Tennessee Football in the Final US LBM Coaches Poll: A Top-10 Finish

The 2024 season of college football was a rollercoaster for many teams, full of unexpected upsets, breakout performances, and dramatic moments. As the season concluded, one thing was clear: Tennessee football had returned to prominence. The Volunteers earned a spot in the top 10 of the final US LBM Coaches Poll, marking a significant achievement in the program’s resurgence under head coach Josh Heupel. Tennessee’s rise is not just a testament to the team’s ability to win games, but to the overall transformation of the program in recent years.

The US LBM Coaches Poll, released at the end of the season, is one of the most prestigious rankings in college football. It is voted on by 65 head coaches of FBS schools, who are tasked with ranking the top 25 teams in the country based on their performance throughout the season. To finish in the top 10 of this poll is no small feat. It signals that a team has not only been consistent but has also overcome formidable challenges, demonstrating a high level of skill, execution, and resilience.

Tennessee’s place in the final top-10 rankings of the 2024 season is a culmination of multiple factors—ranging from player development and strategic innovations to the culture Heupel has cultivated in Knoxville. It reflects the Volunteers’ emergence as one of the country’s premier programs, with a renewed sense of expectation and ambition for future seasons. This top-10 finish provides an opportunity to reflect on the season that was, the players who led the charge, and what this means for Tennessee moving forward.

A Resurgent Program

To fully appreciate the significance of Tennessee’s top-10 finish in the Coaches Poll, it’s essential to take a step back and look at the state of the program before Josh Heupel’s arrival in 2021. Tennessee football had been mired in mediocrity for over a decade, with fleeting moments of success, but little to show for sustained excellence. After an initial rise to prominence under former head coach Phillip Fulmer, the Volunteers struggled to recapture the glory days of the mid-1990s and early 2000s. A series of disappointing seasons, coaching changes, and recruiting misses had taken a toll on the program’s identity.

In 2020, Tennessee appeared to have turned a corner under former head coach Jeremy Pruitt. However, after a hot start to the season, the wheels came off, and the Volunteers finished poorly. This led to Pruitt’s dismissal, and once again, Tennessee was left searching for a new leader to guide them back to the upper echelons of college football.

Enter Josh Heupel, hired in early 2021. Heupel, known for his high-powered offensive scheme, was seen as the right candidate to reignite Tennessee’s football program. His offensive philosophy, which emphasized an up-tempo, explosive attack, was a perfect fit for the talent the Volunteers possessed, particularly at quarterback and receiver.

While Tennessee’s 2021 season under Heupel showed some promise, it was clear that the team needed more time to fully embrace Heupel’s system and culture. But the 2022 season was a different story. The Volunteers shocked the college football world, finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff discussion. Tennessee’s offense, led by Heupel’s fast-paced attack, was one of the most prolific in the nation, and quarterback Hendon Hooker was one of the most exciting players in college football.

Despite a loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship and a disappointing defeat to South Carolina late in the season, the 2022 campaign was a major breakthrough for Tennessee, setting the stage for even greater things to come.

The 2024 Season: A Strong Follow-Up

After the high expectations generated by the 2022 season, Tennessee faced the challenge of maintaining momentum in 2024. Heupel and his staff had to replace key players like Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt, two of the faces of the program in recent years. However, the foundation that Heupel had built was strong, and it was clear early on that the Volunteers were ready to continue competing at an elite level.

The 2024 season began with much optimism, as Tennessee’s offense looked as potent as ever. Joe Milton III, a former highly regarded recruit, took over at quarterback after Hooker’s departure. While there were some initial questions about Milton’s ability to lead the offense, particularly in a starting role, he quickly silenced his critics with impressive performances. His powerful arm, ability to stretch the field, and leadership in the huddle were crucial in keeping Tennessee’s offense humming.

Milton was aided by a stable of talented playmakers. Running back Jabari Small continued to be a steady force in the backfield, while wide receivers like Squirrel White and Rommel Keaton stepped up in a big way, showcasing their ability to stretch defenses and make plays downfield. Heupel’s offense, once again, became one of the most dangerous in the country, with no team feeling safe against the Volunteer attack.

Defensively, Tennessee had made significant strides under defensive coordinator Tim Banks. While the defense had been a weakness for the program in past years, the 2024 unit was much improved. Players like linebacker Aaron Beasley and defensive lineman Omari Thomas led a defense that became more disciplined, aggressive, and opportunistic as the season wore on. Though not the most dominant defense in college football, Tennessee’s defense showed an ability to make key stops in critical moments, which allowed the offense to do its job.

One of the most impressive aspects of Tennessee’s 2024 season was the team’s consistency. In a conference like the SEC, where nearly every team presents a tough challenge, the Volunteers were able to keep their focus and avoid letdowns. They scored impressive wins over traditional SEC powers, and even in games where they were tested, they managed to find ways to win. This consistency was a major reason why Tennessee was able to finish in the top 10 of the Coaches Poll.

Key Games and Moments of the 2024 Season

Tennessee’s 2024 season was filled with thrilling moments that helped solidify their place in the top 10. The team’s ability to rise to the occasion in big games showcased the growth of the program under Heupel.

Victory over Alabama

One of the most memorable moments of the 2024 season was Tennessee’s win over Alabama. The Volunteers had suffered through a series of heartbreaking losses to the Crimson Tide in recent years, but in 2024, they finally broke through. Behind an outstanding performance from Joe Milton and a resilient defense, Tennessee defeated Alabama in a hard-fought, high-energy game that sent shockwaves through the college football world. This victory not only cemented Tennessee’s status as one of the top teams in the SEC but also helped boost the Volunteers’ standing in the Coaches Poll.

Close Wins Against Florida and Kentucky

Tennessee’s victories over Florida and Kentucky were also crucial to their top-10 finish. Both games were tightly contested and featured intense back-and-forth action. In these games, Tennessee showed its ability to stay composed in close situations and find ways to win in the final moments. These victories were especially important in a season where every SEC win was critical to maintaining a position near the top of the standings.

Dominant Performance Against Missouri

Another key moment in Tennessee’s 2024 season came in their dominant victory over Missouri. The Tigers had been one of the surprise teams of the SEC that year, but Tennessee took care of business with a convincing win. The performance showcased the Volunteers’ depth and talent, particularly on offense, where they dismantled Missouri’s defense in impressive fashion.

The Importance of Player Development

Tennessee’s top-10 finish in the Coaches Poll is not just a result of talent, but of excellent player development. Under Heupel and his coaching staff, players have been able to thrive in the system and reach their full potential. Joe Milton’s development as a starting quarterback was one of the key storylines of the 2024 season. His growth from a raw, talented prospect into a steady leader was crucial to the team’s success.

Additionally, Tennessee’s offensive line, which had been a question mark in previous seasons, showed significant improvement in 2024. The line’s ability to protect Milton and open up lanes for the running game made the offense more dynamic and difficult to stop. The coaching staff’s ability to develop players across the roster—whether it was on the offensive line, at wide receiver, or in the secondary—was a critical factor in Tennessee’s top-10 finish.

Looking Ahead: Tennessee’s Bright Future

The 2024 season marked a turning point for Tennessee football, and the team’s top-10 finish in the final Coaches Poll is a reflection of the progress the program has made under Josh Heupel. With a talented roster returning for the 2025 season, including key players on offense and defense, Tennessee is well-positioned to continue competing at an elite level in the SEC and nationally.

Tennessee’s success under Heupel has rekindled excitement among fans and raised expectations for future seasons. The program is once again viewed as a contender in the SEC and beyond, and the top-10 finish in the Coaches Poll is just the beginning. With a solid foundation in place, Tennessee football appears poised for even greater success in the years to come.

The 2024 season was a resounding affirmation that Tennessee football is back. As the Volunteers continue to build on this success, one thing is certain: the best is yet to come.