The Tennessee Volunteers football team has experienced a resurgence under head coach Josh Heupel, culminating in a 10–3 season in 2024 and a College Football Playoff appearance. Despite this success, ESPN projects the Vols to finish fourth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for the upcoming season, indicating both the program’s progress and the heightened competition within the conference.
In 2024, Tennessee achieved its second Top-10 finish in three years, concluding the season ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press Top 25 and No. 8 in the Amway Coaches Poll. The Vols’ 10–3 record included victories over ranked teams and a strong defensive performance, with defensive coordinator Tim Banks earning Broyles Award finalist honors. However, the team’s three losses came on the road, including a first-round playoff defeat to Ohio State, highlighting areas for improvement in away games.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, ESPN’s projections reflect the challenges Tennessee faces. The Vols are expected to contend with a more difficult schedule, including road games at Florida and Alabama, and a home matchup against Georgia. Maintaining consistency and improving performance in these high-stakes games will be crucial for Tennessee’s success.
Despite these challenges, Tennessee’s recruiting efforts have bolstered the roster. The addition of five-star offensive tackle David Sanders and former Arizona guard Wendell Moe Jr. aims to strengthen the offensive line, which will be pivotal in protecting quarterback Nico Iamaleava and establishing a balanced offense. Defensively, the Vols return key players such as linebacker Arion Carter and cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III, providing a solid foundation for the defense.
In summary, while ESPN projects Tennessee to finish fourth in the SEC for the upcoming season, the program’s trajectory under Heupel suggests that the Vols are well-positioned to compete at a high level. With strategic improvements and continued development, Tennessee aims to challenge for top honors in the SEC and beyond
