The Tennessee Volunteers' 2026 season is approaching, and there are many different projections and predictions to cover. This time, I will be making my own bold projection of how the starting lineup and the rest of the depth chart will look.Here is where things stand currently.Offense Depth Chart ProjectionTennessee tight end Ethan Davis (0) grabs the mask of Vanderbilt linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 29, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectQuarterback:Starter: Faizon Brandon2nd: George MacIntyre3rd: Ryan StaubWhile the quarterback competition is far from over, it does seem that Faizon Brandon has been showing out despite being a true freshman this season. His biggest competition is George MacIntyre, who was solid in his minimum reps last season. While this is the toughest prediction to make, I believe Brandon is the guy thanks to his accuracy.Running Back:Starter: DeSean Bishop2nd: Javin Gordon3rd: Daune Morris4th: Justin BakerThe running back group will be led by DeSean Bishop, who is looking like a monster ahead of the 2026 season. He is a great running back with plenty of production. Behind him will be Tulane transfer Javin Gordon and returning running backs Daune Morris and Justin Baker.Wide Receiver:Starters: Mike Matthews, Travis Smith Jr., Braylon Staley2nd: Radarious Jackson, TK Keys, Joakim DodsonThe wide receiver corps is by far one of the best position groups for the Vols this season. The biggest battle within this position group is going to be between Travis Smith Jr. and Radarious Jackson. TK Keys will also be in the battle, but it seems that his chances of starting could be lower than the other two. As of now, I believe Smith Jr. is up for the job.Tight End:Starter: Ethan Davis2nd: DaSaahn Brame3rd: Trent Thomas4th: Cole HarrisonThe tight end position seems a bit set in stone, although the two that I believe could change around are Cole Harrison and Trent Thomas. This is going to be a battle that plays out through fall camp.Offensive Line:Starters: David Sanders Jr., Wendell Moe Jr., Sam Pendleton, Sham Umarov, Ory Williams2nd: Gabriel Osenda, Donovan Haslam, Nic Moore, Jesse Perry, Jeremias HeardThe offensive line seems to be set at the majority of the positions. While some believe that Jesse Perry will be the starter, I personally project Sham Umarov to be the starter for the second season in a row for the Vols. I also believe that Perry could be better used off the bench this season thanks to his versatility. I believe he will still receive some major reps.Defense Depth Chart ProjectionTennessee defensive back Ty Redmond (4) celebrates after making an interception during the NCAA college football game against New Mexico State on November 15, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectInterior Defensive Line:Starters: Xavier Gilliam, Daevin Hobbs2nd: Nathan Robinson, Isaiah Campbell3rd: Ethan Utley, JJ Finch4th: Charles House III, Darryl RiversOn the interior of the defensive line, it seems that Gilliam will be taking charge as the leader. He will be joined by returning Vol Daevin Hobbs, who spent plenty of last season hurt. Now that he gets the chance for a blank slate, it seems that a major season could be on the horizon.EDGEs:Starters: Jordan Norman, Tyree Weathersby2nd: Mariyon Dye, Christian Gass3rd: Carter Gooden, Keldric GolstonThe EDGE positions took a major hit when Chaz Coleman was revealed to be injured and no longer with the team. Now the team will have to use an unexpected starter, as I currently project Tyree Weathersby and Jordan Norman to take charge this season.Linebackers:Starters: Arion Carter, Amare Campbell2nd: Jadon Perlotte, Edwin Spillman3rd: Jeremiah Telander, Brayden RouseThe linebacker position group is becoming one of the better position groups on the entire roster. Despite the injury to Jaedon Harmon, I still believe the Vols' linebacker room is three groups deep. As of now, I believe Jeremiah Telander may be as low as the third string, but he could be the player who rises the most.Cornerbacks:Starters: Kayin Lee, Ty Redmond, Qua Moss2nd: Tre Poteat, Zay Anderson, Isaiah Hardge3rd: Tim Merritt, Tevis Metcalf, Jamyan TheodoreThe cornerback room isn't as deep as the Vols may have hoped for after the injury to Jadais Richards. As of now, I believe there are multiple freshmen who could find the field this season. I will be watching them closely in 2026.Safeties:Starters: Edrees Farooq, TJ Metcalf2nd: Dejuan Lane, Joel Wyatt3rd: Sidney Walton, DJ BurksThis room is extremely deep, as the Vols will be able to use three veterans at the highest level. This was a bit hard to predict, as it is hard to justify Lane being on the bench, but with the staff having Farooq and Metcalf as the starters, it seems reasonable. This season is going to be electric from the third level.Special Teams Depth Chart ProjectionTennessee wide receiver Joakim Dodson (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown after catching the ball during a kickoff return during the 2025 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 30, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectSpecial TeamsKicker: Cooper RanvierPunter: Jackson RossLongsnapper: Bennett BradyPunt Returner: Ian DuarteKick Returner: Joakim DodsonThe special teams are basically set in stone until the return men. I believe that Duarte and Dodson will be the best players for the job at this time.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow