TSWA honors college players of week - Oct. 6

October 6, 2026 Forrest Freeman

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Sports Writers Association has announced the seventh College Players of the Week for the 2026-27 academic year on Tuesday afternoon.

FOOTBALL: Tennessee’s DeSean Bishop was honored as the TSWA Football Offensive Player of the Week after his efforts in their 24-14 win over Auburn to improve to 4-1 on the year and 1-1 in conference play. Setting career highs in rushing yards (220), attempts (34) and touchdowns (3), he accounted for all three Volunteer scores in the second half.

158 of his 220 yards came after contact, as he scored on rushes of 25-, 44- and 5-yards out.

He is the 20th Southeastern Conference player in the last 30 seasons to rack up at least 220 yards and three rushing touchdowns in a single game.

Bishop’s 200+ yard rushing effort marked the first by a Vol since Eric Gray against Vanderbilt on Nov. 30, 2019, and it is the second in program history in the last 20 seasons.

Dejuan Lane earned the TSWA Football Defensive Player of the Week after registering a team-high nine tackles, 2.5 for a loss, two sacks, a quarterback hurry and an interception in the Vols’ win over the Tigers.

Setting a career-high in tackles, he surpassed his previous high of six against Clemson on Dec. 27, 2025, in the Pinstripe Bowl when he was a member of Penn State.

His second interception of the season, third of his career, came midway through the third quarter, which saw him return the pass 32 yards to the Auburn 44-yard line.

MEN’S SOCCER: Chris Douglas was picked as the TSWA Men’s Soccer of the Week for the third time this season after another dazzling performance last week for the Trojans, who are now 8-1-2 overall and 3-1-2 in Gulf South Conference play.

Earning wins over Freed-Hardeman and Delta State, he scored seven points thanks to three goals and an assist.

Against the Lions of FHU on Sept. 29, Douglas produced his first career hat trick on three total shots in a come-from-behind 4-3 victory for the Trojans. Trailing 3-2 in the 68th minute, his goal leveled the match, and in the 89th minute, he scored the game-winner.

On Oct. 3 at home against the Statesmen, he assisted on TNU’s second goal in the first half in the 21st minute as the Trojans cruised to a 3-1 win.

The junior is listed in the top 10 in Division II, including leading in goals per game (1.11), fourth in points per game (2.44), sixth in total goals (10), eighth in points (22) and 11th in game-winning goals (3).

WOMEN’S SOCCER: Chattanooga’s Paige Thomas was chosen as the TSWA Women’s Soccer Player of the Week following five goals in two Southern Conference wins over VMI and Western Carolina to extend the Mocs’ program-record unbeaten streak to nine matches. Entering the second weekend of October, UTC is 7-1-4 overall and 3-0-1 in league play.

Thomas recorded the brace in the team’s 2-0 win at VMI on Oct. 1, scoring in the 60th and 80th minutes.

Three days later, in the 5-0 rout of the Catamounts, the junior recorded the first hat trick of her collegiate career, scoring three times in less than 22 minutes during the first half. She found the back of the net in the fourth, ninth and 26th minutes as the Mocs had a 4-0 lead at the break.

Her eight goals this season pace the SoCon and rank 24th in Division I, while her 17 points are fifth in the league.

VOLLEYBALL: Blair Cherry from Carson-Newman secured the TSWA Volleyball Player of the Week accolade after a perfect 3-0 week with back-to-back five-set wins over Mars Hill and Anderson before a sweep of Newberry to improve to 14-5 and 7-4 in the South Atlantic Conference.

Totaling 159 assists and averaging 12.23 per set, she helped her team hit .235 on the week and saw her team total 76 kills against Mars Hill, where she assisted on 62 of those attacks to set a single-match record and added 13 digs for her 12th double-double of the season.

Adding 51 assists against SAC preseason favorite Anderson, the Eagles put together back-to-back five-set wins for the first time since 2018.

Additionally, she added 29 digs, nine kills, seven blocks and four aces to wrap up her week. Leading the Division II programs with 767 assists, she is 17th in the nation in assists per set (10.36).

2026 TSWA FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Sept. 1 | Chris Parson, Austin Peay (Offense); Elijah Kinsler, Memphis (Defense)
Sept. 9 | Jaylin Carter, Memphis (Offense); Xavier Gilliam, Tennessee (Defense)
Sept. 15 | Denver Harper, Austin Peay (Offense); CJ Heard, Vanderbilt (Defense)
Sept. 22 | Junior Sherrill, Vanderbilt (Offense); Malik Denkins, Austin Peay (Defense)
Sept. 29 | Jax Leatherwood, Tennessee Tech (Offense); Zion Rutledge, Chattanooga (Defense)
Oct. 6 | DeSean Bishop, Tennessee (Offense); Dejuan Lane, Tennessee (Defense)

TSWA Prep Football Poll – October 5

October 5, 2026 TSWA Online

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Sports Writers Association announced its prep football rankings following week 7 competition on Monday. The top 10 teams in each of the six Division I classifications and the top 5 in three Division II classes were selected by TSWA members, with first-place votes in parentheses and total points for Division I classifications based on 10 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 10th-place vote (with votes ranging from five points to one point for Division II classifications).

Division I

Class 1A

1. South Pittsburg (5-1) -- 160 points (16). Last week: No. 1.

2. Coalfield (6-1) -- 140 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. McKenzie (452) -- 127 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Humboldt (7-0) -- 115 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Greenback (7-0) -- 94 points. Last week: No. 5.

6. Cornersville (7-0) -- 77 points. Last week: No. 6.

7. Jellico (7-0) -- 66 points. Last week: No. 7.

8. Hampton (5-2) -- 44 points. Last week: No. 8.

9. South Fulton (5-1) -- 31 points. Last week: Not ranked.

10. Cosby (5-1) -- 12 points. Last week: Not ranked.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Class 2A

1. Huntingdon (7-0) -- 160 points (16). Last week: No. 1.

2. Marion County (7-0) -- 139 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. East Robertson (7-0) -- 126 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. East Nashville (4-3) -- 117 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Gordonsville (6-1) -- 94 points. Last week: No. 5.

6. Happy Valley (5-1) -- 71 points. Last week: No. 7.

7. Milan (5-2) -- 65 points. Last week: No. 8.

8. Memphis Academy of Science & Engineering (4-3) -- 38 points. Last week: No. 9.

9. Fairley (5-2) -- 21 points. Last week: No. 10.

10. Jackson County (6-1) -- 18 points. Last week: Not ranked.

Others receiving 10 or more points: Bledsoe County (17).

Class 3A

1. Westview (7-0) -- 160 points (16). Last week: No. 1.

2. Meigs County (7-0) -- 140 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. Tyner Academy (6-1) -- 131 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Forrest (7-0) -- 109 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Covington (6-1) -- 90 points. Last week: No. 5.

6. Fairview (7-0) -- 82 points. Last week: No. 6.

7. Giles County (4-2) -- 61 points. Last week: No. 7.

8. Unicoi County (5-1) -- 50 points. Last week: No. 8.

9. Whites Creek (4-1) -- 34 points. Last week: No. 9.

10. Sweetwater (5-1) -- 18 points. Last week: Not ranked.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Class 4A

1. Alcoa (7-0) -- 160 points (16). Last week: No. 1.

2. Greeneville (7-0) -- 143 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. Pearl-Cohn (4-3) -- 121 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Springfield (6-1) -- 113 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Lexington (7-0) -- 92 points. Last week: No. 5.

6. White County (7-0) -- 78 points. Last week: No. 6.

7. Gibbs (6-1) -- 73 points. Last week: No. 7.

8. Macon County (6-1) -- 38 points. Last week: No. 9.

9. Upperman (4-2) -- 37 points. Last week: No. 10.

10. Anderson County (4-3) -- 9 points. Last week: No. 8.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Class 5A

1. Page (6-1) -- 160 points (16). Last week: No. 1.

2. Powell (7-0) -- 140 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. Sevier County (5-1) -- 125 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Knoxville Central (6-1) -- 105 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Munford (5-1) -- 97 points. Last week: No. 5.

6. Nolensville (7-0) -- 82 points. Last week: No. 6.

7. Beech (6-1) -- 64 points. Last week: No. 7.

8. Columbia (6-1) -- 44 points. Last week: No. 8.

9. Lincoln County (6-0) -- 42 points. Last week: No. 9.

10. Memphis Central (7-0) -- 21 points. Last week: No. 10.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Class 6A

1. Riverdale (6-1) -- 158 points (14). Last week: No. 1.

2. Maryville (6-1) -- 137 points (2). Last week: No. 2.

3. Oakland (6-1) -- 134 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Southwind (6-1) -- 110 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Antioch (7-0) -- 92 points. Last week: No. 5.

6. Brentwood (6-1) -- 83 points. Last week: No. 6.

7. Whitehaven (5-1) -- 66 points. Last week: No. 7.

8. Cleveland (6-1) -- 41 points. Last week: No. 8.

9. Lebanon (6-1) -- 23 points. Last week: No. 9.

10. Oak Ridge (6-1) -- 18 points. Last week: No. 10.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Division II-A

1. Nashville Christian (5-1) -- 80 points (16). Last week: No. 1.

2. University School of Jackson (6-1) -- 55 points. Last week: No. 3.

3. Friendship Christian (6-1) -- 48 points. Last week: No. 4.

4. Trinity Christian Academy (5-1) -- 24 points. Last week: Not ranked.

5. Middle Tennessee Christian (6-1) -- 21 points. Last week: No. 5.

Others receiving 10 or more points: Jackson Christian (11).

Division II-AA

1. Battle Ground Academy (5-1) -- 80 points (16). Last week: No. 1.

2. Franklin Road Academy (5-2) -- 58 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. Grace Christian-Knoxville (6-0) -- 50 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Christian Academy of Knoxville (7-0) -- 36 points. Last week: No. 5.

5. Lakeway Christian (5-1) -- 7 points. Last week: No. 4.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Division II-AAA

1. Baylor (7-0) -- 80 points (16). Last week: No. 1.

2. Brentwood Academy (5-2) -- 60 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. Briarcrest (7-0) -- 52 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Montgomery Bell Academy (6-1) -- 27 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Knoxville Catholic (6-1) -- 20 points. Last week: No. 5.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Publications that participated in the voting include The Tennessean in Nashville, Five Star Preps, the Knoxville News Sentinel, The Chattanooga Times Free Press, The Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro, The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Daily Memphian, The Mirror-Exchange in Milan, Union City Messenger, The Daily Herald in Columbia, Main Street Nashville, Main Street Maury, Williamson Herald, Upper Cumberland Reporter, The Westmoreland News, The Herald-Citizen in Cookeville, The Wilson Post, Tri-Cities Sports, Johnson City Press/Kingsport Times News, WKOM-FM in Columbia, WMSR Thunder Radio and WYSH-FM.

College players of week selected by TSWA - Sept. 29

September 29, 2026 Forrest Freeman

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Sports Writers Association has announced the fifth College Players of the Week for the 2026-27 academic year on Tuesday afternoon.

FOOTBALL: Tennessee Tech’s Jax Leatherwood has been selected as the TSWA Football Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Golden Eagles to a come-from-behind 42-38 victory at Wofford to remain unbeaten overall and in SoCon play (4-0, 2-0).

Trailing 35-21 going into the fourth quarter, Leatherwood went 15-of-18 in the final period for 143 yards and three touchdowns to outscore the Terriers 21-3. Two of the touchdowns were caught by Eric Weatherly, a 15-yard reception to tie the game with 3:23 left and another 15-yard catch to give Tech the 42-38 lead with 1:06 remaining.

Finishing the game with 427 passing yards on 38-of-46 with five touchdowns, his 38 completions, 427 passing yards and five scores are career-bests. His 427 yards also rank third in program history for single-game passing yards.

Connecting with 12 different receivers, Leatherwood went a perfect 9-for-9 with Weatherly, who finished with 100 yards and the two scores that gave the Golden Eagles the win.

Chattanooga’s Zion Rutledge was recognized as the TSWA Football Defensive Player of the Week in the Mocs’ 27-8 rout of The Citadel.

Finishing with 13 total tackles, he had 2 stops for a loss, totaling five yards, and was instrumental in the defense that held the Bulldogs, who entered the game sixth in FCS in rushing yards (243.3), to 172 rushing yards.

3.5 of his 4.5 TFLs on the season have come in his last two games to help Chattanooga start 2-0 in SoCon play.

MEN’S SOCCER: Brady Hammer of Maryville College has been chosen as the TSWA Men’s Soccer Player of the Week after scoring six points with two goals and assists each in the program’s victories over Piedmont University and Warren Wilson College.

Hammer was responsible for both goals in the win at the Lions on Sept. 23, scoring in the 17th minute and assisting on Ben Brophy’s goal in the 57th minute to earn the 2-1 win.

Against the Owls on Sept. 25, his game-winning goal in the 72nd minute gave the Scots the lead for good. Over a minute later, his pass to Jonathan Case gave them insurance they needed for the 3-1 victory.

WOMEN’S SOCCER: Rebekah Jackson of Union University was picked as the TSWA Women’s Soccer Player of the Week after back-to-back braces in the weekend sweep of Alabama Huntsville and Valdosta State to improve to 3-0-2 in league play.

In the Bulldogs’ 3-0 win over the Chargers on Sept. 23, Jackson’s game-winner came in the 57th minute and added a second goal in the 64th minute.

Three days later, against the Blazers, Jackson gave the Bulldogs the early 1-0 lead with a 15th-minute shot. VSU evened the match in the 56th minute, but Jackson came through again for Union, giving them the lead for good in the 70th minute.

Scoring in five of her last six matches, she now has eight goals and leads the Gulf South Conference in goals per match (1.0) and points (2.13).

VOLLEYBALL: Trevecca Nazarene’s Brynne Krangnes was honored as the TSWA Volleyball Player of the Week, leading the Trojans to a perfect 3-0 record in Gulf South Conference play last week.

Averaging 9.83 assists in 12 sets, she averaged 3.0 digs and had her first three double-doubles of the season.

On Sept. 22 against Alabama Huntsville, the Trojans rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat the preseason favorites in five sets. She finished with a season-high 45 assists and added 11 digs, four kills, four blocks and three service aces.

In the three-set sweep over Union on Sept. 25, Krangnes totaled 36 assists and 12 digs and added 37 assists, 13 digs, five kills and two aces in a four-set win against Christian Brothers.

TSWA Prep Football Poll – September 28

September 28, 2026 TSWA Online

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Sports Writers Association announced its prep football rankings following week 6 competition on Monday. The top 10 teams in each of the six Division I classifications and the top 5 in three Division II classes were selected by TSWA members, with first-place votes in parentheses and total points for Division I classifications based on 10 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 10th-place vote (with votes ranging from five points to one point for Division II classifications).

Division I

Class 1A

1. South Pittsburg (5-1) -- 180 points (18). Last week: No. 1.

2. Coalfield (5-1) -- 157 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. McKenzie (4-2) -- 139 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Humboldt (6-0) -- 132 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Greenback (6-0) -- 106 points. Last week: No. 5.

6. Cornersville (6-0) -- 90 points. Last week: No. 6.

7. Jellico (6-0) -- 69 points. Last week: No. 7.

8. Hampton (4-2) -- 48 points. Last week: No. 8.

9. Sale Creek (4-1) -- 29 points. Last week: No. 9.

10. Huntland (5-1) -- 26 points. Last week: No. 10.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Class 2A

1. Huntingdon (6-0) -- 180 points (18). Last week: No. 1.

2. Marion County (6-0) -- 159 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. East Robertson (6-0) -- 141 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. East Nashville (3-3) -- 128 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Gordonsville (5-1) -- 105 points. Last week: No. 5.

6. Bledsoe County (5-1) -- 84 points. Last week: No. 6.

7. Happy Valley (4-1) -- 68 points. Last week: No. 7.

8. Milan (4-2) -- 58 points. Last week: No. 8.

9. Memphis Academy of Science & Engineering (3-3) -- 26 points. Last week: No. 9.

10. Fairley (4-2) -- 15 points. Last week: Not ranked.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Class 3A

1. Westview (6-0) -- 180 points (18). Last week: No. 1.

2. Meigs County (6-0) -- 152 points. Last week: No. 3.

3. Tyner Academy (5-1) -- 149 points. Last week: No. 2.

4. Forrest (6-0) -- 126 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Covington (5-1) -- 104 points. Last week: No. 6.

6. Fairview (6-0) -- 81 points. Last week: No. 7.

7. Giles County (3-2) -- 74 points. Last week: No. 5.

8. Unicoi County (5-1) -- 58 points. Last week: No. 8.

9. Whites Creek (3-1) -- 41 points. Last week: No. 9.

10. Austin-East (4-1) -- 11 points. Last week: Not ranked.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Class 4A

1. Alcoa (6-0) -- 179 points (17). Last week: No. 1.

2. Greeneville (6-0) -- 162 points (1). Last week: No. 2.

3. Pearl-Cohn (3-3) -- 139 points. Last week: No. 4.

4. Springfield (5-1) -- 116 points. Last week: No. 3.

5. Lexington (6-0) -- 105 points. Last week: No. 5.

6. White County (6-0) -- 95 points. Last week: No. 6.

7. Gibbs (5-1) -- 70 points. Last week: No. 8.

8. Anderson County (4-2) -- 52 points. Last week: No. 9.

9. Macon County (5-1) -- 41 points. Last week: No. 7.

10. Upperman (3-2) -- 24 points. Last week: No. 10.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Class 5A

1. Page (5-1) -- 172 points (12). Last week: No. 4.

2. Powell (6-0) -- 163 points (6). Last week: No. 3.

3. Sevier County (4-1) -- 144 points. Last week: No. 1.

4. Knoxville Central (5-1) -- 113 points. Last week: No. 5.

5. Munford (4-1) -- 110 points. Last week: No. 2.

6. Nolensville (6-0) -- 92 points. Last week: No. 7.

7. Beech (5-1) -- 70 points. Last week: No. 8.

8. Columbia (5-1) -- 50 points. Last week: No. 6.

9. Lincoln County (5-0) -- 49 points. Last week: No. 9.

10. Memphis Central (6-0) -- 22 points. Last week: No. 10.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Class 6A

1. Riverdale (5-1) -- 177 points (16). Last week: No. 1.

2. Maryville (5-1) -- 158 points (2). Last week: No. 2.

3. Oakland (5-1) -- 150 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Southwind (5-1) -- 112 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Antioch (6-0) -- 104 points. Last week: No. 5.

6. Brentwood (5-1) -- 95 points. Last week: No. 6.

7. Whitehaven (5-1) -- 81 points. Last week: No. 7.

8. Cleveland (5-1) -- 41 points. Last week: No. 9.

9. Lebanon (5-1) -- 40 points. Last week: No. 8.

10. Oak Ridge (5-1) -- 18 points. Last week: No. 10.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Division II-A

1. Nashville Christian (5-1) -- 90 points (18). Last week: No. 1.

2. Jackson Christian (6-0) -- 70 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. University School of Jackson (5-1) -- 51 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Friendship Christian (5-1) -- 39 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Middle Tennessee Christian (5-1) -- 14 points. Last week: No. 5.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Division II-AA

1. Battle Ground Academy (4-1) -- 90 points (18). Last week: No. 1.

2. Franklin Road Academy (4-2) -- 63 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. Grace Christian-Knoxville (5-0) -- 56 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Lakeway Christian (5-0) -- 38 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Christian Academy of Knoxville (6-0) -- 23 points. Last week: No. 5.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Division II-AAA

1. Baylor (6-0) -- 90 points (18). Last week: No. 1.

2. Brentwood Academy (4-2) -- 66 points. Last week: No. 2.

3. Briarcrest (6-0) -- 59 points. Last week: No. 3.

4. Montgomery Bell Academy (5-1) -- 29 points. Last week: No. 4.

5. Knoxville Catholic (5-1) -- 24 points. Last week: No. 5.

Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

College players of the week announced by TSWA - Sept. 22

September 22, 2026 Forrest Freeman

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Sports Writers Association has announced the fourth College Players of the Week for the 2026-27 academic year on Tuesday afternoon.

FOOTBALL: Junior Sherrill from Vanderbilt was recognized as the TSWA Football Offensive Player of the Week. Totaling 108 yards on six catches with two touchdowns, he was a part of Vanderbilt’s 3-0 start after defeating N.C. State.

In the fourth quarter, he totaled 89 receiving yards with a 43-yard touchdown reception to help the Commodores secure their largest comeback since Nov. 12, 2012.

He became the first player to eclipse 100 yards receiving for Vandy this season, and it was the third time in the last six games dating back to last year.

Malik Denkins from Austin Peay earned the TSWA Football Defensive Player of the Week accolade after totaling eight tackles, 4.5 for a loss with a sack, in its 38-16 win at West Florida to improve to 3-1.

In the fourth quarter, on a fourth-and-one play, he gave the ball back to his offense on downs with his stop.

The 4.5 tackles for loss credited to Denkins is the third-highest total in a single game by an FCS player this season, and most by a Gov since 2022.

MEN’S SOCCER: Chris Douglas from Trevecca Nazarene was selected as the TSWA Men’s Soccer Player of the Week after two goals and an assist as they improved to 5-0-2 on the year.

On Saturday against Mississippi Christian, Douglas contributed to half of the team’s six goals in a 6-2 rout of the Choctaws. He scored the first two goals of the match in the fourth and 14th minutes and later assisted on the Trojans’ fourth goal in the 30th minute.

Now with seven goals and 15 points on the season, he is ninth in Division II in goals and 12th in points.

WOMEN’S SOCCER: Courtney Jones from Vanderbilt was picked as the TSWA Women’s Soccer Player of the Week after netting two goals in their 5-0 win against Texas A&M to improve to 8-0-1 on the season and 1-0-1 in Southeastern Conference play.

She scored her first goal in the 26th minute and later added insurance with a 65th-minute goal to extend the lead to 3-0.

So far, in nine matches, she has 10 points on the year, with four goals and two assists.

VOLLEYBALL: Caitlyn Little from Memphis was honored as the TSWA Volleyball Player of the Week, recording 56 kills and 23 digs over 10 sets in victories over Ole Miss, Southern Miss and Little Rock last week.

Against the Rebels, she led all attackers with 24 kills in the four-set win and added 16 digs.

After 15 kills in the win against the Golden Eagles, she picked up 17 more in a sweep over the Trojans to wrap up the week, committing one attack error on 27 swings for a .593 percentage.

So far in 2026, her 4.07 kills per set is good for 31st in the country, and her 4.77 points are 25th-best. Both stats are tops in the American.

2026 TSWA VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Sept. 1 | Caitlyn Little, Memphis
Sept. 9 | Kelsey Schenck, Lipscomb
Sept. 15 | Samantha Wunsch, Vanderbilt
Sept. 22 | Caitlyn Little, Memphis