The 2026 college football season hasn't started yet, but Tennessee is already feeling some massive holes in its defense due to preseason injuries.Safety Edrees Farooq was taken to UT Medical Center by ambulance on Aug. 14 with a knee injury he suffered in practice. On Aug. 15, it was confirmed he will be out for the season due to that injury.REQUIRED READING: Top 10 games of 2026 college football season include big dose of Arch Manning"Edrees Farooq suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon in his right knee at practice on Friday morning," the statement reads. "We stand with Edrees and support him as he begins the recovery process. We know he will continue to make a strong leadership impact on our team this fall."Farooq joins Miami transfer CB Jadais Richard (upper-body injury) and sophomore LB Jaedon Harmon (torn ACL) as Vols defenders to be out for the year in defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' first season in Knoxville. Star linebacker Arion Carter will also miss the Vols' first two games due to a suspension for accepting a flight from his agent.'I truly believe is bull****': Josh Heupel reacts to Arion Carter suspensionEdrees Farooq injury updateFarooq's torn patellar tendon will sideline him for the year. Farooq, who was to play as a junior this season, still has eligibility after this year.There will be competition to take Farooq's starting role this season, with several transfers vying for the slot."I hate it for Edrees. I hate it for Jaedon," Vols coach Josh Heupel said during his media availability Aug. 15. "Two plays that [were] not heavy contact, either — just unique body positions and, you know, ultimately have real injuries. Hate it for both of them, because they're both great teammates. They've both had great offseasons. Guys that have invested in the growth of understanding the game, their position, their bodies."It's also why I know, through this rehab process, they're going to handle it like pros and come out the other side. They've got great futures ahead of them."This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vols starting safety Edrees Farooq out for season after being taken to hospital

Source: Yahoo Sports