Redmond Seeks First Pick as Tennessee Faces Kentucky

Tennessee’s defense has limited opponents to four passing touchdowns and an average of 165.6 passing yards per game, both among the Southeastern Conference’s best marks. The Volunteers have intercepted eight passes, but starting cornerback Ty Redmond has yet to add one of his own this season.

Redmond has still been effective in coverage. He has given up 8.9 yards on each reception and an 82.6 rating on throws directed his way, while recording 35 tackles and nine pass breakups. Eight of those breakups came in SEC games, the most by any player in conference play.

Coach Josh Heupel said Redmond has improved his fundamentals and understanding of the position after being thrust into a larger role because of an injury last season. Redmond earned Freshman All-America recognition in 2025. Heupel said the cornerback has “played extremely well for us” and will need to maintain a high level through the rest of the season.

The challenge on November 7 will be Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey, who has completed 160 of 232 passes for 1,755 yards and 14 touchdowns, with one interception. Kentucky has one of the country’s best turnover margins, and Heupel said the Wildcats rarely give the ball away.

For Tennessee’s secondary to change that pattern, it will need to make plays against Minchey. Redmond’s nine breakups show he has disrupted passes regularly; an interception would be his first of the season.