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Tennessee fans got even more good news on Thursday night after the Gator Bowl win over Indiana. Center Brandon Kennedy confirmed that he had been granted a sixth season of eligibility, meaning he will return in 2020.
Brandon Kennedy said he was officially granted a sixth year of eligibility. He found out a couple weeks ago. He’s officially back in 2020.
— David Ubben (@davidubben) January 3, 2020
Kennedy played in just one game in 2018 after transferring in from Alabama, following a knee injury. He started every game this season for the Vols, finally putting all of the pieces together for the first time in his career. Kennedy also lost most of his 2017 season at Alabama, making his case with the NCAA even stronger.
His return is outstanding news for the continuity of the Tennessee offense. 2020 will be his third year in the program, returning to a line that is going to feature five-star tackles Wanya Morris and Darnell Wright in year two. Obviously, we’re all waiting on the big decision from Trey Smith.
Tennessee finally looks like an SEC team up front again. Kennedy’s stability in the middle of this line was big for the Vols, which won six straight games to close the year. In 2020, he’ll get a chance to help take Tennessee one step further.