Josh Heupel's Tennessee Volunteers: 2026 Season Preview

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Bowden Blitz SEC Football Podcast

Assessing Josh Heupel's Tenure at Tennessee

In 2022, under the leadership of Hendon Hooker, Tennessee boasted an 11-2 record featuring one of the most explosive offenses in college football, managing to secure a spot in the college football playoff. Despite these achievements, the recent season tells a different story. With Joey Aguilar, who transferred from Appalachian State, the team struggled, finishing with a disappointing 8-5 record overall and suffering a bowl loss to Illinois led by Coach Bret Bielema. This marked a significant decline from their previous performance levels.

The capability of Tennessee's offense under Josh Heupel's guidance has been commendable, having garnered attention from various coaches, including myself, who sought to emulate their approach. Remarkably, their defense also ranked among the top in the nation at that time, contributing significantly to their success. However, the current focus for Heupel, who is primarily known for his offensive expertise, should be on revitalizing the defensive side to maintain balance and compete at the highest levels.

Questions remain about whether Joey Aguilar can stand among the elite quarterbacks in the country, which is crucial for a team like Tennessee that relies heavily on its offensive prowess and has substantial resources at its disposal. There's a growing concern that Tennessee might be losing its prominence, especially when compared to SEC counterparts like LSU and Ole Miss, who continue to maintain high levels of competitiveness and public interest.

Finally, the atmosphere around Tennessee’s football program seems to lack the excitement and buzz necessary to attract top talent and fan engagement, a stark contrast to the vibrant environment observed in teams coached by figures like Lane Kiffin. As Josh Heupel moves forward, it is crucial for him to ignite passion and competitiveness within the program to avoid becoming stagnant and to ensure that Tennessee remains a powerhouse in college football.