NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Brandon Kennedy, OL – University of Tennessee
3.55 GPA – Psychology
Head Coach: Jeremy Pruitt | Athletics Director: Phillip Fulmer
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Donald Bruce
With two master's degrees to his name, Brandon Kennedy has been called "the mastermind of the offense" by his Tennessee teammates. The Wetumpka, Alabama, native is the Volunteers' seventh NFF National Scholar-Athlete.
A grad transfer, Kennedy earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Alabama in just three years. After earning a master's degree from Tennessee in sports psychology and motor behavior in December of 2019, he graduated this fall with a second master's degree in agricultural leadership, education and communications. The 2019 Academic All-District selection and two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member has maintained a 3.86 cumulative GPA during his postgraduate studies at Tennessee.
Kennedy started at center in all but two games for the 2020 Vols. In 2019, he led Tennessee to an 8-5 record and a win in the Gator Bowl, the program's first postseason berth and victory since 2016. Kennedy was part of an offensive unit last season that allowed only 21 sacks last season while paving the way for an offense that averaged 145 rushing yards per game.
While playing at Alabama, Kennedy helped the Crimson Tide to the 2016 SEC title and consecutive appearances in the College Football Playoff National Championship, winning the championship following the 2017 season.
An example off the field, Kennedy has volunteered for the Humane Society and the Special Olympics Winter Games. An annual participant in Read Across America events, he has also volunteered for the Make a Difference Foundation.
