Eight New Year’s resolutions for Tennessee football in 2025

One of the most illustrious football programs in collegiate football history, the Tennessee Volunteers, have a new chance to build on their previous success as they enter 2025. There is hope for Tennessee’s future following a strong 2024 campaign. There is always space for development and enhancement, though, as with any program aiming for national recognition. Examining several important resolutions that could help the Vols succeed more in the 2025 season and beyond is ideal as we welcome the new year.

1. Strengthen the Offensive Line for Consistency

Tennessee’s offensive success has been largely driven by its potent passing attack and dynamic playmakers, but the key to maintaining that success in 2025 will be fortifying the offensive line. In recent seasons, while Tennessee has had flashes of brilliance in their offensive schemes, they’ve often struggled with consistency in the trenches.

The offensive line has been a bit of a revolving door, with injuries, inexperience, and lack of depth leading to some inconsistent performances. For the Vols to truly contend with the elite teams in the SEC, they need to build a more reliable offensive line, especially in the run game. This will not only give quarterback Joe Milton III better protection, but it will also open up lanes for a more balanced offensive attack.

Action Plan:

• Invest in recruiting elite offensive line prospects, especially focusing on physicality and versatility.
• Develop a deeper rotation on the offensive line, ensuring that injuries don’t derail the season.
• Focus on improving run-blocking schemes and ensuring that the offensive line can handle power-running situations as well as pass protection.

2. Refine the Passing Game and Quarterback Play

As dynamic as Tennessee’s passing game has been over the past few seasons, consistency remains a key challenge. While Joe Milton III possesses the arm strength and talent to take over games, his performance has sometimes been inconsistent, particularly in high-pressure situations. To elevate Tennessee to a true national contender, the Vols need to find more consistency in their passing game, focusing on improved decision-making, better timing with receivers, and cutting down on turnovers.

Additionally, developing more chemistry with Tennessee’s talented receiving corps will be crucial. While players like Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, and others have shown promise, the Vols need to ensure that their quarterbacks are able to spread the ball efficiently and effectively, maximizing their playmakers’ potential.

Action Plan:

• Focus on developing better chemistry between the quarterbacks and wide receivers during spring practices and the offseason.
• Emphasize ball security and quick decision-making for the quarterback to prevent turnovers in critical moments.
• Incorporate more diversified passing concepts to keep opposing defenses off balance and give the quarterback more tools to succeed.

3. Maximize the Running Back Committee

One area where Tennessee could significantly improve in 2025 is its running back committee. While the Vols have had talented backs in recent seasons, they’ve yet to develop a true feature back who can consistently carry the load, especially in critical moments. This issue has been compounded by injuries and the lack of a reliable power back capable of grinding out tough yardage in SEC play.

Tennessee has a strong stable of running backs, with players like Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright offering speed and explosiveness. However, a more balanced and powerful running game could be the missing ingredient for Tennessee to become a true championship contender. In 2025, Tennessee must work to develop a stronger, more dependable ground game.

Action Plan:

• Focus on developing a more physical running back to complement the speed and agility of Small and Wright.
• Make adjustments to the running game to diversify the play-calling, ensuring that Tennessee can attack both inside and outside the tackles.
• Provide running backs with more opportunities to take over games, especially in the red zone and on critical third-down situations.

4. Reinvigorate the Defensive Line Play

Tennessee’s defense has shown significant improvement over recent seasons, but to truly challenge the powerhouses of the SEC, the Vols must strengthen their defensive line. The Vols’ defense has often relied on blitz packages and a solid linebacker corps to generate pressure. While this has worked to an extent, a dominant defensive line is essential to stop the top-tier offenses in the SEC.

The defensive line in 2025 will need to be more disruptive, both in terms of pass rush and run defense. Creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks is key to shutting down potent offenses, and Tennessee will need to develop its front-seven to be among the best in the conference.

Action Plan:

• Focus on recruiting more elite pass rushers and defensive tackles who can collapse the pocket and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
• Develop more depth along the defensive line to keep players fresh throughout the season.
• Make adjustments to defensive line rotations and techniques to improve run-stopping and pressure generation.

5. Increase the Depth and Development in the Secondary

While Tennessee has made strides in the secondary, one area where the Vols have struggled in recent seasons is the ability to match up against elite wide receivers. In the high-powered offenses of the SEC, being able to lock down passing attacks is a vital part of any championship team. The secondary will need to become more physical and improve its coverage against elite talent to prevent big plays, especially in crucial moments.

Tennessee’s defensive backs will also need to step up and become more opportunistic, creating turnovers and setting up the offense with good field position. By developing more depth in the secondary, the Vols can better match up with the multiple talented wide receiver groups they will face in 2025.

Action Plan:

• Focus on recruiting taller, more physical cornerbacks and safeties who can disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage.
• Develop depth in the secondary to handle injuries and improve overall rotation.
• Emphasize the importance of ball skills, creating more opportunities for interceptions and forced fumbles.

6. Improve Special Teams Performance

Special teams can be the difference between winning and losing close games, and Tennessee has struggled to maintain consistency in this area in recent seasons. Whether it’s missed field goals, poor punt coverage, or lack of explosive returns, special teams has not always been a strength for the Vols. In 2025, this needs to change.

For Tennessee to take the next step in its quest for SEC and national titles, the Vols must improve special teams across the board. Whether it’s having more consistent kickers and punters or finding game-changing returners, Tennessee needs to elevate this phase of the game to ensure they are not losing the battle on special teams.

Action Plan:

• Invest in recruiting elite special teams players, including kickers, punters, and return specialists.
• Focus on improving fundamentals such as kick coverage and blocking to reduce mistakes and big plays against.
• Work on special teams continuity throughout spring practices and the offseason to ensure that all aspects of the kicking game are in sync.

7. Cultivate Leadership and Team Chemistry

In order to succeed in the high-pressure world of SEC football, Tennessee will need to cultivate strong leadership both on and off the field. The Vols will need players who step up in critical moments, taking charge and leading their teammates through adversity. Tennessee has had strong individual performers in recent years, but the key to success in 2025 will be developing a collective sense of team chemistry, unity, and leadership.

From the quarterbacks to the defensive backs, the Vols need leaders who hold their teammates accountable and create a culture of excellence both in practices and in games. This will be particularly important for younger players who need guidance as they adjust to the demands of college football.

Action Plan:

• Foster a culture of leadership by promoting team-building activities and mentoring among veterans and underclassmen.
• Create a leadership council made up of key players to ensure that all areas of the team are covered.
• Encourage a “next man up” mentality to ensure that everyone on the roster is ready when called upon.

8. Prepare for the Playoff Picture

Tennessee has made substantial progress over the last few years, but the true test for the Vols in 2025 will be their ability to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff. This means performing at a high level consistently throughout the season, managing both the high-pressure games within the SEC and any potential matchups in the postseason.

Tennessee’s goal in 2025 should be not just to compete, but to be a true playoff contender. This will require perfecting both the offensive and defensive game plans, maintaining health and depth throughout the season, and getting hot at the right time. To reach the College Football Playoff, the Vols will need to elevate their game to meet the standards set by the best teams in the nation.

Action Plan:

• Prepare for the playoff by scheduling difficult non-conference games that will test the Vols in preparation for postseason competition.
• Focus on depth and player health to ensure the team is peaking late in the season when it matters most.
• Stay focused on the goal of making the playoff, keeping the team’s attention on every game from week one through the conference championships.