eight feet tall, with a drop, a turn and brakes.

Moore is now vice president of the Volunteer Theme Park Engineering Group.

Moore, a senior mechanical engineering major, alongside Nathan Webb, a junior mechanical engineering major and president of the organization, cofounded TPEG this semester. They say their goal is to bring the University of Tennessee’s roller coaster-loving community together, educate students on the state of the field and create professional opportunities for future roller coaster designers.

“I want Vol TPEG to be something that every student looks forward to every week, an opportunity for them to learn and grow and learn something new about the industry,” Webb said. “For those that want a job in the amusement industry after college, we hope that we can create those connections and their opportunities for them.”

Over the course of the year, TPEG will connect students to the industry by traveling to parks and conferences across the country — Kings Dominion in Virginia over fall break, a global attractions industry exposition in Florida in November, a

behind-the-scenes tour at Universal Studios and a stop at the Universal Epic Experience park, according to Webb.

Webb explained the club plans to host at least two industry professionals at club meetings and review developments in the amusement industry. They aim to have several design competitions for students geared toward engineering and architecture, and hope to compete with other colleges over who can design the coolest ride.

Although one key focus of Vol TPEG is networking and gaining recognition in the amusement industry, the club is open to everyone, according to Webb.

“The cool thing about the club is you can kind of take it whichever direction you want. If you just want to show up and ride rollercoasters, you can do that,” Webb said. “Or if you want to try and get a job and learn more about technically how they’re constructed and learn about the engineering behind them, we also have that side of it too.”

Jade Collins, a sophomore forensic anthropology major, does not plan to be a future rollercoaster designer. She first heard of Vol TPEG while sharing her love of rollercoasters with Moore.

“We both learned that we had a really intense love for rollercoasters, because I was originally from Florida, so obviously Universal and Busch Gardens and Disney and all that,” Collins said.

Collins reiterated that Vol TPEG welcomes all students interested in

Portrait of Jackson Moore, cofounder of the Theme Park Engineering Group, Aug.29, 2025.

David Smith / The Daily Beacon rollercoasters.

“Hence why a forensic anthropologist is here enjoying rollercoasters just like everyone else,” Collins said.

Moore said one of his biggest aspirations for Vol TPEG is for them to enter a design competition. He wants to build another rollercoaster “with a full chain lift, magnetic brakes, like the whole shebang,” Webb said.

He added that he’s thinking about the name. Maybe something related to

Tennessee to let folks know where they’re from, such as something with the Smoky Mountains.

“Being in college, sometimes you forget that the stuff we’re doing is fun, especially in engineering school. You get bogged down in your work and your readings,” Moore said. “I want to remind people there are still really cool applications to engineering, and there are still fun ways to get involved and learn about things that, you know, are pretty niche.”

Peyton Manning donates $4 million to College of Communication and Information, honoring key academic mentors OLIVIA LEE Contributor In an act of philanthropic generosity, Peyton Manning donated over $4 million to the University of Tennessee’s College of Communication and Information (CCI).

The donation will be used to create two new university endowments — the Faye Julian Dean’s Chair Endowment and the John Haas Director’s Chair Endowment — named after two key figures in Manning’s education during his time at the University of Tennessee.

Manning’s goal with the donation was for it to go directly to CCI students. The money will be used for funding student networking trips and study abroad groups in places like Tennessee, Washington, D.C., Georgia and Ireland. Having greater financial means allows the university to Vol For Life Peyton Manning donates $4 million to College of Communication and Inforgive students more time and opportunities mation, directly supporting students and honoring his academic mentors. Courtesy of CCI. during these experiences.

As Dean of the CCI, Joe Mazer worked with Manning to navigate the logistics of the donation and the formulation of the endowments.

“Peyton expressed an interest in supporting the College of Communication and Information as he has done in the past,” Mazer said. “He was interested in honoring his two longtime academic mentors.”

But to many other university staff and students, the donation came as a surprise.

Even John Haas, one of the endowment’s eponyms, was unaware of the NFL star’s plans.

“I didn’t know that was coming,” Haas said.

Haas, now an associate professor in the CCI, has contributed to the college over the years through his long-lasting leadership and service.

Continued on page 4

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The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 3, 2025

“His leadership in the school has just been transformative,” Mazer said regarding Haas.

Haas was director of the School of Communication Studies while Manning was pursuing his education in Knoxville. Additionally, Haas served as Manning’s academic advisor and one of his professors. This mentor-mentee interaction fostered a close relationship between the two.

“He is a tremendous ambassador for the institution who gives up his time, his talent and his gifts, and he shares that with the world. It’s just so exciting to be able to partner with him in this way to push the College of Communication and Information forward.”

JOSEPH MAZER DEAN OF CCI

“Peyton came into the office, and he had a legal pad, single-spaced, with a list of questions,” Haas said. “A lot of times when a student goes to an advising session they’re waiting to be told ‘This is what you need to take.’ That was not Peyton.”

Manning’s intense focus on his goals led to his success as a student, player and friend. Haas would join Manning at events and awards ceremonies, both athletic and academic. They continued to stay in touch after Manning’s graduation in 1997, exchanging letters and visits.

The close friendship they maintained was one reason Manning was inspired to continuously give back to his alma mater.

The other portion of the donation went to the Faye Julian Dean’s Chair Endowment. Faye Julian was the first recipient of a doctorate from the College of Communications in 1977. She served as head of the Department of Speech Communication and was later appointed the first dean of the College of Communication and Information in 2002.

“Faye Julian wanted what was best for the College of Communication and Information, and her leadership reflected that,” Mazer said.

Haas, too, spoke to Julian’s impact on the CCI as someone who worked alongside her for years.

“I would describe her as a force of nature,” Haas said. “She had more energy than any three people I think I’ve ever met, and she thought the world of Peyton.”

This multimillion dollar donation is not the first good deed Manning has done for the university. In 2018, Manning

Vol For Life Peyton Manning donates $4 million to College of Communication and Information, directly supporting students and honoring his academic mentors. Courtesy of CCI.

donated $1 million to establish the John Haas Student Experiential Learning Endowment. He has also helped fund the education of 65 UTK students through the Peyton Manning Scholarship since its foundation in 1998. This week, Manning joined in celebrating the renaming of gate 21B in Neyland Stadium to honor 50-year staff member Danny Burnley.

“He is a tremendous ambassador for the institution who gives up his time, his talent and his gifts, and he shares that with the world,” Mazer said. “It’s just so exciting to be able to partner with him in this way to push the College of Communication and Information forward.”

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Wednesday, September 3, 2025 • The Daily Beacon

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EMS Vols aims to cut emergency response time on campus FATIMA MALIK Contributor

When emergencies occur on campus, every second counts. EMS Vols, a new student organization, aims to shorten the time between medical emergencies and professional EMS arrival.

Trained student responders will administer life-saving medical interventions while paramedics are en route. EMS Vols already have more than 100 active members and are actively recruiting more.

“Timing in healthcare is a big thing,” EMS Vols founder Evan Reifsynder, a paramedic himself as well as a junior studying biochemistry and molecular biology, said. “The faster you get to a patient, the faster the recovery is, and the faster they can get back to where they’re supposed to be.”

Reifsynder’s inspiration came after transferring to UT from Maryland. While working as a paramedic, he realized there was no student-led program dedicated to emergency response. A bulletin about a small student health group eventually led him to organize what became EMS Vols.

The student organization formally began in late 2023 and has since grown rapidly.

Reifsynder notes that recent campus incidents, including medical emergencies and several student suicides, highlighted

the need for faster, student-driven responses.

The tragedies also underscored how closely physical emergencies and mental health crises are connected.

“Students are often the first ones on scene when something happens,” Reifsynder said. “If we can get there sooner, even just to stabilize and support until professionals arrive, it can make a huge difference.”

Other students who have become involved in EMS Vols say they were drawn to the organization for similar reasons.

“My passion for emergency medicine emerged from my EMT clinicals as I realized how much I enjoyed working on the ambulance and feeling the adrenaline rush in high-pressure environments,” Aastha Oza, a senior studying biological sciences, said.

Oza said she joined during the group’s early development and now helps coordinate with UTPD and Officer Ben Doty.

“As our efforts continue, we aspire to provide immediate emergency care to UTK students to provide stabilization in medical crises. Currently, we are focusing on medicine-related community service events as our efforts continue behind the scenes,” Oza said.

Whenever a medical emergency occurs on campus, UT’s existing systems, such as the UT Police Department, would notify an EMS Vols member. Members can be escorted by UTPD or respond directly,

often arriving well before professional paramedics.

Whether escorted by UTPD or responding on their own, EMS Vols members aim to reach emergencies in minutes.

“Normally, it can take paramedics up to 20 minutes to arrive,” Reifsynder said. “A lot can deteriorate in that time.”

The organization partners closely with the UTPD, the Knoxville Fire Department and the American Medical Response Corporation, to coordinate communication and training. So far, multiple members have participated in mass-casualty incident drills alongside AMR. “It’s pleasant to see a community of healthcare providers and like-minded individuals striving toward the same goal: helping others,” Reifsynder said.

Students don’t need to be certified to join, but many members are pursuing certifications such as Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Stop the Bleed. Currently, less than one-third of the organization’s members are trained.

The organization still faces some challenges.

“There’s a lot of red tape, especially when you have college students in charge of the welfare of other college kids,” Reifsynder said. “We have to put a lot of confidence into the administration, making sure everyone’s up to date with their training, and that there’s constant communication

with police, the fire department and AMR.” While EMS Vols is not yet fully operational, the organization is building trust through training and hopes to begin active responses soon, starting with standby calls at football games and campus events.

In five years, Reifsynder envisions EMS Vols becoming a self-sustaining program integrated with UT’s student services, funded through student fees and seamlessly coordinated with local emergency providers. For now, the focus remains on preparation, collaboration and proving the group’s reliability.

“Patience and communication are big,” Reifsynder said. “We have to gain each other’s trust step by step.”

“Students are often the first ones on scene when something happens. If we can get there sooner, even just to stabilize and support until professionals arrive, it can make a huge difference.”

EVAN REIFSYNDER EMS VOLS FOUNDER

UT pharmacy researcher awarded $154,000 grant for enhancements in HIV treatment MAKAYLA GARDNER Contributor On Aug. 27, UT associate professor Ted Cory received a $154,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance his research for a potential treatment for HIV. Receiving this grant is more meaningful now than it would have been just a few years ago. Over the past six to eight months, research funding from the National Institutes of Health has seen disruption.

Cory and his fellow researchers are overjoyed to receive such a grant. They are already planning ways to move forward in the research process using the money “As a lab, we are incredibly excited to start the research project for which we received funding,” Cory said. “It will provide us the resources and support we need to identify targets and strategies to get more drugs into cells which can be

infected by HIV ­­— a critical need for HIV cure research.”

This grant will also serve as the start for more research to come.

“It will serve as a foundation for our future research to develop new strategies and therapies for people living with HIV,” Cory said. “It also represents a novel way to look at reservoirs of HIV: by targeting the under investigated macrophage reservoir of HIV, we hope to find new ways to help people with HIV.” Over the past few years, HIV treatment has been revolutionized bymodern antiretroviral therapy.

Antiretroviral therapy combines multiple medicines that help control the virus and prevent progression into AIDS. It also greatly prevents HIV from being transmitted and improves the quality of life of those who have the virus.

However, it does not target certain cells in the human body that HIV can infect, such as macrophages. Macrophages are white blood cells that play a large role in

destroying microorganisms, stimulating other parts of the immune system and clearing dead cells.

Cory’s research is focused on improving how HIV medication reaches these reservoirs in the body. The goal is to reduce the virus’s ability to replicate and hide. If treatments such as this are successful, it could be a major advancement in the fight against HIV. His research also differs from most research teams focusing on macrophages.

Rather than focusing on macrophages as a single, uniform cell type he focuses on their diverse roles throughout their activity spectrum. This distinction is important because macrophages can adopt many different functions.

Cory and his team have two main objectives for their research. First, they will examine existing antiretroviral therapy drugs to discover how drug concentrations vary in the macrophages for each medication. Their goal is to identify which drugs penetrate more

effectively and what that could mean for viral replication inside the macrophages.

Then, Cory’s team will conduct tests to find ways to increase drug deliveries to the macrophages.

Cory hopes that focusing on enhancing the drug delivery to these hidden reservoirs will help lead to more effective HIV treatment and eventually complete eradication of the virus within the body.

Dr. Brittany Shelton of UT’s Department of Public Health believes that Cory’s team has the potential to make significant progress in this field of research.

“One of the great challenges in HIV research and HIV treatment is that the HIV virus can live on in viral reservoirs,” Shelton said. “Dr. Cory’s grant may further help us understand how to deliver HIV drugs to some of those reservoirs and ideally eliminate them. Elimination of reservoirs is a critical step toward HIV cure, and I am very excited for Dr. Cory and the broader field of people living with HIV and those working toward a cure.”

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ARTS AND CULTURE

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 3, 2025

‘Man’s Best Friend’ does not disappoint with comedic, authentic musical storytelling ANDI JONES Staff Writer

Sabrina Carpenter’s seventh studio album “Man’s Best Friend” will have you laughing, dancing and longing.

The album was released on Aug. 26, just over a year after Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet” album broke records with hits including “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”

Featuring a retro flair, Carpenter channels Dolly Parton, ABBA and Stevie Nicks while staying true to her classic pop sound and witty lyrics.

From unhealthy relationships to letting your hair down on the dance floor, Carpenter captures the highs and lows of dating in your twenties.

The Carpenter controversy When Carpenter first announced her next upcoming album, the title and photos of Carpenter on all fours next to a male figure sparked debate. Comments on Carpenter’s Instagram post shamed the pop singer for catering to the male gaze and setting women back while others praised Carpenter for her satirical commentary on relationship roles and being comfortable with her sexuality.

Because there isn’t a song that shares the album’s name, the meaning of the title and cover art is largely left up for interpretation. In an interview with CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, Carpenter shared her view.

“I think as a young woman, you’re just as aware of when you’re in control as when you’re not, and I think some of those are choices,” Carpenter told King. “And I think for me this whole album was about the humanity of allowing yourself to make those mistakes, knowing when you’re putting yourself in a situation that will probably end up poorly, but it will teach you something.”

While Carpenter’s actions and lyrics may raise eyebrows, her bold and carefree energy is a large part of her success. She is honest about her content and doesn’t shy away from backlash.

“The album is not for any pearl clutchers … but I also think pearl clutchers can listen to the album like that in their own solitude and find something that makes them smirk and chuckle to themselves,” Carpenter told King.

The cover and title may be concerning or brazen to some, but the songs of the album do not condone toxic power dynamics or female subjugation. Instead, Carpenter describes the dynamics of control and how her past relationships left her in a place of powerlessness.

“Manchild” was just the beginning

The only single released from the album, “Manchild,” quickly climbed the charts as an upbeat heartbreak anthem. The track debuted at #1 on Billboard Hot 100, marking Carpenter’s first #1 debut and second #1 song on the Hot 100 overall.

The song describes the regrets of dating immature men. In the accompanying music video, Carpenter is seen on an absurd journey across the American West. From roller skating on the interstate to swimming with sharks, the visuals represent her frustrating love life before she takes control of her journey.

As the first peak into the new album, “Manchild” seems to be a continuation of the bubbly and free-spirited energy from “Short n’ Sweet.” The song is the first in “Man’s Best Friend” tracklist, and as the album progresses, signs of Carpenter’s growth both in sound and lyrics further come to light.

“We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” and “Go Go Juice” steal the spotlight Speaking to a specific kind of heartbreak, “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” highlights the emotional and mental drain of a struggling relationship. The softer vocals pair beautifully with the strumming guitar and light piano. This track is one of the slower and more vulnerable pieces, reminding longtime listeners of “Emails I Can’t Send” and “Exhale.”

“Go Go Juice” is a highlight because of its ridiculously catchy and countryinspired twang. The energetic tune begs to be danced along to, even if it’s just tapping your foot on the T-link.

Listeners have already pieced together how certain lines contain tongue-incheek references to Carpenter’s exes such as certain words rhyming with their names. Fans of Megan Moroney’s “Lucky” should add this track to their playlists.

Man’s Best Friend Graphic by Ashley Cammarota

The album recap: An emotional rollercoaster Following “Manchild,” the album expresses the trials and triumphs of romance.

It flows smoothly, linked by a vintage feel with modern accents and an emotional range spanning across all phases of heartbreak.

Despite the name, “Tears” is a surprisingly lively song. The lyrics describe the aphrodisiac-like qualities of acts of service, emphasizing how responsibility and thoughtfulness now take priority for Carpenter after dealing with the careless and childish behavior described in “Manchild.”

With a synthetic and electronic introduction, “My Man on Willpower” further embraces the vintage concept. The song’s cheerful harmonies contrast with the song’s lyrics, detailing a troublesome and confusing love story.

Connecting with the album’s overall theme, “Sugar Talking” expresses the struggle between emotion and logic in a relationship. The pace and tone show Carpenter’s frustration, both with her partner and herself, over continually being disappointed by his actions but still welcoming him back into her life.

“We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” marks a mood shift. Although the previous tracks dealt with heavier topics, this song’s initial slow pace and acoustic guitar transforms the energy. A heart-aching ballad, the song revels in the pain of an on-andoff relationship.

Next up, “Nobody’s Son” can best be described as blissful hopelessness. In a sarcastic tone, the song describes accepting there is no chance at a happy relationship after countless dating disappointments.

The whimsical feel of the song and its twinkly beat has been compared to classic

Christmas pop songs, adding a nostalgic quirk.

“Never Getting Laid” is a breakup song set to a smooth and jazzy beat. Dripping with sarcasm and irony, Carpenter wishes an ex well while doing the complete opposite at the same time.

Moving into the post-breakup phase of the album, “When Did You Get Hot?” has a fresh and shifting tempo with breathy sound, punctuated by ad libs. This track is lighthearted and features many innuendos in true Sabrina Carpenter style.

While “Go Go Juice” may inspire some questionable decisions, the fast-paced beat and optimistic feel is too good to skip. This folksy song has a rustic twang featuring a fiddle interlude and wonderfully layered vocals.

“Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry” has a calm and gentle melody while ensuring her exes that her songs will cause distress.

The song speaks to a larger discussion of singers using past relationships as artistic inspiration through satirical and wry lyrics.

“House Tour” feels like the end credits song of a childhood movie when all the characters are dancing. The sparkly sound and funky beat are addictive, and while Carpenter promises “none of this is a metaphor,” the song is chock-full of sexual innuendoes.

The finale, “Goodbye,” is the most clearly ABBA-influenced song with its orchestral elements and rhythmic piano. The theatrical and lush song is a perfect farewell, both to the listener and to all her exes.

In 38 minutes, Carpenter has created a complex album with nostalgic influences and her signature style of wit and humor.

OPINION

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 • The Daily Beacon

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Letter to the Editor: In a crisis, we need clarity — not confusion DARCEY MORRIS Contributor Dear Editor, My name is Darcey Morris, and I teach 86 students every Monday and Wednesday afternoon in the library auditorium. Before class on Monday, Aug. 25, I received frantic emails from students unable to access the building because of the police presence.

Students already in the classroom were confused and scared. We debated what to do as they got texts from friends about a possible shooter and library evacuation. No one ever entered the auditorium to check on us or tell us to evacuate. No alerts or messages were sent to the UT community either during or

after this situation. What even is the Safe at UT app for if not this moment?

Like many, I’ve read articles the past few days in the The Daily Beacon, The New York Times, Wired and Inside Higher Ed. These articles provided context and clarity about what we experienced Monday. I do not understand why I am learning more from outside sources than from my own university home. The articles shared how other schools responded and communicated during and after such incidents.

The statement Public Information Officer Ryan Moore gave to The Daily Beacon was that the police knew all along it was a hoax.

I wish that sentiment had been shared with the UT community. I can understand why in the moment it was not, but what I cannot

understand is the overall silence. Students were traumatized. They are still afraid. And the university has said nothing to us other than statements provided to media. It is unacceptable.

When my Monday class reconvened in the auditorium last week, I faced questions from students that I could not answer. They are still confused and scared. I beg of you, please talk to them. Please reassure them.

Tell them how quickly and bravely officers responded. Tell them you are investigating this hoax and are trying to find and punish those responsible. Talk to them directly, not just in official statements.

You must know how terrifying it was for students to see large numbers of officers with guns in a place where they should feel

safe. Mass shootings occur regularly in this country; young children were gunned down last week in Minnesota. UT students are aware of the dangerous society we live in, and we all need words of reassurance at times of terror. Saying nothing only increases those feelings of terror.

Thank you, Darcey Darcey Morris is a professor of cinema studies at UT. She can be reached at dmorri32@utk.edu.

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 Beacon’s editorial staff.

Opinion: Has social media killed romance?

SYDNEY CUMMINS Columnist Snapchat scores, Instagram followings and TikTok reposts—the holy trinity of argumentstarters amongst today’s couples. In the digital age, we have a plethora of information at our fingertips; while this accessibility enables communication and learning in ways that were previously unimaginable, it has also become a point of contention in conversations about modern romance.

From a young age, new generations are cautioned that digital footprints are forever. All comments, likes and posts will eternally float in the abyss of forgotten social media scraps.

Warnings of future employers and universities browsing social media pages are at the forefront of these lessons, but they failed to mention how our tracks might stain future romantic pursuits.

Social media has become something akin to a war zone in today’s relationships. The ability to monitor your partner’s online presence has created entirely new challenges concerning trust and security — we are left to mentally fill in the gaps with old posts, ex-partners’ social media accounts, likes and reposts of goodlooking people we have never met. Sometimes this information is discovered on accident, other times because of hours of digging and internet stalking. We are in voluntary pursuit of information that we know might hurt us, as if we are obsessed with curating our own misery.

Somewhere between the creation of Myspace and the banning of TikTok, it seems we have become masochistic in our pursuit of romance.

If the historically aberrant access to a partner’s every move isn’t enough, an endless slew of posts offering their two cents on relationships circle the internet, generating what is often unnecessary conflict and doubt. Influencers scold, “If he wanted to, he would,” “that’s the bare minimum,” “the bar is in Hell,” among other disheartening mantras. Although it is

undoubtedly important to recognize unhealthy patterns in relationships, the obsession with over-analyzing every word and microexpression makes it hard to decipher between red flags and slip-ups that are not malicious in nature. Essentially, there is no attainable level of satisfaction when taking advice from so-called relationship experts on social media.

Alternatively, there are numerous influencers who gain a following from making content as a couple. Between the staged grand gestures and picture-perfect couples’ photoshoots, there is enough evidence for even the most secure person to question the validity of their own relationship.

Social media is unique in its ability to sell a fabricated version of reality so convincingly. In movies and TV shows, it is understood that you are consuming media that is make-believe and for entertainment purposes — on social media, the line between fiction and reality is blurred.

Another beast existent within the realm of parasocial internet exchanges includes the unnerving “trad-wife” movement. There has been a recent uptick in influencers portraying an idealistic lifestyle as a traditional homemaker, romanticizing and upholding a horde of outdated gender stereotypes. While there lacks a consensus on the tangible harm done by this content, it is yet another piece in the conversation about romance and social media — when groups of both men and women consume media that glorifies traditional gender roles, it further separates and clouds our definitions of love.

Similarly, young men are at risk of falling down internet rabbit holes that preach ideologies emphasizing hierarchies like “alpha” and “beta” males, further cementing harmful gender stereotypes in a generation that was thought to be moving away from them. Alpha males allegedly champion qualities of nonchalance, self-assurance and assertiveness, while beta males are timid and submissive. Influencers like Andrew Tate and Joe Rogan are notable voices in these spaces, curating large followings of men who have something to prove. The positive

reinforcement that accompanies the title of alpha male, while often satirical, is a notable parallel to the tradwives’ romanticism of traditional female roles.

Men are urged to act indifferent and detached in romantic encounters, either hindering or ignoring their emotional processing capabilities.

Social media makes it exceedingly difficult to stay ignorant of these growing sentiments and encourages many to avoid the dating scene altogether. The rising black-and-white views on relationship dynamics heightens anxieties and lowers the likelihood of finding a partner with values that mirror your own, specifically in heterosexual relationships.

Nonchalance, trad-wives and man-hating slogans aside, there are upsides to experiencing romance in our time. Social media allows for connection on a deeper level through shared humor, public displays of affection and endurance across considerable distances.

Thanks to modern technology, it is possible to continue relationships with hundreds of miles of physical separation. Video calls and texting are large components, but the ability to send posts that make one another laugh or remind you of each other allow for a higher degree of intimacy to be maintained. Shared humor and interests are integral components of fulfilling relationships, components that can be lost when partners are hindered by distance. Long-distance relationships are becoming increasingly common and are successful in many cases. I have met several couples who for years have had to spend more time apart than together, and they are all adamant that it is worth the struggle in their cases.

An even more recent development in romance is a modern form of courtship known as online dating — countless apps and websites exist that are entirely dedicated to the pursuit of romantic relationships. Although some traditionalists are reluctant to accept online dating to meet potential partners, a sizable portion of the population have come to accept the idea and may have tried it

themselves. Online dating offers its own set of mortifying trials and tribulations, though — curating a carousel of photos, answering cringe-inducing icebreaker prompts, risking getting ghosted or worse, catfished. Despite these caveats, it is yet another example of social media’s intriguing role in modern romance; Instead of meet-cutes and blind dates, there are right swipes and painful pick-up lines. This may not be everyone’s definition of romance, but it nonetheless creates an opportunity for it down the line.

Still, the burning question remains: Has social media killed romance?

Ultimately, I think romance has taken a few nasty blows, but it survives when kept close and handled with the care. The way we express love is subjective and evolves, with technological advancements allowing for different dynamics and signs of affection to be explored. Though the outlook may appear bleak at times, I am a romantic at heart. I am inclined to believe that a great number of people are quietly experiencing the flower-buying, love-letter-writing, enduring type of love.

Social media is both a picturesque and deceitful source, tricking us into an endless cycle of losing hope, struggling to trust, and comparing ourselves to others. On these platforms, sometimes it is those who are aching the worst that boast the loudest, muffling the voices of those in rewarding relationships. When considering romance, cynicism wields a sharper blade than social media. As individuals, we are just as capable of profound love as we always have been — we only must get out of our heads.

Sydney Cummins is a junior at UT this year studying English on the Pre-Law track. She can be reached at scummin7@vols.utk.edu 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 Beacon’s editorial staff.

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The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 3, 2025

ENTERTAINMENT

The Weekly Crossword

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 • The Daily Beacon

by Margie E. Burke

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Cleopatra's love 15 16 14 ___ Antony 19 17 18 5 Zebra feature 9 Rose essence 21 22 20 14 Mixed dish 15 Lena of 23 24 25 Hollywood 29 30 26 27 28 16 Like Erik the Red 17 Shaker contents 31 32 33 34 35 19 Wide open 36 37 38 39 20 Guarantees 21 Musical intervals 40 42 43 41 23 Request starter 44 45 46 24 "Hahaha," in a text 49 50 47 48 25 NY to RI direc51 52 53 54 55 56 tion 26 File menu option 57 58 59 29 Male turkey 61 62 60 31 Calling for backup, e.g.

64 65 63 33 Landlord, eg.

36 Prophetic sign Copyright 2025 by The Puzzle Syndicate 37 Hotel upgrade 39 Palm tree type 63 They roll in 12 White-barked 34 Lascivious look 40 Reacts to pain 64 Notable events tree 35 Tooth part 42 Rocker Elvis 65 Musher's 13 "The Morning 38 Diminutive dog 44 High-speed road transport Show" actress 41 Fine furs 46 Earliest stage 18 Muse of poetry 43 Cereal go-with 47 Greek letter DOWN 22 Bridge supports 45 Holmes' 49 Ground grain 1 Tiny bit 24 Like Vulcans, companion 50 Maze runner 2 Alda or Hale notably 47 Fold 51 Political liberal 3 Barbecue fare 26 Front of a ship 48 Painter Matisse 53 In addition 4 Newspaper ad 27 Oscar-winning 50 Bridle parts 57 Electrolysis unit Malek 52 ____ of voice particle 5 Saunter along 28 Picked from a 53 Squandered 58 Card game for 6 Woe is me! lineup 54 Clock face one 7 Not a thing 29 African antelope 55 Lake near 60 Singer Cara 8 Place in a crypt 30 Food, shelter, Niagara Falls 61 Wilson of 9 Fictional mouse etc.

56 Mail or ship "Marley & Me" 10 Roman robe 32 Magazine 59 "I ___ you one" 62 Nail anagram 11 Crossings editions

Graphic by Lindsay Favre

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Solution toCartoon Crossword:

by Ryan Osborn V E R A

I B E S A G E D T H E Y B E A U H E R O V A D E A R E R H A R D D R I N K N I M A T O R S E E R I E T A P I R P A S S E S O B O H E R E W I T H L A N D S E M A P H O R E S N I L S L I D E G R E E T A B S T R A C T L Y D O N E R E C E S S E S G A P T A P E R S T R I P E A R O M A C O R R E L A T E V A L E N T I N E A S N E R K A T E R I D E R E D E N T O O T S E E M S R E S T

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SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Defensive newcomers provide spark for Tennessee football

ALEX SARKIS Assistant Sports Editor

ATLANTA — Colton Hood has been playing baseball since he was six years old.

As he lined up in his usual cornerback spot on the football field during Tennessee’s season-opening win over Syracuse, the redshirt sophomore mentally traveled back to his days as an outfielder.

Orange quarterback Steve Angeli dropped back to pass, but was immediately met with the Vols’ resistance. Defensive lineman Nathan Robinson got to him first, punching the football out. There it was, rolling towards Hood like a base hit into center field. The Colorado transfer charged and gathered it, but instead of uncorking a throw towards home plate, took off sprinting towards the endzone. A few seconds later, Tennessee held a 17-0 lead.

“It showed all the haters and the doubters out there,” Hood said. “We’re still the same Tennessee that we were last year, probably gonna be better. We’re gonna keep getting better after this game.”

This scoop-and-score undoubtedly found itself near the top of the career highlights list for the young defensive back, a game momentum grab that helped his Vols put some early distance on the scoreboard. While his other reps won’t show up on the national highlights,

Hood’s full Tennessee debut is one that his teammates and coaches can file away as one of the brighter portions of their opening week.

In his home state, the McDonough, Georgia, product led Tennessee with three pass breakups. Hood kept the Syracuse receivers smothered even when the ball was not thrown his way.

“Colton has come in, he’s handled himself with great maturity,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “Blended into the fabric of the culture of our football team extremely quickly. He’s smart. He’s competitive. Cares about the people around him. Great teammate. Great to see him go out there and obviously make a huge play in the football game, but play well throughout the course of it.”

On the other side of the Vols’ defensive backfield, true freshman Ty Redmond had big shoes to fill.

Starting corner Rickey Gibson III went down with an injury in the second quarter, prompting a need for the Alpharetta, Georgia, native to step into the spotlight.

Naturally, with the successful day that Hood was having, the Syracuse game plan shifted to a focus on attacking the young Redmond.

He responded with vengeance, breaking

Colton Hood (8) and the Tennessee defense takes on Syracuse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon up a pair of Angeli’s passes while tallying four tackles.

“To me personally, I feel like Ty Redmond popped out,” Joshua Josephs said. “We’ve been seeing this since spring.

He came in, and he was just at a different maturity level than a normal freshman.

He’s always been a box type of guy. Seeing it in-game, I love to see.”

With the injury to Gibson and prior

injury to Jermod McCoy, Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks won’t be hesitant to turn to their young guns in the secondary as the starters return to full health.

“Everybody in the room was helping me out,” Hood said. “I think that just shows what kind of brotherhood we have on this team. I’m just so excited to be here and I’m really happy about it.”

Tennessee cross country shines in opener, new faces come home with big wins

CONNOR WHITNEY Contributor

the women’s three-mile over SEC preseason favorite Alabama, conference rival Kentucky, and Chattanooga.

Tennessee’s cross country squad hit the Two newcomers to Knoxville scored ground running in their season opener individual wins. Texas Tech transfer Zouhair at the annual Tennessee Cross Country Redouane came home first for the men, and Invitational on Friday morning. true freshman Mary Ogwoka delivered her The Vols scored individual and team first career win in her first-ever outing. wins in both the men’s four-mile and Redouane gapped the field early and cruised to victory in the men’s four-mile, finishing the event in 19:18.27. His time was 15 seconds better than his teammate and fellow transfer Ethan Edgewood, who finished second for the Vols.

“I mean, as a team, we had a great day,” Edgewood said.

“I think that we’re From left: Jaci Sievers, Tula Fawbush, Summer Schuster and Andi-Marie still underdogs, but Jones race run in a pack during the Tennessee Cross Country Invitational at Cherokee Farm. Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / we know in the back of our mind, we have The Daily Beacon

so much confidence from this meet.”

As a team, the Vols took home three of the top four spots. The average team time was 19:46.34, a whole 26 seconds better than second-place Alabama.

The women’s race was much closer, with Ogwoka keeping pace with Janet Amimo and Ally Kruger of Kentucky for much of the race. In the closing stage of the race, the young freshman pulled away from her counterparts in the lead pack to come home in first.

The longest tenured Lady Vol, senior Andie-Marie Jones, led a chasing pack of three teammates home to secure fourth, fifth and sixth overall. Like the men’s event, the women scored six of the top 11 spots in their three-mile race, good enough to score the overall win over second-place Kentucky.

“We’ve got a good training block coming up,” Jones said. “Then we will really start to use those other meets later down the line to create some strides and momentum leading into SECs.” There was much turnover this offseason for second-year head coach Justin Duncan, with over half the roster composed of

transfers or freshmen. Despite the roster turnover, he touted the gains made on the men’s side. On the women’s side, he demonstrated confidence in the team’s ability to carry over the success they had coming off a second-place showing in last year’s SEC championships. The Tulsa graduate signaled optimism in both aspects of his squad as he hopes to reload for the road ahead. Any concern for the lack of a true veteran core is not prevalent.

“You got a lot of freshmen and sophomores,” Duncan said. “But I think there’s a lot of talent there. I think we’re probably a pretty similar team when you remove the ones and then add the ones that we got.”

Any time he spoke of his roster, he kept coming back to the same fundamental belief.

“We’ve got a lot of talent,” Duncan said.

The Vols will look to maintain their momentum into the Gans Creek Classic in Columbia, Missouri, on Sept. 26 for their first SEC meet of the season.

SPORTS

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 • The Daily Beacon

11

Joey Aguilar oozes with confidence, silences Tennessee football doubters in win over Syracuse TREVOR MCGEE Sports Editor ATLANTA — “Confidence,” quarterback Joey Aguilar said. “I got that no matter what.”

The UCLA transfer, by way of Appalachian State — with two junior college stops — showed utter confidence at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to help deliver a 45-26 win for Tennessee football over Syracuse.

His unique journey opened a new chapter on Saturday in the Aflac Kickoff Game. He closed the day with a 16-of28 stat line, tossing for 247 yards and three touchdowns. His fearlessness extended on the ground, where he added 42 yards on six carries, taking hits from Syracuse defenders without a slide.

“I feel like I did well,” Aguilar said.

“It was a very good defense. Syracuse is a very good program. When they gave me a shot, I took advantage of it.”

Aguilar did not waste his time on taking shots, either. The Vols’ scripted first drive had the quarterback throwing out of the gate. When he took the first snap, he faked the handoff to DeSean Bishop and flicked the wrist to

a crossing Mike Matthews.

A 13-yard completion to begin his day. Soon followed a 9-yard completion to Chris Brazzell II. Facing a third-and-10 with a false start and an incompletion, Aguilar collected himself and delivered a drive-saving 21-yard screen pass to Bishop.

His inaugural drive in the Tennessee orange jersey concluded with points, as Max Gilbert drilled a 34-yard field goal.

“I thought the third-down conversions early in the football game were a big part of how the game played out in the second half,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “From him being decisive, decision making, accurate with the throw, our guys getting up front on the perimeter.

“First ball game, that was a real positive early in the football game.”

His second drive resulted in a touchdown. Aguilar willed the offense to a 12-play, 85-yard drive where Peyton Lewis punched it in for the score.

But not everything was perfect for the journeyman.

As Aguilar looked dialed in on his third drive, the Vols pushed the ball deep into Syracuse territory. Tennessee

Joey Aguilar (6) leads Tennessee to a victory over Syracuse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon

set up the offense at the Orange 25yard line when Aguilar took the snap.

Soon, the ball took a tumble to the turf, and it was Syracuse that came up with it. A mishandling of the handoff gave the ball to the Orange. But the Tennessee defense had his back when Nathan Robinson and Colton Hood tagteamed quarterback Steve Angeli for a scoop-and-score on the ensuing play.

He quickly responded to the error.

On the second play of his fourth drive in command, Aguilar dropped back to the Tennessee 20-yard line. He locked eyes with Braylon Staley running a post route and fired away.

A 73-yard touchdown pass was the result of Aguilar’s reckless mentality — dropping it right into the redshirt freshman’s bread basket.

“Joey threw the deep ball well today,” Heupel said. “... It was good to see us hit some down-the-field shots today.

That’s got to be a part of who we are as we move forward.”

Aguilar was responsible for 179 passing yards in the first half and facilitated three scoring drives on the Vols’ first four chances.

The game slowed in the second half, and less was asked of him. He added on a pair of touchdown passes, putting a contested ball up to Star Thomas in the endzone and finding Miles Kitselman on a leak for another score.

His 247-yard final tally moved him ahead of previous Tennessee quarterbacks in their debut starts for Heupel.

Joe Milton put together 139 yards in a start against Bowling Green in 2021.

Hendon Hooker responded with a 199yard effort against Tennessee Tech two weeks later. Iamaleava’s 2024 Citrus Bowl debut mustered 151 yards in the air attack.

“He is who he was on the practice field: just very even-keeled, composed,” Heupel said. “I thought he handled the operation extremely well in the football game. Just very steady.”

He went 1-for-3 on passes 20-plus yards down the field. The passing excelled to 3-for-6 with 48 yards on passes 10-19 yards down the field, but Aguilar feasted in the short game — which is what Tennessee’s system thrives on.

Aguilar completed seven of his 13 attempts beyond the line of scrimmage, but shorter than nine yards down the field. He upped that to a 5-for-6 mark

Joey Aguilar (6) leads Tennessee to a victory over Syracuse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon

with 72 yards on passes behind the line of scrimmage.

He spread the wealth to four different receivers, giving them a chance to make a play with the ball in their hands.

“Honestly, it’s a blessing to have a quarterback like that in the room,” Staley said. “He’s a leader. He’s out there confident. I felt like we was all confident with him.”

Finally, it was a chance to put the talking season to a rest.

Aguilar did what he was brought in to do. Along the ride, he silenced the extruding pressure, delivering a debut outing that moved Heupel’s seasonopening record to 9-0 as a head coach.

“All the outside noise is just rat poison,” Aguilar said. “We only focus about who’s in the building and the team we got. We got to go back, execute, dial in on everything we got.”

SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 3, 2025

‘T-Credit’ roundup: Games to watch in Tennessee athletics this week THEO COLLI Senior Staff Writer

With four different sports in action throughout campus — including football, which kicked off this past weekend against Syracuse — come more opportunities to see all of the athletic teams in action.

As the sports ramp up, so do the opportunities to earn “T-credits,” a system that UT introduced last season to reward students who attend the most sporting events.

The first chances to receive credits this week begin on Thursday at Food City Center.

Sept. 4: Volleyball vs. Wofford — 1 point Eve Rackham Watt’s team kicked off their season officially on Friday, Aug. 29, at home against South Florida.

The opening night crowd marked the second straight year that the Lady Vols broke an attendance record with 7,654 fans attending the season-opener on Friday night.

This Thursday, the Lady Vols (11) return home for a matchup against Wofford. Last season, the two teams met in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with Wofford taking the meeting in five sets over the Lady Vols.

Attending the game serves for one point on the T-credit registry. The Lady Vols eye a bounce-back opportunity after dropping their last match to No. 15 Purdue while playing neutral site at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Sept. 4: Soccer at Memphis Ranked No. 2 in the nation, the team’s highest rankings ever in program history, the Lady Vols soccer team hits the road for a top-25 meeting with the No.15 Memphis Tigers.

The last meeting between the two ended in a 1-0 Lady Vols win, while no T-credit is in the balance, the matchup still will be one to tune into as the Lady Vols continue their historic start to their 2025-26 season.

Sept. 5-7: Knoxville Collegiate Golf Tournament Tennessee men’s golf kicks off its 2025-26 season with round one of the Knoxville Collegiate Golf Tournament in Loudon, Tennessee.

The tournament lasts three days and admission is free. The teams play 54 holes over the three days.

Sept. 5: Volleyball doubleheader vs.

Samford and Winthrop — 1 point for each Volleyball continues its run on the weekend after the Wofford meeting, just a day later, welcoming in both Samford and Winthrop for a doubleheader.

Attendance for the matches at Food City Center once again serves as one T-credit for each. Students who attend the first game still hold the opportunity to earn the second if they stay in attendance.

Sept. 6: Football vs. ETSU The Vols’ football team returned to the gridiron this past weekend for a neutral site meeting with Syracuse, which resulted in a 45-26 win over the Orange.

Now, Tennessee returns to the bright lights under Neyland Stadium for the first home game of the 2025-26 season against ETSU. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET. The first and only official meeting between the two schools before kickoff on Saturday came in 2018, when the Vols defeated ETSU 59-3.

Sept. 7: Soccer vs. Georgia Southern — 1 point After a lengthy road trip of four games, the Lady Vols will finally return to Regal Soccer Stadium for a match with Georgia Southern. It will be Tennessee’s first home match since Aug. 17 in a 9-0 blowout of Eastern Kentucky.

In order to receive a “T-credit,” you must stay past 1:15 p.m.

Sept. 8: Women’s Golf Cougar Classic at Charleston, South Carolina While the men begin a tournament over the weekend, the women’s golf team kicks off one of their own as the Lady Vols will be taking part in the Cougar Classic.

The two-day event, similar to the men’s tournament, is a 54-hole event over the course of two days. The tournament kicks off the season for the women’s team.

Sept. 9: Volleyball vs. Georgia Tech — 1 point The volleyball team rounds out their four-game homestand with their first home meeting against a Power Four school in Georgia Tech.

This match earns each attendee student one T-credit. The meeting between the schools serves as the fifth meeting between the two.

The Lady Vols have lost the last two meetings against the Yellow Jackets, most recently in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, which saw the Lady Vols drop the match 3-2 in a thriller.

Football

2025

12

PICK ‘EM

ALEX SARKIS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR (5-2)

TREVOR MCGEE SPORTS EDITOR (4-3)

Tennessee 56 vs. etsu 7 michigan vs. oklahoma arizona state vs. mississippi state ole miss vs. kentucky iowa vs. iowa state oklahoma state vs. oregon illinois vs. duke Tennessee 52 vs. etsu 17 michigan vs. oklahoma arizona state vs. mississippi state ole miss vs. kentucky iowa vs. iowa state oklahoma state vs. oregon illinois vs. duke

PATRICK BUSCH NEWS EDITOR (4-3)

Tennessee 49 vs. etsu 13 michigan vs. oklahoma arizona state vs. mississippi state ole miss vs. kentucky iowa vs. iowa state oklahoma state vs. oregon illinois vs. duke

NATALIE DRIPCHAK OPINIONS EDITOR (4-3)

Tennessee 40 vs. etsu 13 michigan vs. oklahoma arizona state vs. mississippi state ole miss vs. kentucky iowa vs. iowa state oklahoma state vs. oregon illinois vs. duke

THEO COLLI SENIOR STAFF WRITER (3-4)

COLE MOORE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER (2-5)

Tennessee 50 vs. etsu10 michigan vs. oklahoma arizona state vs. mississippi state ole miss vs. kentucky iowa vs. iowa state oklahoma state vs. oregon illinois vs. duke Tennessee 62 vs. etsu 10 michigan vs. oklahoma arizona state vs. mississippi state ole miss vs. kentucky iowa vs. iowa state oklahoma state vs. oregon illinois vs. duke