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What Ethan Davis said about ACL injury, future with Tennessee football
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- What Ethan Davis said about ACL injury, future with Tennessee football
Tight end Ethan Davis thanked Tennessee football fans for their "unconditional love" in helping him cope with a season-ending injury and hinted that he might return in 2027.
Davis suffered a torn ACL in the Vols ' 45-24 win over Georgia Tech on Sept. 12. He shared a message of gratitude to UT fans in a social media post on Sept. 18, as he begins his rehab.
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"Vol Nation, thank you for the amount of unconditional love you all have shown me over the past week," Davis posted on X. "It has made processing this so much easier reading the messages from you all! It just shows and reminds me why I have and will always choose Knoxville as home!
"Thanks to Dr. Walt Lowe and his team for taking care of me and showing me immense care and gratitude! The marathon continues! Be back soon Knox!"
No. 14 Tennessee (2-0) plays Kennesaw State (1-1) on Sept. 19 (7:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network) at Neyland Stadium in the Vols ' first game without Davis.
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Will Ethan Davis return to Tennessee in 2027 season?
Davis can return to Tennessee in 2027 if he wants to utilize his fifth year of eligibility, which is available under the NCAA's new 5-for-5 rule. He has played four seasons for the Vols, logging 26 games with six starts. He has 39 receptions for 433 yards and six TDs.
Davis hasn't talked publicly about his specific plans for next season. He could return to Tennessee. He could end his playing career. He could enter the transfer portal after the 2026 season to play his final season at another school. He could declare for the 2027 NFL Draft.
However, those last two options would include some obstacles. Davis' rehab would likely sideline him until summer 2027, meaning he couldn't participate in spring practice for another college team or workout for NFL teams.
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Davis' comments in his X post certainly point to him returning to Tennessee in some capacity: "The marathon continues! Be back soon Knox!"
In 2025, Davis said he wouldn't consider entering the transfer portal. Of course, circumstances sometimes change plans for players. Tennessee must also consider its tight end depth chart and NIL budget for the position in 2027, but those decisions are far away.
Davis has been a productive playmaker when he's been in the lineup. But he's been plagued with injuries throughout his career.
Who replaces Ethan Davis against Kennesaw State?
Davis is the fifth UT player to suffer a season-ending injury, joining starting safety Edrees Farooq (knee), backup receiver Joakim Dodson (leg), reserve linebacker Jaedon Harmon (knee) and Miami transfer cornerback Jadais Richard (upper-body).
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But Davis could be the hardest player to replace .
South Alabama transfer Trent Thomas leads UT tight ends with 58 offensive snaps because he's been an effective blocker. That was supposed to be his role as a 6-foot-5, 254-pounder playing along with Davis, a versatile tight end.
But now UT might add some receiving routes to Thomas' plate. He had only four receptions at South Alabama last season. He had two catches for 13 yards in his Vols debut against Furman in Week 1.
Tennessee hopes that sophomore DaSaahn Brame can step into a portion of Davis' role. The 6-5, 240-pounder is a talented downfield receiver and an improved blocker, but he's still in the developmental stage of his career. Brame is perhaps similar to Davis two years ago, but he'll need accelerate his growth to fill his new expanded role.
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Freshman Luca Wolf, junior Cole Harrison and UT Martin transfer Drake Martinez round out the depth chart at tight end.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com . X, formerly known as Twitter @AdamSparks . Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe .
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What Ethan Davis said about ACL injury, future with Tennessee football
