Emerging star defensive lineman Tyree Weathersby went down against Kentucky, and it didn’t look good. Now on Monday morning, those fears have been confirmed. Weathersby will miss the rest of the 2026 season with a knee injury, according to a report from Austin Price of Volquest.
Weathersby was in the middle of a breakout
season with seven sacks on the year, good for seventh in the SEC. The 6-5, 268 pound junior has been a key cog in what has become perhaps the best defensive line in the entire country. Weathersby now has a lengthy rehab ahead of him to get ready for the 2027 season.
This development likely keeps him in the college ranks for next season. Weathersby had been receiving some NFL buzz thanks to his strong season.
Tennessee has grown its defensive line depth throughout the year, getting some younger players in the mix. Mariyon Dye bumps up in the rotation and will need to give Tennessee some important reps off the edge. Jordan Norman will see even more action, while maybe someone like Carson Gentle gets into the rotation heavily. Hezekiah Harris got some run last week as well — maybe you see some Kedric Golston.
Weathersby joins safety Edrees Farooq as the second defensive starter to be lost for the season. Tennessee has also lost starting guard Wendell Moe and tight end Ethan Davis to season-ending injuries, along with reserve cornerback Jadais Richard, receiver Joakim Dodson, linebacker Jaedon Harmon and safety Dylan Lewis.
Tennessee currently ranks first in FBS with 39 sacks on the season. Weathersby led the way individually with seven, followed by Xavier Gilliam (6), Mariyon Dye (5) and Arion Carter (4).
