As of January 2025, the Tennessee Volunteers find themselves in an interesting position in the college football landscape, having made considerable progress in recent years under head coach Josh Heupel. After years of fluctuating performance and rebuilding efforts, Tennessee has solidified itself as a force to be reckoned with in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and nationally. With the early 2025 college football rankings indicating a continued rise in prominence, it’s time to explore where the Vols stand, what has led to their resurgence, and what the future might hold.
1. The Rise of Tennessee under Josh Heupel
When Josh Heupel took over the reins of the Tennessee football program in 2021, the Vols were in a period of transition. After a turbulent stretch under former coaches Jeremy Pruitt and Butch Jones, Tennessee’s program was in need of a revitalization. Heupel, with his up-tempo, high-scoring offensive philosophy, quickly became the face of Tennessee’s comeback.
In his first season, Heupel led the Vols to a 7-6 record and showcased his offensive prowess, despite facing challenges in the SEC. By his second season, Tennessee experienced a significant leap forward, finishing 11-2 and securing a spot in the New Year’s Six bowl games. Quarterback Hendon Hooker emerged as one of the top players in the nation, leading a high-octane offense that scored at will and revitalized excitement among Vols fans.
The 2023 season saw the Volunteers continue to build on their momentum, finishing with an impressive 11-2 record again, and with a strong finish to the regular season, including a thrilling victory over rival Alabama. Heupel’s system was beginning to attract top-tier talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, while Tennessee’s defense, though still a work in progress, was improving steadily.
2. Tennessee in the 2025 Preseason Rankings
Heading into the 2025 season, the Tennessee Volunteers were ranked highly in the early college football rankings. While the official rankings were still being formulated, early projections had Tennessee sitting comfortably in the Top 10, with some sources placing them as high as No. 6 nationally. This is a remarkable achievement for a program that had long struggled to regain its footing after the height of its success in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Vols’ ranking was a reflection of their continued upward trajectory, bolstered by the leadership of Heupel, the return of key players, and the infusion of fresh talent through recruiting. Notably, Tennessee’s offense was expected to remain one of the most potent in college football, with several key contributors returning from the previous season, including dynamic playmakers at the quarterback and wide receiver positions.
3. Offensive Strengths: A High-Flying Attack
Tennessee’s offensive identity is undeniable under Josh Heupel, and it’s a major reason for the Vols’ current standing among the nation’s elite teams. The “Fast and Furious” offense that Heupel brought to Tennessee was designed to capitalize on speed, spacing, and tempo. It has been a significant upgrade from the more conservative styles employed by the Vols in the years prior.
One of the key components of Tennessee’s offense has been the development of its quarterback position. Hendon Hooker, who was a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2023, graduated, but the Vols are still in a strong position with talented quarterbacks stepping up. Quarterbacks like Joe Milton III, a veteran with a powerful arm, were expected to step into the starting role with the potential to put up big numbers. Milton’s experience, along with his ability to stretch the field vertically, was a factor that kept Tennessee near the top of the rankings heading into 2025.
The wide receiver group has also been a significant strength for Tennessee. With playmakers like Bru McCoy and Squirrel White, Tennessee’s passing attack is one of the most dangerous in college football. The speed and athleticism of the Vols’ receiving corps allow them to stretch the field and create mismatches against virtually every opponent they face.
Tennessee’s running game is also an area of strength. Although the Vols have often been known for their aerial assault, running backs like Jaylen Wright and Dylan Sampson provided a strong foundation in 2024, and their continued development in 2025 would likely contribute to Tennessee’s offensive success. Heupel’s ability to blend the running game with the passing attack ensures that opposing defenses have to prepare for both elements, making the Vols even harder to defend.
4. Defensive Progress: Rising to the Challenge
While Tennessee’s offense has been the team’s most celebrated facet in recent years, the defense has taken significant strides as well. In 2024, Tennessee’s defense was much improved over the previous years, with coordinator Tim Banks implementing a more aggressive scheme that took advantage of the team’s depth and athleticism.
The Vols’ defensive line, which had often been a weak point in the past, was solidified in 2024, with young stars emerging and adding depth to the front seven. The linebacker corps, led by players like Juwan Mitchell, became more consistent and aggressive, and the secondary also showed significant improvement, with players like Kamal Hadden stepping up as playmakers.
In 2025, the defense was expected to continue its upward trajectory. Tennessee was poised to be a much more well-rounded team, capable of shutting down both the run and pass, which could allow them to be more competitive in SEC games. For the Vols to maintain their position in the Top 10 and even push for a playoff berth, their defense would have to continue to improve and meet the challenge of facing some of the most high-powered offenses in the country.
5. The SEC Gauntlet: Tennessee’s Schedule in 2025
The Southeastern Conference is one of the most competitive leagues in college football, and Tennessee’s schedule in 2025 was expected to be a significant challenge. Each year, Tennessee faces a brutal slate of games against rivals and top-ranked opponents, and 2025 was no different.
Tennessee’s SEC schedule includes matchups against perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, all of which present formidable tests. The Alabama game, in particular, has become one of the most highly anticipated matchups on the Vols’ schedule after Tennessee’s dramatic win over the Tide in 2023. Alabama, under head coach Nick Saban, has always been one of the top programs in the country, and facing them will continue to be a measuring stick for Tennessee’s progress.
Georgia, the defending national champions in 2024, is another critical matchup for Tennessee. The Bulldogs’ dominance on both sides of the ball has set the standard in the SEC, and Tennessee will need to perform at an elite level to compete with them in 2025. The Vols’ game against Georgia could have significant playoff implications, and it is one of the most anticipated games on the schedule.
Florida, which has had its own ups and downs in recent seasons, remains a dangerous opponent for Tennessee. The rivalry game is always one of the most intense and unpredictable, and the Vols will need to be at their best to claim a victory.
Tennessee also faces other SEC foes like South Carolina, Kentucky, and Missouri, all of which will challenge the Vols. These games are crucial for Tennessee’s chances at securing a spot in the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.
6. Recruiting and Future Outlook
Looking beyond the 2025 season, the future of Tennessee football looks bright. Under Heupel, the Vols have consistently recruited well, bringing in top talent from across the nation. The program’s renewed success on the field has helped to bolster its recruiting efforts, attracting highly rated prospects in both the 2024 and 2025 recruiting cycles.
In particular, Tennessee has made significant strides in the quarterback position, with the 2025 class bringing in highly touted signal-callers who could further elevate the program in the coming years. Additionally, Tennessee has made inroads in securing top-tier defensive recruits, which could help address some of the areas where the team still needs improvement.
The Vols’ ability to continue to recruit at a high level, combined with the development of the players already in the system, positions Tennessee for sustained success over the next several years. As long as Heupel remains at the helm, Tennessee will likely remain a major contender in the SEC and on the national stage.
