The most important thing Tennessee must do in the offseason to recover from its defeat by Ohio State is identified by a national analyst.

Losing to a major powerhouse, particularly one as important as Ohio State, is the most scrutinized defeat in college football. A major turning point in the 2024 season was reached when Tennessee lost to the Buckeyes, ending the Volunteers’ hopes of earning a berth in the College Football Playoff (CFP). But these kinds of losses are a part of college football’s cyclical nature, where a program must bounce back from a difficult loss. One question still dominates the program’s offseason as Tennessee attempts to recover from its defeat to Ohio State: What is the most crucial thing the Vols must accomplish to win?

The crucial elements that Tennessee needs to fix in the offseason have been analyzed by national analysts who keep a close eye on college football. Many people in particular concur that improving Tennessee’s defense, recruiting pool, and offensive strategy innovation under head coach Josh Heupel are crucial to the team’s comeback. Tennessee, a program that has made progress under Heupel’s direction but still faces challenges in some areas, needs to take calculated actions to become a serious competitor. Rebuilding its defense and making major progress on that side of the ball is the most crucial thing Tennessee needs to do, according to national pundits.

The Need for Defensive Improvement

One of the most glaring issues in Tennessee’s defeat by Ohio State was its defense. Despite a high-powered offense led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava and a dynamic playmaking unit, the Volunteers were exposed on the defensive side of the ball, especially against elite opponents. Ohio State, known for its explosive offensive capabilities, proved too much for Tennessee’s defense to handle, showcasing the need for the Vols to become more competitive on both sides of the ball if they hope to contend with programs like the Buckeyes.

National analysts have consistently emphasized the importance of a balanced team, and in this case, Tennessee’s defense must improve to complement its offensive firepower. While the Vols’ offense has shown promise under Josh Heupel, the defense has often been the weak link. In the loss to Ohio State, Tennessee’s inability to slow down the Buckeyes’ potent offense was evident, with Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord throwing for multiple touchdowns, and the running game being a consistent threat throughout the game.

A Key Focus: Defensive Line and Secondary

The specific areas that need the most attention are the defensive line and the secondary. On the defensive line, Tennessee must develop a more consistent pass rush, something that has eluded the team for years. Against elite quarterbacks like McCord, having a ferocious pass rush is crucial. Tennessee must invest in developing a deeper and more talented defensive line that can disrupt quarterbacks and make it harder for opposing offenses to move the ball efficiently.

The secondary also requires a great deal of work. Ohio State’s wide receivers, led by Marvin Harrison Jr., were able to exploit Tennessee’s defensive backs, consistently creating mismatches. The Volunteers’ defensive backs struggled in coverage, which allowed Ohio State to convert on critical third downs and take control of the game. As a result, improving coverage and the overall communication in the secondary must be a priority. Tennessee needs better depth in its cornerback and safety positions to keep up with high-level passing attacks in the SEC and beyond.

The Importance of Recruiting

While defensive improvement will be a major focus, Tennessee’s path to a more complete team begins with recruiting. National analysts have pointed out that Heupel’s success on offense has helped Tennessee land talented offensive players, but recruiting on the defensive side of the ball is where the Vols must place an even stronger emphasis.

Tennessee’s 2024 recruiting class is already seen as a strong one, but a continued focus on securing top-tier defensive talent will be key to the program’s long-term success. National analysts suggest that Tennessee needs to lock in high-impact defensive recruits who can immediately make an impact in the SEC. With defensive standouts, the Vols can improve their overall depth and fill the gaps in critical areas like the defensive line and secondary.

In addition to focusing on defensive recruits, Tennessee must continue to develop and retain its current defensive talent. This means not only landing big names but also focusing on player development and ensuring that recruits adapt quickly to Heupel’s system. The team’s defensive coordinator will need to establish a strong culture of improvement and instill a mindset that allows Tennessee to compete with the elite programs of the SEC and beyond.

Offensive Innovation: Keeping the Edge

While improving the defense is the key to Tennessee’s recovery, the offense is still its greatest strength under Josh Heupel. Known for his high-tempo, pass-heavy offensive scheme, Heupel has turned the Volunteers into one of the most exciting teams in college football. Despite the tough loss to Ohio State, Tennessee’s offense showed that it can compete at a high level against elite programs.

However, national analysts have noted that Heupel must continue to innovate and refine his offensive system. Defenses across the nation are beginning to catch up to Heupel’s style of play, and in order to stay ahead of the curve, Tennessee will need to evolve. Iamaleava, despite being a freshman, has immense potential and the tools necessary to become a top-tier quarterback. Heupel will need to continue developing Iamaleava’s game, not just in terms of his physical skills but also in his ability to make quick decisions and read defenses effectively.

Tennessee’s offensive line will also be a focus. Against Ohio State, the offensive line struggled at times to protect Iamaleava and create lanes for the running backs. As part of the offensive evolution, strengthening the offensive line will be essential to ensuring that the Vols’ high-paced offense can continue to thrive.

Program Culture and Mentality

Beyond Xs and Os, national analysts argue that one of the most important aspects of Tennessee’s recovery is fostering a strong, resilient culture within the program. After a tough loss to Ohio State, maintaining mental toughness will be crucial. Tennessee must avoid letting this defeat become a stumbling block, and instead use it as fuel to get better.

Heupel will need to ensure that his players are mentally prepared to handle adversity, and that the leadership within the locker room is strong. Players like Iamaleava and rising stars on the defense must buy into the idea of improvement, and Heupel must instill confidence in his team. While recruiting and on-field improvements are vital, the mentality of the program will dictate how quickly Tennessee can bounce back.