Momentum is at an all-time high at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a new halftime spot showcases the energy around campus and celebrates the university’s highly ranked programs, expert faculty and a year of record-breaking success in athletics.
Student Denzel Dejournette, representing the university’s nationally renowned Master of Fine Arts in acting program, narrates the 30-second spot. Dejournette came to UT’s competitive MFA program after a career as a professional wrestler with the WWE.
Other academic areas making an appearance include the College of Nursing, which continues to help ease nursing workforce shortages with regional partnerships, increased recruitment and a new state-of-the-art building opening in fall 2025.
Also featured is the top-ranked nuclear engineering program, which recently secured a $25 million cooperative agreement awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy, making UT the lead institution in a consortium that will advance global security, clean energy and artificial intelligence.
The spot highlights UT’s lead role in supporting the design, installation and management of 16 soccer stadium fields and dozens of training sites for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
And rounding out the most successful year in UT athletics history is the celebration of the Vols’ first baseball national championship, four Southeastern Conference titles, and third consecutive win of the SEC All-Sports Trophy.
The video will premiere during the Vols’ matchup with UT Chattanooga in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31, and it will be nationally televised during future UT sporting events.