After suffering a season-ending ACL injury at Georgia Tech, Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis announced Monday morning that he will return to Knoxville in 2027. Davis is originally from Atlanta. He caught the Vols’ first touchdown from Faizon Brandon in each of the first two games this season.
“This game requires the next guy up,” said Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel during last week’s press conference. “You’ve heard me talk about that. Our team’s heard that too. You gotta be prepared for when your opportunity arises, and next guy, and multiple guys have to step up in that role.
“I hate it for Ethan. The work that he put into it, the growth of the person and the player, that the season’s cut short. But the next guy’s gotta be prepared and take advantage of their opportunity, and so you’ve seen a lot of those guys play already this year. They just gotta continue to grow and step into that role.”
Davis, who was on the John Mackey Award preseason watch list, has kept a positive and forward-thinking attitude. On Sept. 18, he showed his gratitude on X to Tennessee fans, supporters and the doctors who have helped him.
“Vol Nation, Thank you for the amount of unconditional love you all have shown me over the past week; 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!”
For his career, Davis has totaled 39 receptions for 433 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 11.1 yards per catch. In 2025, he saw action in nine games with four starts. He finished the year with 21 catches for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Notably, he ranked fourth on the team in receiving yards.
