Tennessee’s Close Call in the College Football Playoff: What Needs to Change for a Deeper Run?
In the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP), Tennessee achieved a monumental milestone by securing its first-ever playoff berth under head coach Josh Heupel. The program had reached new heights, capturing national attention and the excitement of Volunteers fans. However, despite the immense achievement, Tennessee’s 42-17 loss to Ohio State in the CFP’s first round highlighted that the gap between the Vols and the true elite teams in college football remains significant. The loss was a sobering reminder that while Tennessee is certainly on the rise, it is still a few steps behind programs like Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama in terms of overall talent and depth.
While Heupel and his team have proven themselves capable of reaching the top echelon of college football, the performance against Ohio State exposed several areas where the Volunteers must improve to be true national title contenders. As 247Sports’ Cody Nagel points out, closing this gap, especially for Tennessee’s quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, could be the key to achieving greater success in the future. To do so, Tennessee must upgrade in several critical areas, from skill-position talent to offensive line play, in order to maximize Iamaleava’s potential and truly compete at the highest level.
The Progress Under Heupel: Building a Foundation
Under Heupel, Tennessee has seen a dramatic turnaround. Since his arrival in 2021, the Volunteers have accumulated 30 combined wins over the past three seasons, a clear sign of the program’s growth and upward trajectory. In 2024, they earned a spot in the College Football Playoff, a feat that many believed was several years away. Heupel’s high-powered offense has become the hallmark of his coaching style, leading the Vols to be one of the most explosive offenses in college football.
However, while Tennessee’s offense has been prolific, it still lacks the consistency and depth to compete with the most elite programs in the sport. The loss to Ohio State underscored that the Vols still have work to do, particularly when it comes to supporting their redshirt freshman quarterback, Nico Iamaleava.
Nico Iamaleava’s 2024 Season: Promise and Limitations
Iamaleava’s 2024 season certainly showed flashes of the immense talent that made him a highly regarded recruit. With 2,616 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, and only five interceptions, Iamaleava put up solid numbers for a freshman quarterback. On the surface, these statistics are impressive for any first-year player, and Iamaleava’s potential is undeniable.
Yet, when compared to the performances of quarterbacks at other elite programs, such as Bryce Young’s 4,872 passing yards and 47 touchdowns in his first season at Alabama, Iamaleava’s numbers fall short. Young’s success was a product of more than just his talent—it was also the result of a strong supporting cast around him, including a talented offensive line, a deep group of skill players, and a well-rounded coaching staff that maximized his abilities.
Tennessee’s offense, while explosive at times, struggled with consistency in 2024. Iamaleava was often left with limited help from his surrounding players, particularly in the passing game. This one-dimensional offense, combined with offensive line issues and a lack of elite playmakers, ultimately limited the effectiveness of Tennessee’s attack. As a result, Iamaleava’s potential was not fully realized, and the Vols were unable to mount a serious challenge to Ohio State, a team that has a more complete, balanced roster.
The Need for Improvement Around Iamaleava
To truly unlock Iamaleava’s potential and elevate Tennessee’s program, the team must improve in several key areas. While Iamaleava has the tools to become one of the top quarterbacks in college football, he needs the right supporting cast to take that next step. As Nagel suggests, Tennessee’s coaching staff must focus on improving the situation around Iamaleava, particularly in the following areas:
Skill-Position Players: A Consistent Threat
One of the key areas where Tennessee needs to improve is in its skill-position players, especially at wide receiver. The loss of seven of Iamaleava’s top receiving weapons after the 2024 season is a major blow. With players like Squirrel White and Rommel Keaton potentially departing, the Vols must replenish their receiving corps in order to give Iamaleava the reliable playmakers he needs.
A lack of depth at wide receiver often limited Iamaleava’s options in 2024, and without consistent playmakers, the offense struggled to maintain momentum, especially against top-tier defenses. A dynamic group of receivers—players who can stretch the field, make tough catches, and create mismatches—will be crucial to making Iamaleava’s arm even more dangerous. Recruiting and developing such players should be a top priority for Heupel and his staff in the coming years.
Offensive Line: Better Protection for Iamaleava
Another key area where Tennessee must improve is in the offensive line. Iamaleava, despite his raw talent, faced challenges due to inconsistent protection throughout the 2024 season. The offensive line was often overmatched by the superior pass rushes of teams like Ohio State and Alabama. As a result, Iamaleava was pressured far too often, which disrupted the offense’s rhythm and left the quarterback unable to showcase his full potential.
Improving the offensive line will not only allow Iamaleava to stand tall in the pocket and read the defense more effectively, but it will also help the running game become more productive. This, in turn, would create a more balanced attack that could keep opposing defenses off-balance. Tennessee must focus on recruiting stronger, more experienced linemen and continue to develop the young players currently on the roster.
Depth and Playmakers in the Running Back Room
While the Vols have a solid running back group, adding more depth and playmakers to the backfield will provide another dimension to the offense. A reliable running game is essential for any high-powered offense, especially one that relies on play-action passing to open up big plays down the field. If Tennessee can find a few dynamic running backs who can consistently gain yards and contribute in the passing game, it will give Iamaleava even more opportunities to operate effectively in a balanced offense.
Defensive Improvements
Though the focus here is on Iamaleava’s development, it’s important to note that Tennessee’s defensive performance will also need to improve if the Vols are to become a serious national contender. In their playoff loss to Ohio State, the defense struggled to contain the Buckeyes’ explosive offense, which took full advantage of Tennessee’s vulnerabilities. In the 2025 season, Heupel will need to focus on strengthening his defensive unit, especially against high-powered offenses.
The Clock is Ticking for Heupel and Iamaleava
While Tennessee has made significant strides under Heupel’s leadership, the clock is ticking for the program to make a deeper run in the College Football Playoff. The Vols have shown they can win 10 or more games in a season, but to truly contend for an SEC title and a national championship, they need to close the gap with the sport’s elite programs.
Nico Iamaleava, with his immense talent, has the potential to be a star. However, Tennessee’s success in 2025 and beyond depends on whether they can build the right supporting cast around him. If Heupel and his staff can address the deficiencies in skill positions, the offensive line, and the defense, the Volunteers could very well be a serious contender for the national title in the near future.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff was a landmark achievement for the program. However, their blowout loss to Ohio State revealed that they are not yet at the level of the true elite teams in college football. To compete for SEC titles and deeper playoff runs, Tennessee needs to close the gap, particularly around quarterback Nico Iamaleava. By improving the skill positions, enhancing protection for Iamaleava, and shoring up the defense, the Vols have the potential to take that next step and emerge as a legitimate national contender in 2025 and beyond.
