Tennessee linebackers coach William Inge released a statement Friday, addressing his recent hospitalization.
The Tennessee Athletics Department announced Thursday that Inge had been hospitalized because of a personal medical issue. The program did not disclose further details and asked for privacy for Inge and his family.
A day later, the Volunteers shared a message from the 52-year-old in which he provided an update on his condition:
“I appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. I am resting comfortably. I am fighting this illness just like our team fights on Saturdays on the field. I look forward to supporting our team and wish them well tomorrow. GBO.”
Inge is in his third season as Tennessee's linebackers coach after joining Josh Heupel's staff in 2024. With Inge on board, the Volunteers' defense took a giant leap forward, moving from No. 32 nationally in 2023 to No. 6 in 2024, his first season in Knoxville.
That 2024 campaign also saw Tennessee reach the College Football Playoff for the first time. During Inge's first year, the Volunteers' linebacker unit ranked among the top 10 in the FBS in six categories.
Article Continues BelowInge has spent decades coaching at the college level. His previous stops included Washington, Fresno State, Indiana, Buffalo, Northern Iowa, Colorado, San Diego State and Cincinnati.
As a player, the Missouri native competed at Iowa from 1993 through 1996 after redshirting in 1992. He became a Hawkeyes co-captain as a senior and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition, finishing his Iowa career with 67 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.
Inge has also played a role in the development of Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter, who earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2025 and is currently a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.
Tennessee, ranked No. 14, is scheduled to host No. 1 Texas at Neyland Stadium on Saturday at noon ET.