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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.