Can Tennessee football create a roster similar to that of Ohio State? It need more than NIL alone.
In the ever-evolving world of college football, roster-building has become a strategic and multi-faceted process. No longer is it just about recruiting top talent; teams must navigate a complex landscape of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, transfer portal opportunities, high school recruiting, and player development. Tennessee football, under the guidance of head coach Josh Heupel, has shown significant progress in recent years, but the challenge of consistently competing at the highest levels of college football, particularly in the SEC, requires a multifaceted approach.
One program that Tennessee football looks up to, particularly as an aspirational model, is the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State has maintained a dominant presence in college football for years, consistently ranking among the best in recruiting, player development, and on-field performance. The Buckeyes have consistently been in the hunt for national championships, and their ability to attract elite talent, both from high school and the transfer portal, is a model that Tennessee aims to replicate.
While NIL has become a crucial factor in the modern college football recruiting landscape, the reality is that Tennessee football will need more than just NIL deals to create a roster on par with that of Ohio State. It will require a comprehensive strategy, solid player development, sustained success on the field, and a long-term commitment from all aspects of the program. In this article, we will explore whether Tennessee can create a roster similar to Ohio State’s, what it will take beyond NIL, and the steps the Vols can take to elevate their program.
1. The Ohio State Blueprint: A Culture of Excellence
At the heart of Ohio State’s success is a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of the program. Ryan Day has built on the foundation laid by Urban Meyer and has turned Ohio State into a perennial powerhouse. The Buckeyes consistently land elite recruits, develop top-tier talent, and maintain a high level of performance on the field. But beyond just attracting talent, Ohio State has created an environment where players can develop into pros, contributing to the program’s ability to sustain success year after year.
One of the key factors that sets Ohio State apart is its recruiting infrastructure. The Buckeyes have a national reach in recruiting, consistently landing top prospects from across the country. Their ability to target elite players at key positions, like quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line, is unmatched in college football. Ohio State is not only landing top-tier recruits but also developing them into future NFL players. As of late, Ohio State has been one of the most successful programs in terms of producing NFL talent, especially at wide receiver and defensive back, two positions critical to success in today’s college football landscape.
Ohio State’s success is also a byproduct of their coaching staff. Their assistant coaches are consistently ranked among the best in college football, with many of them going on to receive head coaching opportunities. The combination of a winning culture, elite recruiting, and strong coaching has made Ohio State an attractive destination for high-level players.
2. Tennessee’s Current State: Progress with Potential
Tennessee, under the leadership of Josh Heupel, has shown tremendous growth in recent years. Heupel’s offensive system has turned the Volunteers into a dynamic offensive juggernaut, with quarterback play, particularly from Hendon Hooker, helping lead Tennessee back into the national spotlight. However, while Tennessee’s offensive transformation is promising, the Vols still face several challenges in catching up with Ohio State in terms of roster-building, recruiting, and long-term success.
Tennessee’s Recruiting Momentum: Heupel and his staff have done an excellent job of building relationships with high school recruits, particularly in the Southeast, but also across the nation. The Vols have landed some significant commits, including a number of top-tier wide receivers, offensive linemen, and defensive players. However, Tennessee still lags behind in certain areas. While the Vols’ offensive line has shown improvement under Heupel, it still doesn’t compare to the depth and talent Ohio State boasts in the trenches, where the Buckeyes consistently produce high-level players who excel at both pass protection and run blocking.
NIL Impact on Recruiting: The rise of NIL deals has added another layer of complexity to college football recruiting. Ohio State, like many other top programs, has utilized its marketability and national brand to help secure top recruits through NIL deals. While Tennessee has also capitalized on NIL with the help of prominent donors and local businesses, it is still in the process of building a robust NIL infrastructure comparable to Ohio State’s. A strong NIL presence can be a game-changer in recruiting, but it cannot be the only factor in building a championship-caliber roster.
Tennessee has made strides in the NIL space with initiatives like “The Volunteer Club”, which aims to connect players with NIL opportunities, but this is just one piece of the puzzle. As important as NIL deals can be, Tennessee needs to make sure that its overall recruiting strategy is equally strong in other areas, such as player development, coaching, and on-field performance.
3. The Importance of Player Development: Beyond Just Talent Acquisition
While recruiting is crucial, player development is equally important in creating a roster that can compete with programs like Ohio State. Tennessee has made progress in this area under Heupel, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Heupel’s high-tempo system has allowed quarterbacks and skill position players to thrive, and the Vols have produced dynamic playmakers like Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman.
However, to truly create a roster similar to Ohio State’s, Tennessee will need to improve its defensive development. Ohio State has consistently fielded elite defenses, particularly along the defensive line and in the secondary. The Buckeyes have developed a reputation for producing NFL-ready pass rushers, linebackers, and cornerbacks, which has helped them maintain a competitive edge in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
Tennessee’s defense, while showing improvement, still needs to take the next step. The Vols have had issues with consistency, particularly in pass defense and generating a consistent pass rush. While Tyler Baron and Byron Young have shown promise on the defensive line, Tennessee must continue to recruit elite defensive players and develop them at a similar level to Ohio State’s defensive talent. This includes improving depth, especially in key areas like the secondary and linebacker spots.
4. The Role of Coaching: The Backbone of Sustained Success
Another crucial element to building a program on par with Ohio State is the coaching staff. Ryan Day has built an elite coaching staff at Ohio State, and their success can largely be attributed to the consistency and development they bring to the program. Under Day, Ohio State has developed an offensive juggernaut and a defense that has become one of the best in the nation.
For Tennessee, Heupel has brought a fresh, innovative approach to the offensive side of the ball. His up-tempo system has taken Tennessee from a mediocre offensive team to one that ranks among the most potent in college football. However, for Tennessee to reach Ohio State’s level, Heupel will need to continue to develop his staff and focus on building strong units on both sides of the ball. The addition of experienced defensive coaches and top-tier recruiters can help Tennessee improve its overall roster.
The Vols’ coaching staff must also continue to emphasize player development and scheme-fit recruiting. This requires ensuring that players are not only talented but also able to execute the specific systems in place. Recruiting players who fit within Tennessee’s up-tempo offense and defensive philosophy will be key to maintaining long-term success.
5. The Future Outlook: Building a Roster that Competes with Ohio State
In terms of overall potential, Tennessee football has a clear path to success. The Vols have the infrastructure, fan support, and resources to eventually build a roster that can compete with Ohio State and other college football powers. But this will take time and a deliberate, strategic approach. Here are a few steps Tennessee can take to accelerate this process:
- Continued Focus on Recruiting: Tennessee must continue to recruit elite talent in key areas, particularly along the offensive line, defensive line, and secondary. Building depth at these positions will allow Tennessee to compete with the best programs, particularly in the trenches, where Ohio State consistently excels.
- Maximizing NIL Opportunities: Tennessee must continue to build its NIL infrastructure and ensure that players have access to lucrative opportunities. This will not only help in recruiting but also in retaining key players who could otherwise be tempted to leave for more lucrative NIL deals at other programs.
- Investing in Player Development: Building a roster similar to Ohio State’s will require elite player development. Tennessee must continue to focus on improving its defensive coaching, particularly in developing pass rushers and secondary players. Additionally, the offensive line must be a focus for continued development.
- Maintaining Coaching Consistency: Tennessee has made great strides under Heupel, but long-term success will require keeping key assistants and ensuring that the program maintains a high level of consistency in coaching.
More Than Just NIL
While NIL deals play an increasingly important role in college football recruiting, Tennessee football must focus on player development, coaching, and recruiting across all positions to build a roster comparable to Ohio State’s. With Heupel’s offensive system and a commitment to improving defensively, the Vols are on the right path. However, sustained success will require more than just attracting talent—it will require building a program where players can develop, thrive, and compete for championships year after year. Tennessee has the potential to become a perennial powerhouse, but to do so, they must execute a holistic approach to roster building that goes beyond NIL and focuses on all aspects of the program.
