Tennessee line named Joe Moore Award semifinalist

Tennessee’s offensive line was named a 2026 Joe Moore Award semifinalist Wednesday for the fourth time in five seasons under position coach Glen Elarbee. The Volunteers are one of 10 semifinalists for the annual award honoring college football’s most outstanding offensive line.

Tennessee leads the SEC and ranks 11th nationally with 216.0 rushing yards per game, with Heisman Trophy candidate DeSean Bishop running behind a group that has been especially effective late in games.

The Volunteers have recorded 610 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter this season. Both figures lead the SEC by a wide margin. Tennessee’s line maintains its physical style late in games.

Tennessee has used the same starting combination in five consecutive games entering Saturday’s road matchup at Texas A&M. David Sanders Jr. starts at left tackle, Nic Moore at left guard, Sam Pendleton at center, Donovan Haslam at right guard and Jesse Perry at right tackle.

The Volunteers previously reached the Joe Moore Award semifinal stage in 2022, 2023 and 2024 under Elarbee. The award, presented since 2015, evaluates offensive line units on toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique and finishing ability.

Three finalists will be announced after the regular season. The winner will be selected by a voting committee of more than 200 that includes every FBS offensive line coach, former offensive linemen working in media, and former colleagues and players of Joe Moore.

Why it matters

Tennessee’s line has helped produce the SEC’s leading rushing attack at 216.0 yards per game. In the fourth quarter this season, the Volunteers have recorded 610 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, both conference-leading totals by a wide margin.

What to watch next

Tennessee takes its five-game starting line combination to Texas A&M on Saturday. Three Joe Moore Award finalists will be announced after the regular season.