Donald Trump can't help himself as Tennessee rally crowd mocked over CFB heartache he watched

19:16 ET, 10 Oct 2026Updated 20:16 ET, 10 Oct 2026

Donald Trump couldn't resist mentioning Tennessee's recent defeat to arch-rivals Texas during his rally in the state.

The President has become a regular fixture at major sporting events throughout his second term in office, attending numerous college football games. Trump was present at the 2025 CFP championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, witnessing Indiana claim their first national title with a 27-21 victory over Miami.

Last month, Trump chose to disregard heightened security concerns to witness No. 1 Texas' visit to Tennessee — one of the season's most anticipated college football clashes. More recently, a lip reader revealed Trump's admission to Mike Tyson before the boxing legend exposed his "lie."

The Texas vs. Tennessee matchup marked the first encounter between the two programs since the 1969 Cotton Bowl, and Trump was determined to be there.

Approximately 40 minutes before kickoff, Air Force One executed a flyover of Neyland Stadium as it approached, soaring remarkably low while generating a thunderous response from spectators below before Trump officially landed. His image appeared on the stadium's video board, prompting applause alongside a divided response.

In the end, Trump witnessed Texas doing precisely enough to preserve their undefeated record in 2026. Arch Manning had difficulties, completing passes for 201 yards and throwing an interception while Raleek Brown found the end zone on two occasions.

However, Tennessee faltered as well, permitting an unimpressive Longhorns offense to visit and secure the victory.

At his Clarksville rally on Saturday, Trump drew attention to the Volunteers' lackluster performance in the loss, though the team rebounded with a win against Auburn the next week.

"I was here a couple of weeks ago: Tennessee against Texas. What the hell happened to you?" Trump said to the crowd.

He then admitted, "It was a good game. But I want to be nice. In fact, I was going to say I was here to see the game, but then I realized you didn't do that well in that game, and I said, 'Maybe I won't bring it up' — but I'll bring it up anyway!"

Trump's presence at the Texas matchup may be connected to his efforts supporting the Protect College Sports Act. The legislation sailed through the Senate last week, earning 74 votes against the required 60.

Texas standout pass-rusher Colin Simmons found himself in controversy for his behavior in front of the watching president. Simmons spearheaded an overpowering defensive performance, matching a school record with five sacks, but one post-sack celebration following his takedown of Vols quarterback Faizon Brandon proved especially vulgar.

Simmons seemed to pantomime unzipping his trousers and relieving himself during his celebration, resulting in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty officially documented as "simulating using the restroom."

The penalty flag completely nullified the impact of the sack, automatically handing the Vols a first down on what had been a fourth-and-29 situation.

Simmons subsequently issued an apology for his conduct and was reprimanded by Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian.

It comes after Barack Obama's classy tribute to "big Trump supporter" NFL legend Mike Ditka.