The Tennessee Vols are trying to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes off the field.

While winning on the field is frequently the main focus in the cutthroat world of college football, the battle off the field is equally important. Every team’s potential to continue being a dominant force is determined by a complicated network of fan interaction, branding, financing, and recruitment. The Tennessee Volunteers now face equally intense rivalry from other programs, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes, in off-field endeavors such as recruitment, public relations, and program development.

Two of the most illustrious collegiate football teams, Ohio State and Tennessee, are always competing for renown in the crucial areas that affect long-term success as well as in games. Tennessee has made great progress in recent years in its attempts to surpass Ohio State off the field. The Vols are in a fierce fight to become one of the best programs in the nation, whether that fight is focused on recruiting, developing a strong athletic infrastructure, or creating a national impact through fan loyalty and brand development. Take a look at Tennessee’s off-field strategies for defeating Ohio State.

Recruiting and Talent Acquisition

Recruitment is arguably the most important factor in Tennessee vs. Ohio State’s off-field rivalry. Ohio State has long been a recruiting powerhouse, attracting elite athletes from all around the country. Ohio State has established a reputation for drawing some of the top athletes in the nation thanks to its close relationships to high school teams in Ohio and the surrounding Midwest. Tennessee, however, has managed to obtain an advantage in spite of the difficulty of competing against the Buckeyes in the SEC, which is known for its high recruiting rate.

Under head coach Josh Heupel’s direction, Tennessee has significantly increased its presence in important recruiting markets that Ohio State has historically controlled. Heupel’s attacking scheme, which is renowned for being quick-paced and high-scoring, has grown to be a key draw for elite recruits. With his success as Tennessee’s head coach and his history of producing quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts at Oklahoma, Heupel is making the Vols a desirable destination for recruits hoping to play in the NFL.

Tennessee’s recent success in recruitment has been exemplified by its efforts to lock down in-state talent, an area where Ohio State has traditionally poached a lot of prospects. With elite recruits like running back Dylan Sampson, wide receiver Nico Iamaleava, and others from Tennessee’s fertile recruiting grounds, the Vols are asserting themselves as a destination school for local prospects who might have previously considered Ohio State.

Additionally, Tennessee is making great strides in recruiting outside the state, particularly in regions like Georgia and Florida, where Ohio State’s reach has been strong. The Volunteers are leveraging NIL (name, image, and likeness) opportunities to entice recruits and provide them with the chance to monetize their image early in their careers. This approach has proven to be especially effective in attracting players who might otherwise be swayed by Ohio State’s tradition and winning history.

NIL and Financial Resources

While talent acquisition is crucial, the ability to back up recruitment efforts with robust financial support is a key factor in the competition between programs. Enter NIL, which has revolutionized college athletics by allowing players to profit from their name, image, and likeness. Ohio State, with its massive fanbase and corporate sponsorships, has been a leader in this space, but Tennessee is quickly catching up, thanks to the state’s innovative approach to NIL opportunities.

Tennessee has been aggressive in building NIL initiatives to attract top-tier recruits and keep their existing players satisfied. The Vols’ involvement with programs like the “Vols for Life” initiative, which has partnered with local businesses to create lucrative opportunities for athletes, is one example of how Tennessee is competing with Ohio State off the field. While Ohio State has its fair share of corporate sponsors and boosters, Tennessee is carving out a niche by focusing on local businesses and engaging with the fanbase to create a unique NIL ecosystem.

Tennessee’s boosters and alumni are also stepping up to ensure that the Vols can remain competitive in the NIL era. Notably, Tennessee’s success in securing high-profile NIL deals for players like quarterback Joe Milton has been a major factor in attracting new talent. With the backing of strong financial resources, the Vols are gaining ground on Ohio State, offering recruits not just the chance to play in a prestigious program but also the opportunity to earn substantial NIL deals.

Building a Winning Brand and National Exposure

Off the field, both Ohio State and Tennessee are fighting for control of the college football brand, leveraging media exposure and fan engagement to elevate their status. Ohio State has long been known for its national presence, with one of the most recognizable brands in college sports. But Tennessee, with its passionate fanbase and growing media presence, is putting in the work to compete with the Buckeyes in terms of national recognition and visibility.

One of Tennessee’s most significant achievements in recent years has been the improvement of its social media strategy. The Vols have developed a dynamic and engaging presence on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, capturing the attention of recruits and fans alike. By creating viral moments, including creative content from their official accounts, Tennessee has been able to grow its brand beyond just football games. This type of media presence has allowed the Vols to stay on the radar of potential recruits and future fans, showcasing the unique culture of the program in a way that resonates with the next generation of college athletes.

Ohio State, on the other hand, has always had the advantage of being a dominant program in the Big Ten and maintaining a consistent national profile. However, Tennessee’s high-powered offense, coupled with a strong showing in the 2024 season, has helped boost their exposure across college football networks. Games featuring Tennessee now have a renewed national appeal, especially as the Vols continue to climb in the rankings and gain a foothold in the playoff race.

Tennessee’s recent resurgence, including competitive showings against top-tier teams and securing bowl game appearances, has added to the overall brand recognition of the program. As more players like quarterback Joe Milton and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt shine on the national stage, Tennessee continues to attract the attention of fans and recruits alike, making it a more attractive option for top talent than it has been in years.

Fan Engagement and Vol Nation

Tennessee’s fan engagement strategies have been a key component in its off-field efforts to compete with Ohio State. With its electric home crowd at Neyland Stadium and the strong support from Vol Nation, Tennessee is setting itself apart by fostering a community that extends far beyond game day. The energy around the Tennessee football program is palpable, and this strong connection with its fanbase is something that Ohio State cannot always replicate.

Through initiatives like fan events, live streamings, podcasts, and an active presence in the community, Tennessee is creating a culture of involvement that resonates deeply with its supporters. Ohio State has a massive and loyal fanbase, but Tennessee’s passionate fans are helping build momentum for the program, especially as the Volunteers continue to show promise on the field.