Who is Max Gilbert? What to know about Tennessee's sophomore kicker who missed game-winning FG vs. Georgia

David Suggs

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Who is Max Gilbert? What to know about Tennessee's sophomore kicker who missed game-winning FG vs. Georgia image

No. 15 Tennessee's hopes for a momentous victory in its duel with No. 6 Georgia turned to ashes on Saturday evening.

The Volunteers (2-1) were served a devastating loss on Saturday night, falling 44-41 to the Bulldogs in overtime. Tennessee found itself in prime position to secure a win in regulation's waning moments, finding itself in possession of the ball in field goal range with seven seconds left.

Up stepped its youthful kicking specialist, Max Gilbert. The Memphis native had hoped to etch his name in lights as he lined up his try from 43 yards out.

But it spurned the upright's embrace. Gilbert's effort went wide, pushing the game into overtime. Two possessions later, the Bulldogs were up for good.

With that, here's what you need to know about Gilbert.

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Who is Max Gilbert?

Gilbert is Tennessee's starting kicker. The sophomore specialist earned five-star billing by Kohl's Kicking. He was also considered a four-star punter in Kohl's ranking.

A Memphis native, Gilbert attended Lausanne Collegiate School. He sank 45-of-46 extra points and six field goals during his final year, including a 47-yard effort.

Gilbert was a noted soccer talent, nabbing an All-State soccer team nod as a sophomore. He also netted a nomination for All-Metro soccer player of the year.

Gilbert committed to the Volunteeers in Sept. 2022.

Where did Max Gilbert go to high school?

Gilbert attended Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis. The 875-person school has gained a reputation as more of a basketball school, having served as the alma mater for Marc Gasol, Skal Labissiere and Cameron Payne, among others. Football players to emerge from the school in recent years include Florida State QB Brock Glenn and Giants kick returner Eric Gray.

Where is Max Gilbert from?

Gilbert hails from Memphis, located about six hours from Tennessee's campus.

Max Gilbert season stats

Gilbert entered his contest with the Bulldogs having sank each of his four field goal attempts. His perfect record went by the wayside in Tennessee's loss; he's now 6-of-7 from distance and 12-of-12 on extra points in 2025.

David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.