Josh Heupel Makes a Plea to 100k Tennessee Fans After Major David Sanders Injury Statement

Unranked romps like this will be good for Tenn’s confidence because they’re going to need every bit of it next week when they face Georgia. The Tennessee Vols opened the season hammering East Tennessee State 72-17 inside Neyland Stadium. But while the win was a confidence booster, it also came with a lingering cloud: the continued absence of five-star freshman right tackle David Sanders Jr. The highly touted lineman, expected to be a cornerstone of Josh Heupel’s offensive front, has now missed back-to-back games after going down in practice on August 27.

After the game, Josh Heupel made it clear that the showdown with the Bulldogs isn’t just about the 11 guys on the field—it’s about all 100,000 in the stands. As Vols insider Wes Rucker reported, “Tennessee coach Josh Heupel on next week’s showdown against Georgia: We want to be the best team on the field that day. To do that, we’ll need to be at our best, and we’ll need our fans to be at their best, too.” Neyland Stadium is already one of the loudest cathedrals in CFB, but Heupel is calling for max volume when the Bulldogs roll in.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel on next week’s showdown against Georgia: We want to be the best team on the field that day. To do that, we’ll need to be at our best, and we’ll need our fans to be at their best, too.

— Wes Rucker (@wesruckerTBA) September 6, 2025

On Sanders’ status, Heupel explained the cautious approach. “Dave, anticipated him being ready. Ultimately, medical decided for him, for us, it probably wasn’t the best move to play him today.” The Vols may be humming offensively, but keeping their young star healthy for the SEC grind is priority No. 1.

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