The Tennessee Volunteers are set to kick off their 2026 football season with a strong and diverse roster of six running backs. This group is anchored by experienced leaders and bolstered by promising new talent, creating a dynamic and competitive backfield. The team's offensive strategy will heavily rely on the capabilities of these athletes to drive their performance in the upcoming season. Their collective strengths and individual achievements suggest a formidable ground game for the Volunteers.
Leading the charge is DeSean Bishop, a redshirt junior who had an outstanding 2025 season, topping the team in rushing yards, touchdowns, and attempts. He attributes much of his success to the offensive line, recognizing their pivotal role in paving the way for his gains. Bishop's determined mindset, focused on avoiding tackles and maximizing every carry, highlights his relentless pursuit of yardage. His leadership and proven ability will be critical for the team's offensive prowess. The arrival of Javin Gordon, a sophomore transfer from Tulane, further strengthens the unit. Gordon brings a fresh perspective and demonstrated talent, having made significant contributions to Tulane's College Football Playoff run in 2025. His versatility as both a runner and receiver adds another dimension to the Volunteers' offensive options. The returning sophomores, Justin Baker and Daune Morris, will also play key roles, building on their experiences from the previous season. Their contributions, including rushing, kick return, and punt return yards, showcase their all-around athletic abilities. Additionally, freshman Will Rajecki, an impressive talent from Sequoyah High School, joins the team, bringing fresh potential and a strong high school record of rushing yards and touchdowns. Together, these six running backs form a cohesive and powerful unit, ready to make a significant impact on the 2026 season.
The Experienced Core: Bishop and Returning Talent
DeSean Bishop, a redshirt junior, stands out as a central figure in the Tennessee Volunteers' backfield for the 2026 season. His exceptional performance in 2025, where he led the team in key rushing categories—1,076 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 182 attempts—underscores his importance to the team's offense. Bishop, who has participated in 23 games and started 13 between 2023 and 2025, emphasizes the symbiotic relationship with his offensive line, acknowledging their crucial role in his success. His commitment to aggressive running and fighting for every yard reflects a powerful mindset that aims to punish defenders and contribute significantly to the team's offensive output. Bishop's established track record and leadership will be vital in guiding the running back group.
Returning sophomores Justin Baker and Daune Morris also contribute to the experienced core of the Volunteers' running backs. Baker, a 5-foot-10, 210-pound back, featured in 13 games during his freshman year in 2025, accumulating 43 yards on 14 carries. Morris, also 5-foot-10 but weighing 200 pounds, participated in seven games last season, achieving 133 rushing yards and one touchdown from 35 attempts, alongside one reception for four yards. His versatility extends to special teams, where he recorded 92 kick return yards and 24 punt return yards. Hunter Barnes, a redshirt senior returning for his fifth season, adds further depth and experience. Despite appearing in only eight games from 2022-25, the 6-foot, 200-pound running back has contributed 57 rushing yards on 12 attempts. These returning players offer stability and a foundational understanding of the team's offensive schemes, ensuring a well-rounded and cohesive unit for the upcoming season.
New Additions and Promising Prospects
The Tennessee Volunteers' running back roster for the 2026 season is significantly enhanced by new talent, including the transfer of Javin Gordon and the arrival of freshman Will Rajecki. Javin Gordon, a sophomore, joins Tennessee after a successful 2025 season with Tulane, where he appeared in 14 games, starting six. During his time with the Green Wave, he recorded 516 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 128 attempts, alongside 13 receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown. His impactful performance included 418 offensive snaps and 362 rushing yards after contact, playing a key role in Tulane's journey to the College Football Playoff. Gordon's arrival brings immediate depth and a proven ability to perform at a high level, making him a significant asset to the Volunteers' offensive strategy.
Complementing the transfer talent is freshman Will Rajecki, who will make his debut season with Tennessee in 2026. Hailing from Sequoyah High School in Canton, Georgia, the 5-foot-11, 208-pound freshman enters the collegiate ranks with an impressive high school resume. In his senior year of 2025, Rajecki amassed a remarkable 1,970 rushing yards and scored 30 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his explosive potential and natural ability to find the end zone. His addition injects fresh energy and promising talent into the running back corps, suggesting a bright future for the Volunteers' ground game. The combination of experienced returners and dynamic new recruits positions Tennessee with a versatile and robust running back unit, poised to make substantial contributions to the team's success in the 2026 football season.
