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Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-2021 football season was glorious for fans, because our favorite pastime was still in the picture. The 2021-2022 season is returning stronger than ever with a full schedule of games and full capacity attendance, so let’s take a look at what’s in store for Nashville’s teams.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season with both Ryan Tannehill + Derrick Henry returning and a receiving core headed by A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. Even though the team fell short in the playoffs last season, here is what we have to forward to this year:
- Ryan Tannehill returning as starting QB (threw for 3,800 passing yards + 33 touchdowns last season)
- Derrick Henry returning healthy after rushing for over 2,000 yards last season
- Signed star-receiver Julio Jones from the Atlanta Falcons
- Signed veteran pass-rusher Bud Dupree
- Drafted CB Caleb Farley and have previous draft pick Jeffrey Simmons returning
Vanderbilt Commodores
Finishing the season 0-9, the Commodores look towards a winning season with some new improvements made in the off-season. Here are some of the things to look forward to this year:
- Hired new head coach Clark Leah + offensive coordinator David Raih
- Sophomore QB Ken Seals (who threw for 64% completion + 6.7 average yards)
- Veteran WR Cam Johnson (led team with 56 catches for 545 yards last season)
- New transfer student RB Re’Mahn Davis, Jr. (ran for 936 yards at Temple last season)
- New special teams coordinator Justin Lustig who came from Syracuse
Tennessee State Tigers
Last season, the TSU Tigers played all games in the spring, finishing with a record of 2-5. Moving into the 2021 season, the team has completely overhauled the coaching staff and has many things to look forward to.
- NFL Hall of Famer Eddie George is the new head coach of the Tigers.
- RB Devon Starling (who shared the league’s freshman of the year award last season)
- FB Benjamin Johnson (made the preseason all-conference squad)
- 3 defensive players making the all-conference defensive squad
- New coaching staff providing fresh takes + plays
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
The Blue Raiders saw a turbulent season, but the team completed a 9 game schedule, finishing 3-6. Going into the 2021 season, the Blue Raiders lost veteran RB Asher O’Hara, but have much to look forward to.
- RB Chaton Mobley, Jr., who led the team in rushing with 660 yards in 2018
- Standout S Reed Blakenship, who is a strong contender for the top NFL draft pick
- 11 starters returning on the defensive side
- WR Jarrin Pierce Sr., who had 49 catches for 584 yards last season
- QB transfer Bailey Hockman Jr., who threw for 2,100 yards + 13 touchdowns with NC State last season.
Amped up for the 2021-2022 season yet? Check out how to prepare for kickoff, from home game schedules to stadium policies and updates.