Too Early Football Rankings Put Tennessee Ahead of Two SEC Powerhouses

As college football fans eagerly await the start of another season, the anticipation builds, and with it, the speculation about which teams will rise to prominence. While many fans are used to seeing perennial powerhouses at the top of rankings, the landscape of college football is constantly shifting. The latest “Too Early” rankings for the 2025 season have sparked significant conversation, particularly because they place the University of Tennessee ahead of two SEC heavyweights — Alabama and Georgia.

This ranking, published before spring practices, recruiting cycles, or any action on the field, underscores an emerging trend in college football: Tennessee is a team on the rise. For years, Tennessee had been in a rebuilding phase, but now, with a talented roster and a revitalized program, they are poised to challenge some of the most dominant programs in the country.

The Vols’ Rise: A New Era in Knoxville

Tennessee’s resurgence began with head coach Josh Heupel’s hire in January 2021. Heupel, who had previously worked wonders at UCF, brought with him an up-tempo, high-scoring offense that has taken the SEC by storm. In just his second season at the helm, Heupel led the Vols to a 10-2 regular season record in 2023, which included an upset victory over Alabama and a commanding win against rival Florida. The explosive offense, led by quarterback Hendon Hooker, quickly became one of the most feared in the country.

What makes Tennessee’s rise particularly noteworthy is the rapid pace at which the team has turned around. Under former coach Jeremy Pruitt, the Vols were mired in mediocrity, failing to compete at the highest levels of the SEC. However, Heupel’s success has brought a new sense of optimism to Knoxville, and Tennessee’s success is now seen as sustainable, rather than a flash-in-the-pan anomaly.

In addition to the coaching staff, Tennessee’s recruiting efforts have also improved significantly under Heupel. The Vols have been able to secure top-tier talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball. In fact, Tennessee has established itself as one of the most potent offenses in the nation, and its ability to score at will has caught the attention of many analysts.

Alabama and Georgia: The SEC Powerhouses at a Crossroads

While Tennessee’s rise has been remarkable, the path ahead will not be without challenges. The SEC, and in particular the Southeastern division, is home to some of the most historically dominant programs in college football. Alabama and Georgia, in particular, have set the standard for success in recent years.

Alabama, under the legendary Nick Saban, has been the gold standard of college football for over a decade. Even though Alabama’s 2023 season didn’t end in a national championship, the Crimson Tide remained a formidable force. However, cracks in the foundation may be starting to appear. Saban, now in his 70s, faces questions about how long he will continue to coach at the highest level, and his ability to reload his roster every year is becoming a more difficult task. Additionally, Alabama’s offense, while still potent, has been inconsistent at times, especially with the departure of some key players. Quarterback play has been a point of concern for Alabama, as the Tide struggle to find the next great signal-caller who can lead them to a national title.

Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, has been the dominant team in the SEC in recent seasons, winning back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023. Georgia’s defense, in particular, has been its calling card, often suffocating opponents with a level of physicality and speed that few teams can match. However, with quarterback Stetson Bennett departing and a potential rebuilding phase on the horizon, many wonder how Georgia will navigate the post-Bennett era.

While both Alabama and Georgia will remain elite programs for the foreseeable future, the landscape in the SEC is beginning to look more competitive. The division is no longer a two-team race, and the emergence of Tennessee as a legitimate contender is a sign of things to come.

Why Tennessee is Ahead of Alabama and Georgia in the “Too Early” Rankings

The decision to place Tennessee ahead of Alabama and Georgia in the 2025 rankings may seem bold to some, but it’s based on several key factors that make the Vols a formidable threat.

1. Offensive Firepower: Tennessee’s offense is one of the most dynamic in the country. Heupel’s system, which relies on speed and tempo, is designed to wear down defenses and put up points quickly. With a returning quarterback who is comfortable in the system and a talented group of skill players, Tennessee’s offense will continue to be a force in the SEC. Their ability to score quickly and efficiently gives them an edge over many teams, including Georgia and Alabama, both of whom have relied heavily on defense in recent years.
2. Quarterback Development: Quarterback play is crucial in college football, and Tennessee has found stability under Heupel. While both Alabama and Georgia are in transition at the position, Tennessee appears to be ahead of the curve. The development of quarterback talent under Heupel’s coaching has been impressive, and the Vols have several options at the position, which gives them flexibility moving forward.
3. Recruiting Momentum: Tennessee’s recruiting efforts have been impressive in recent years, with the Vols consistently landing top-tier talent, especially on offense. While Georgia and Alabama have elite recruiting classes every year, Tennessee is now starting to recruit at a level that makes them a legitimate contender in the SEC. With strong recruiting classes on the horizon, the Vols’ future looks bright.
4. Alabama’s Transition Period: As mentioned earlier, Alabama may be entering a transition period. While they have one of the most talented rosters in the country, they are facing some uncertainty, particularly at quarterback. If Alabama cannot resolve these issues, their hold on the SEC might begin to slip, and Tennessee could take advantage of the opportunity.
5. Georgia’s Uncertainty at Quarterback: Similarly, Georgia is facing a critical juncture in their program with the departure of Stetson Bennett. While the Bulldogs have a strong defense and one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, the question of who will replace Bennett at quarterback is a major concern. If Georgia struggles to find consistency at that position, Tennessee could leapfrog them in the rankings.
6. Momentum and Confidence: Tennessee enters the 2025 season with a level of confidence and momentum that Alabama and Georgia may not be able to match. After a strong 2023 season and a victory over Alabama, the Vols are riding high, and that confidence can carry over into the next season. The sense of belief within the program is palpable, and it can be a key factor in their continued success.