Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel is entering his fourth season with minimal pressure, as noted by a major sports publication. Heupel has significantly transformed Tennessee football since his arrival. After a 7-6 record in his first season, including a Music City Bowl loss to Purdue, the Volunteers have gone 17-6 and produced several top NFL prospects.
Heupel now has the team poised to challenge for its first College Football Playoff berth, especially with the postseason tournament expanding to twelve teams this season. Tennessee typically ranks between No. 9 and No. 14 in preseason polls, indicating that a few key regular-season games will determine their playoff chances.
For years, the University of Tennessee sought a head coach to restore the program’s former glory, and Heupel has met and exceeded expectations in his three seasons. His reputation is at an all-time high, reflected in a preseason “pressure” ranking by On3 Sports. Writer Jesse Simonton ranked SEC head coaches by their pressure levels, placing Heupel at No. 13, ahead of Oklahoma’s Brent Venables, Mississippi State’s Josh Lebby, and Texas A&M’s Mike Elko.
“Though some scoffed initially at Tennessee’s decision to hire Josh Heupel, he’s shown to be the right man to lead the Vols back into national relevancy,” Simonton wrote. “Following the program’s historic 2022 season, Tennessee still won nine games last fall despite inconsistent quarterback play.”
With 5-star recruit Nico Iamaleava now under center and the top pass rusher in the SEC, James Pearce, returning, Tennessee is well-positioned to vie for a CFP spot this season. The Volunteers will face Alabama at home again, but crucial matchups against Florida and Kentucky might be even more pivotal for Heupel to cement Tennessee’s new standing in the SEC.
As Heupel enters this season, the Vols’ fanbase is optimistic about a successful campaign, expecting to see their team compete at the highest level. With the talent on the roster and Heupel’s proven leadership, Tennessee looks ready to make a significant impact in college football.