# Tennessee loses star tight end to season-ending injury

> Ethan Davis's injury forces the Vols to turn to backup DaSaahn Brame mid-season.
- Title: Tennessee loses star tight end to season-ending injury
- Summary: Ethan Davis's injury forces the Vols to turn to backup DaSaahn Brame mid-season. When a key starter goes down, the next player up must be ready to step in…
- Keywords: tennessee volunteers, ethan davis, tight end, season-ending injury, josh heupel, dasaahn brame, college football, 2026 season, backup replacement, sports, Tennessee, loses
- Source: Tennessee Volunteers On SI — https://si.com/college/tennessee/football/josh-heupel-reacts-to-tennessee-football-tight-end-ethan-davis-s-season-ending-injury-01m2kqnc07hh
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:09:45+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: tennessee volunteers, ethan davis, tight end, season-ending injury, josh heupel, dasaahn brame, college football, 2026 season, backup replacement, sports
## Star tight end lost early
Ethan Davis, Tennessee's top returning tight end, suffered a season-ending injury before the Vols completed a quarter of the season. He was the only player to score receiving touchdowns in both games played so far.
## Heupel on next man up
Coach Josh Heupel emphasized that football requires the next player to be ready. He said multiple guys must step up to fill Davis's role and take advantage of their opportunity.

> This game requires the next guy up. You've got to be prepared for when your opportunity arises.
## Heupel respects Davis's effort
The coach expressed sympathy for Davis, noting the work and personal growth he showed. Heupel said he hates that the season was cut short for the veteran tight end.

> I hate it for Ethan, the work that he put into it, the growth of the person and the player.
## DaSaahn Brame steps in
DaSaahn Brame, entering his second season, is the likely starter to replace Davis at tight end. Heupel praised Brame's ability to play in space and in the core, similar to Davis.

> DaSaahn's got the ability to play out in space and play in the core, very similar to Ethan.
## Brame's blocking development
Brame has been used heavily in blocking this season and has grown significantly in his ability to play in the core. Heupel noted his strong performance on the second level during recent runs.

> DaSaahn's really grown in his ability to play in the core.
## Brame dangerous in receiving
While Brame has been a blocking asset, he is especially dangerous as a receiver. He will now be asked to expand his role significantly in the passing game.
## Heupel's confidence in Brame
The coach expressed full trust in Brame's development over the past year. Heupel credited Brame's growth and said the team has confidence he can handle the expanded role.

> We got a ton of trust in him. And that's a credit to his development over the last year.
## Multiple options available
Beyond Brame, other tight ends on the roster have already seen playing time this season. Heupel indicated several players can step into the role vacated by Davis.

> You've seen a lot of those guys play already this year.
## Key takeaway

When a key starter goes down, the next player up must be ready to step in and perform immediately.