Peyton Lewis News, Rumors, Updates - Virginia Cavaliers

Losing starting battle Lewis is seen as the 1B option in the Cavaliers' backfield behind Jekail Middlebrook for the 2026 season, according to Matt Wilson of SI.com.

Impact Lewis was seen as the likely starter entering camp, but according to Wilson, Middlebrook "hasn't just won the starting running back job, he completely ran away with it." As things stand now, Lewis should be seen as the 1B option in the backfield. While he still has all-purpose potential, he's quickly losing ground in the race for a starting role. Lewis spent the previous two seasons at Tennessee, racking up 290 yards and seven scores on 70 carries in 2025.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Deemed 'most complete package' Lewis has been labeled as the "most complete package" in Virginia's running back room by head coach Tony Elliot, per Preston Willet of The Sabre.

Impact Lewis spent the previous two seasons at Tennessee. In 2025, he ran for 290 yards and seven scores on 70 carries. He appears primed to be an all-purpose back for the Cavaliers, and this high praise from his head coach should preface a big role this fall.

APRIL 21 • ROTOWIRE

Signs with Virginia Lewis will transfer to Virginia, per On3.com.

Impact Lewis spent two seasons with Tennessee, and ran for 629 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rotational back in both seasons there. Looking for a bigger role, he'll head to Virginia, where he should manage to carve out a solid role following the departure of J'Mari Taylor.

JANUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Plans on entering portal Lewis plans to enter the transfer portal, Adam Sparks of the Knoxville News Sentinel reports.

Impact Lewis will have two years of eligibility remaining. In 19 career games with the Volunteers, Lewis accumulated 629 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. The decision puts his availability for Tennessee's Dec. 30 Bowl Game against Illinois in doubt.

DECEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Good to go Week 14 Lewis (undisclosed) is off the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against Vanderbilt.

Impact Lewis was questionable leading up to the game as he dealt with an undisclosed injury. The sophomore running back will look to make an impact after totaling 70 carries for 290 yards and seven touchdowns across 10 appearances this season.

NOVEMBER 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable vs. Vanderbilt Lewis (undisclosed) is questionable for Saturday's game against Vanderbilt.

Impact Lewis might have an outside shot at playing for the first time since Week 12. The tailback has 70 carries for 290 yards and seven scores, as well as four catches for 42 yards, in 10 games.

NOVEMBER 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as out Saturday Lewis (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's game at Florida.

Impact Lewis will miss his first game of the season after popping up on the injury report this week. The sophomore rusher will now aim for a return next Saturday against Vanderbilt. He's recorded 21 rushes for 72 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games.

NOVEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Denoted as questionable Lewis (undisclosed) is questionable for Tennessee's clash with Florida.

Impact Lewis has been a backup tailback for the Volunteers this season, but has still seen a solid workload with 70 carries for 290 yards and seven touchdowns. It's unclear what's bothering the halfback, but if he can't go, expect an uptick in carries for DeSean Bishop, Star Thomas and potentially freshman Duane Morris.

NOVEMBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Finds end zone in win Lewis recorded 10 carries for 42 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's 42-9 win over New Mexico State.

Impact The sophomore running back added another score to his season total, reinforcing his red-zone presence and ability to finish drives. While he has failed to finish with at least 50 rushing yards in his previous six performances, his touchdowns keeps him in the rotation as a trusted option near the goal line. To elevate his fantasy value, Lewis will need to show more consistent volume and perhaps break off longer runs. With Tennessee's next matchup against the Gators, his role in sustaining drives and punching in short-yardage scores could become especially important.

NOVEMBER 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Scores twice in win Lewis logged eight rushes for 33 yards and two touchdowns during Saturday's 34-31 win over Arkansas.

Impact The sophomore running back converted in the red zone when it mattered most, punching in both scores to turn a close game into a win. Though his overall yardage was modest, Lewis now has scored in all but two games this season, making him a trusted short-yardage option. He'll be counted on again in goal-line situations when Tennessee heads to Alabama.

OCTOBER 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

No. 12 Tennessee surges ahead in third quarter, holds off Arkansas Peyton Lewis rushed for two touchdowns, and the No.12 Tennessee Volunteers broke a halftime tie to beat Arkansas 34-31 in Bobby Petrino's re...

OCTOBER 12, 2025 • THENEWSTRIBUNE.COM

DeSean Bishop runs for 146 yards and a TD to lead No. 12 Tennessee past Arkansas, 34-31

DeSean Bishop ran for a career-high 146 yards and a touchdown to lead No. 12 Tennessee to a 34-31 victory over Arkansas in the Razorbacks’ first game since coach Sam Pittman was fi...

OCTOBER 12, 2025 • Associated Press

Scores in win Lewis compiled 11 rushes for 81 yards and one touchdown and gathered in 0 of 1 targets for zero yards during Saturday's 56-24 win over UAB.

Impact The sophomore back flashed big-play ability, highlighted by a long touchdown run that showcased his speed in the open field. Lewis' explosiveness adds another dimension to Tennessee's backfield, and he could continue to carve out a role when the Vols face Mississippi State next week.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Everything Peyton Lewis, Jalen McMurray, and Kaleb Beasley Said Following the Win Over UAB Peyton Lewis Jalen McMurray, and Kaleb Beasley were three of the selected players to meet with the media following the 56-24 win over UAB. J...

SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 • SI.COM

No. 6 Georgia looking to extend win streak to 9 against No. 15 Tennessee in Neyland Stadium

Georgia has dominated its rivalry with Tennessee, winning eight straight games

SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 • Associated Press

Aguilar passes for 3 touchdowns as No. 24 Tennessee beats Syracuse 45-26 in season opener

Joey Aguilar passed for 247 yards and three touchdowns, and No. 24 Tennessee held off Syracuse for a 45-26 win

AUGUST 30, 2025 • Associated Press

Peyton Lewis is Tennessee's 'Greek god' – and maybe the next great running back for the Vols Peyton Lewis, with the physique of a “Greek god” according to his position coach, is poised to play a big role in Tennessee’s backfield as a...

AUGUST 13, 2025 • 247SPORTS.COM

Logs 77 rushing yards Lewis (undisclosed) compiled 10 carries for 77 yards and hauled in all three targets for seven yards during Saturday's 42-17 defeat versus Ohio State.

Impact Lewis finished his 2024 season having logged his most rushing yards since Week 3, when he recorded 99 of them against Kent State. He will finish this year, his first, with 64 carries for 339 yards (5.3 averaged per carry) and three touchdowns. 2024 was a strong first year for Lewis, who could build towards being a top running back in 2025, especially if Tennessee's team fails to acquire anyone else after losing Dylan Sampson (pro draft prep).

DECEMBER 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Tennessee's Lewis has 'out of this world' season jumping from Salem to SEC The running back and return man has played in every game for the Volunteers as a true freshman.

DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROANOKE.COM

Done for day Lewis is out for the rest of Saturday's game against Vanderbilt, Rocky Top Insider reports.

Impact Lewis suffered the injury in the first quarter and won't be able to return. The true freshman has been used more as a backup over the past four weeks, posting 144 yards on 35 carries coming into Saturday.

NOVEMBER 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Scores twice in win Lewis recorded seven carries for 46 yards and two touchdowns and reeled in 0 of 1 targets for zero yards during Saturday's 56-0 win versus UTEP.

Impact Lewis had his first multi-touchdown performance of his career, which included a 6-yard run during the third quarter. The freshman running back will hope to have earned carries for Saturday's game against Vanderbilt.

NOVEMBER 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Fully integrated into everything Lewis (undisclosed) is fully integrated back into Tennessee's football program, Grant Ramey of On3.com reports.

Impact In short, Lewis is fully healthy after undergoing cleanup surgery just before or during the spring. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound freshman will look to establish himself as a key piece in Tennessee's running game.

JULY 16, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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DeSean Bishop runs for 146 yards and a TD to lead No. 12 Tennessee past Arkansas, 34-31

No. 6 Georgia looking to extend win streak to 9 against No. 15 Tennessee in Neyland Stadium

Aguilar passes for 3 touchdowns as No. 24 Tennessee beats Syracuse 45-26 in season opener