Tennessee linebacker Keenan Pili revealed on social media on Friday afternoon that he will be returning to Rocky Top for a second season in 2024 after receiving an extension of eligibility waiver from the NCAA.
According to a Tennessee official, the waiver was granted early on Friday, giving Pili the chance to play college football for a seventh season.
Pili sent a statement on a graphic he posted on social media with the caption, “Vol Nation, thank you for welcoming me into the Knoxville family.” Let’s rerun it in 2024.
Pili sent a statement on a graphic he posted on social media with the caption, “Vol Nation, thank you for welcoming me into the Knoxville family.” Let’s rerun it in 2024.
In Tennessee’s season-opening victory over Virginia on September 2, Pili sustained an upper-body injury that would ultimately cost him the rest of the campaign. With his leadership and experience, as well as his ability to play as a run defender in the box and in space with his range and covering skills, Pili was a valuable addition to the heart of the defense when the Vols acquired him from BYU through the transfer portal in December.
He participated in 11 games in 2019 in his first season after his mission, making one start versus USC. That season, Pili had a total of 25 tackles, including 17 solo stops. The following year, 2020, he had a standout redshirt-sophomore season, finishing second on the team with 72 total tackles. Pili earned Second Team All-Independent recognition by starting eight of ten games. After BYU defeated UCF 49–23, he was also voted the Boca Raton Bowl Defensive MVP.
After high school, Pili was named a Semper Fi All-American and was a safety. In 2015, he lead Timpview to an 11-2 record and a spot in the UHSAA 4A State Football Championship game. He was chosen to the Salt Lake Tribune Coaches’ All-State Class 4A Second Team. He has 70 tackles, one sack, three fumble recoveries, and one blocked field goal in his final year.
