Under Josh Heupel, is Tennessee football still on the rise?

With national championships, SEC titles, and illustrious players and coaches, Tennessee football has a rich history in collegiate football. But the Volunteers have been unable to regain their former splendor for more than 20 years. Tennessee hired Josh Heupel as head coach in 2021 following a turbulent time characterized by coaching changes, inconsistent play, and poor results. Heupel was given the responsibility of putting Tennessee back in its proper position among the top programs in college football. Heupel had established a reputation as an offensive innovator and program builder at UCF.

After a few seasons under Heupel’s direction, the question still stands as of 2024: is Josh Heupel’s Tennessee football program still improving? We must consider the advancements Tennessee has achieved under Heupel’s leadership, the obstacles that still need to be overcome, and if the team has a promising future in order to provide a response.

The Effect of Josh Heupel on Tennessee Football

Josh Heupel took over as head coach of Tennessee in January 2021, inheriting a program that has been mired in mediocrity for several years. After a string of coaching changes that failed to keep the club stable, Tennessee had not won an SEC championship since 1998. Although they had exhibited signs of potential, the Volunteers had not been able to maintain their success. Heupel’s fast-paced, high-scoring attacking approach raised doubts among many supporters and experts about his ability to swiftly turn the program around.

Heupel’s ability to rebuild a program was demonstrated by his success at UCF, when he led the Knights to several 10-win seasons and a big bowl berth with a 28–8 record. Heupel brought to Tennessee a concept centered on an explosive, fast-paced offense and the capacity to produce quarterbacks who would flourish in his scheme. For a Tennessee program that had had trouble finding reliable quarterback performance in recent years, this was especially crucial.

The 2021 Season: A Foundation for the Future

In many respects, 2021 was a year of transition for Heupel during his first season at Tennessee. He took over a rebuilding squad and had to deal with roster constraints while putting his system into place. Tennessee did, however, make notable progress. Considering the difficulties of the first season, the Vols’ 7–6 record at the end of the season was a positive result. With quarterback Hendon Hooker at the helm, Tennessee’s offense showed promise. Heupel’s success was largely due to Hooker’s growth, as he flourished in the high-octane offensive strategy, passing for over 2,900 yards and scoring 31 touchdowns during the season.

Tennessee’s offensive prowess in 2021 gave a preview of what the program could develop into under Heupel’s direction, despite the defense’s struggles. The Vols’ offense, which ranked among the best in the SEC with an average of 39.3 points per game, represented a significant improvement over previous seasons. The Vols were competitive and displayed an explosiveness that had been lacking from the school for years, even if they lost some tight games, especially in SEC play.

The 2022 Season: The Breakout Year

Under Heupel, Tennessee’s 2022 campaign was the program’s real breakthrough year. The Vols defeated the much fancied Alabama Crimson Tide to finish with an 11–2 record. Once again under Hooker’s leadership, Tennessee’s attack was among the most potent in college football. With Hooker, wide receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman, and running back Jabari Small at the forefront, the Vols had one of the most potent passing assaults in the country and averaged an incredible 39.3 points per game. Tennessee had a number of high-profile victories, including a resounding triumph against LSU in Baton Rouge, and Heupel’s fast-paced, pass-heavy attack proved to be a nightmare for opposition defenders.

The highlight of Tennessee’s season came when they defeated Alabama, 52–49, in a game that would go down in Vols history. This victory not only gave Tennessee its first win over Alabama in 16 years but also solidified the Vols as a legitimate contender in the SEC. The win over Alabama was a statement victory that sent shockwaves through the SEC and the national college football scene. Tennessee finished the season ranked No. 6 in the nation and earned a spot in the Orange Bowl, where they defeated Iowa 35–0.

The 2022 season demonstrated that Heupel had quickly transformed Tennessee from a program struggling to find its footing into a legitimate SEC contender. The Vols’ offense was now one of the best in the nation, and the team’s ability to compete with the best in the conference was a clear sign that the program was on an upward trajectory.

The 2023 Season: Continued Success but with New Challenges

Heading into the 2023 season, the expectations for Tennessee were higher than ever before. The Vols had established themselves as one of the top teams in the SEC, and many analysts picked them to contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, the 2023 season brought with it new challenges. The biggest of these was the loss of Hendon Hooker, who had been the catalyst for Tennessee’s offensive success over the previous two seasons. Hooker was drafted by the NFL in the 2023 draft, leaving the Vols with the task of replacing a star quarterback who had been one of the most efficient and productive players in college football.

Tennessee’s 2023 season was solid but not as groundbreaking as 2022. The Vols finished with a respectable 9–3 record, but there were moments of inconsistency, particularly at quarterback. Joe Milton, who had served as Hooker’s backup, took over as the starter in 2023. While Milton has a strong arm and athleticism, he struggled with consistency at times. His performance, particularly in SEC games, was uneven, and Tennessee’s offense was not as explosive as it had been in previous seasons.

Despite these challenges, Tennessee continued to show promise. The Vols were able to stay competitive in the SEC, and they still demonstrated the ability to win big games. Their defense, which had been a weak point in previous seasons, showed signs of improvement, and the offense remained potent enough to compete with most teams in the conference.

However, Tennessee’s inability to consistently match the high level of play they exhibited in 2022 raised questions about their continued trajectory under Heupel. Was the success of 2022 a product of a perfect storm, or was Heupel’s system sustainable enough to keep the Vols competing at the highest level?

Recruiting and Future Outlook: Building for the Long-Term

One of the most significant factors contributing to Tennessee’s upward trajectory under Heupel is the success the program has had in recruiting. Heupel’s ability to attract top-tier talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, has been a key component in Tennessee’s resurgence. The Vols have had success recruiting both in-state and nationally, and Heupel’s offensive system has proven to be a draw for high-profile recruits.

In addition to attracting top talent at quarterback, Tennessee has also built a strong foundation in other areas. The offensive line has been improved, and the defensive unit, while not elite, has shown incremental progress. The recruitment of highly ranked players such as five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who committed to Tennessee in 2023, further demonstrates the program’s bright future. Iamaleava, widely considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 recruiting class, is expected to step into the starting role and potentially take the offense to new heights.

With Iamaleava and other key recruits joining the program, Tennessee is well-positioned to remain competitive in the SEC for years to come. Heupel’s recruiting success, coupled with his ability to develop quarterbacks and his innovative offensive system, gives Tennessee a strong foundation for sustained success.

Is Tennessee Still on an Upward Trajectory?

So, is Tennessee football still on an upward trajectory under Josh Heupel? The answer is yes, though with some caveats. Tennessee’s program has undeniably improved since Heupel took over in 2021. The Vols have become one of the most exciting offensive teams in the SEC, and their ability to compete with the best in the conference is a testament to Heupel’s leadership. The 2022 season was a breakthrough, and while the 2023 season had its challenges, the future remains bright for the Vols.

Tennessee’s upward trajectory is not without its obstacles. The departure of Hendon Hooker, the inconsistency at quarterback in 2023, and the tough competition within the SEC are significant challenges. However, Heupel has proven to be a capable leader, and with a strong recruiting class and a system that continues to attract top talent, Tennessee appears to be well on its way to sustained success.