Furman (1-0) kicked off its 2026 football season Thursday against Anderson University (0-1). The Paladins won, 20-3, in their season opener at Paladin Stadium in Greenville, South Carolina.
Furman will next play at No. 18 Tennessee on Sept. 5 (3:30 p.m. EDT, SEC Network+).
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Fifth-year quarterback Jake Garcia started for Furman on Thursday. He completed 15-of-28 passing attempts for 183 yards and one interception. Garcia also totaled 51 rushing yards on nine attempts.
Furman’s leading wide receiver was Daniel Haughton with five receptions and 87 yards. CJ Nettles recorded 99 rushing yards and Ben Croasdale scored two rushing yards for Furman.
Garcia transferred to Furman from Michigan. Before his one season with the Wolverines, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback also played at East Carolina (2024), Missouri (2023) and Miami (2021-22).
The 2021 four-star prospect committed and signed with the Hurricanes on Dec. 16, 2020 during the early signing period. Tennessee was one of 10 top schools for his commitment, along with Arizona State, Auburn, LSU, Florida, Florida State, San Jose State, Georgia and USC.
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The Vols offered Garcia a scholarship on Jan. 31, 2019.
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
George MacIntyre (L) and Faizon Brandon (R). Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
George MacIntyre (L) and Faizon Brandon (R). Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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2026 Tennessee football depth chart projection: Offense
Josh Heupel. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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Tennessee’s success with first-year starting quarterbacks detailed
George MacIntyre. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
Faizon Brandon. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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2026 Tennessee football depth chart projection: Offense
Sam Pendleton. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
David Sanders Jr. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
Braylon Staley. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
TK Keys. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
Ory Williams. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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DeSean Bishop a ‘consummate pro’ entering fourth season at Tennessee
DeSean Bishop. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
Faizon Brandon. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
Faizon Brandon. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
George MacIntyre. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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Tennessee tight end DaSaahn Brame’s growth since spring detailed
DaSaahn Brame. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
JJ Finch. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
Ryan Staub. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
Deon Hardin. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
CJ Edwards. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
Dereon Albert. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp
JJ Finch. Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Furman football wins season opener against Anderson University
