Knoxville, TN — What should have been a clean, dominant performance by Tennessee football against UAB took an unexpected turn when an ugly moment overshadowed part of the Vols’ 56-24 victory on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
Late in the first half, Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert—who has faced scrutiny in recent weeks after missing a potential game-winner against Georgia—was the target of a controversial and dangerous play. Following a routine PAT conversion, UAB defensive back Sirad Bryant was caught by television cameras stomping on Gilbert’s foot, sending the Vols’ kicker to the turf in visible pain. The act was quickly deemed a dirty and unnecessary move that sparked anger among Tennessee fans and players alike.
Social media exploded with replays and criticism, labeling the stomp as one of the dirtiest plays of the young season. However, just hours after the final whistle, Bryant took to Instagram to issue a public apology. He called his actions “inexcusable,” expressing regret to Gilbert, his own teammates, coaches, and fans. “It was heat-of-the-moment, and I lost control. I’m sorry to Max Gilbert and everyone I let down,” Bryant wrote.
For Gilbert, the incident didn’t shake his confidence. The sophomore kicker bounced back in style, going a perfect 7-for-7 on extra points to cap off an encouraging performance. The flawless outing was especially meaningful, as it came just a week after his heartbreaking miss against Georgia—a kick that could have secured one of the Vols’ biggest wins in years.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel praised Gilbert’s resilience, noting that special teams can define momentum. “Max responded the right way today. He showed toughness and focus, which is exactly what this team needed from him,” Heupel said.
Beyond the drama, Tennessee’s offense rolled with ease. Quarterback Joey Aguilar continued to impress, spreading the ball efficiently and piling up touchdowns. The defense, however, had some lapses, conceding 24 points to UAB, a detail that defensive coordinator Tim Banks acknowledged needs addressing.
Still, the Vols leave non-conference play with a 3-1 record, turning their attention to an SEC showdown at Mississippi State next week. With Gilbert regaining his rhythm and the team’s offense firing on all cylinders, Tennessee looks poised to build momentum heading into the heart of the schedule.
As for the controversy, the message from Vol Nation is mixed—some say forgive, others say never forget. But one thing is certain: Max Gilbert proved he’s ready to put the past behind him and deliver for Tennessee when it matters most.
