Tennessee Volunteers tight end Miles Kitselman will miss the season finale against Vanderbilt because of a lower-body injury he sustained on November 15 against New Mexico State. His college career ends without a final home appearance at Neyland Stadium, according to WVLT.
The Alabama transfer departs the Vols with 47 receptions, 551 yards, and six touchdowns over 23 games at Tennessee. Position coach Alec Abeln noted that Kitselman’s absence will be significant due to his contributions both on and off the field. Abeln also stated in comments reported by Rocky Top Insider that Kitselman played an important role in the program’s development.
With Kitselman unavailable, the Vols are expected to turn more to third-year tight end Ethan Davis, who has returned from his own injuries and recorded five receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown against Florida. The group also includes Jack Van Dorselaer, noted for his blocking, and freshman DaSaahn Brame, who may see increased playing time as a developing pass-catching option. This gives Tennessee a combination of experience and younger talent as it prepares to face a 9-2 Vanderbilt team seeking a key win that could strengthen its College Football Playoff position, according to the Vols’ availability report shared with On3.
In addition to Kitselman, Tennessee’s injury report lists defensive backs Sidney Walton, Jermod McCoy, and Rickey Gibson III as out for the game, while running back Peyton Lewis and defensive lineman Jordan Ross are listed as questionable. McCoy, who was a key contributor last season, is now confirmed to miss the entire year because of a January ACL injury, after earlier indications from head coach Josh Heupel earlier this month suggested there was some possibility of a return.
As Tennessee prepares for its in-state rivalry matchup, Vanderbilt is also dealing with several key absences, including quarterback Drew Dickey, running back Chase Gillespie, and defensive linemen Yilanan Ouattara and Nikhil Jefferson. These unavailable players affect multiple areas of the roster. Vanderbilt enters the game with a 3-1 record in one-score SEC contests and four wins in its last five. Kickoff is scheduled for tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. EST at Neyland Stadium.
