ELITE: Jim Knowles is the Tennessee Volunteers’ Defensive FIX | Expect MAJOR Adjustments for Josh Heupel’s Program

Tennessee Volunteers score big with the hiring of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator, igniting fresh optimism for a defensive turnaround in 2026. Can Knowles’ proven experience be the missing piece for Josh Heupel’s squad? Eric Cain and Josh Ward break down how Knowles’ arrival could reshape Tennessee’s defensive identity, dissect the challenging SEC schedule, and examine the roster’s readiness to evolve. Key matchups, including clash-ups against Texas A&M, Auburn, and South Carolina, set the stage for must-win moments and potential SEC upsets.Plus, Eric Cain highlights the rise of Tennessee’s super sophomores—Mike Matthews, DeSean Bishop, and Ethan Davis—and what their growth signals for the Vols’ future. Special guest Noah Taylor revisits the dramatic 1974 Liberty Bowl victory over Maryland, spotlighting legendary moments from Condredge Holloway and Larry Seivers. Don’t miss this comprehensive analysis of the Tennessee Volunteers’ path to redemption on Rocky Top. Neyland Press Corps Substack: https://neylandpress.substack.com/Catch Locked on Vols, wherever you find your podcasts. ▶️https://linktr.ee/cainerSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!QuoSee why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.DoorDashWith DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.MazdaIt’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.MonarchTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarch.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.