Josh Heupel assesses Tennessee’s quarterback room, focusing on player growth, competition, and readiness for future seasons.

Josh Heupel, the head coach of the University of Tennessee Volunteers football team, has made significant strides since his arrival, particularly in rejuvenating the offense. As the 2025 season approaches, one area that will garner substantial attention is the quarterback room, a position pivotal for Tennessee’s offensive success. Over the course of his tenure, Heupel has not only brought a high-tempo offense to Knoxville but also emphasized the importance of player development, particularly at the quarterback position, to ensure long-term success.

In an interview or press conference, Josh Heupel often sheds light on the way he evaluates the quarterback position, focusing not just on the physical attributes but also on the mental approach, leadership qualities, and growth potential of his quarterbacks. With the quarterback position being such a critical one, Heupel’s evaluation is thorough and multi-faceted, and his insights into the process offer a glimpse into what the future holds for Tennessee’s quarterback room.

Building a QB Room with Depth and Competition

The first thing Heupel points to when assessing Tennessee’s quarterback room is the importance of competition. One of his guiding principles is that the best player should be the one who earns the starting spot, regardless of seniority or past experience. By cultivating a competitive environment, Heupel ensures that every quarterback is constantly working to improve and refine their skills. This competition fosters an atmosphere where players hold each other accountable, pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves both in practice and in games.

Heupel emphasizes that depth at quarterback is not just about having multiple talented players, but rather having players who are capable of stepping in when needed. The reality of college football is that injuries can happen at any time, and having multiple quarterbacks who can contribute at a high level is crucial. Heupel’s system requires quarterbacks to not only be talented passers but also to be mentally sharp, capable of making quick decisions under pressure, and comfortable in high-stakes situations. This depth of talent gives Tennessee the flexibility to adjust to different game scenarios and challenges.

Since Heupel’s arrival, Tennessee has seen an influx of talented quarterbacks. His ability to evaluate talent, develop it, and create opportunities for players to grow is one of the reasons for the team’s recent success. The quarterback room is no longer a point of concern but rather an asset for the program. As of 2025, Tennessee has a variety of quarterbacks who can step into the starting role, with each bringing unique skills and attributes to the table.

Player Growth and Development

For Heupel, the development of quarterbacks goes beyond simply teaching them the X’s and O’s of the game. It’s about fostering a mindset where players can thrive both individually and as leaders on the field. Heupel places a significant emphasis on mental growth, which can sometimes be overlooked in the fast-paced world of college football. He has a philosophy centered around coaching quarterbacks not just as players but as thinkers, capable of processing information quickly and making smart decisions under pressure.

One key aspect of quarterback development under Heupel is his focus on the mental aspects of the game, particularly game preparation. Heupel works with his quarterbacks to ensure they can read defenses, recognize blitzes, and make adjustments on the fly. This requires a deep understanding of the game, and Heupel’s system encourages quarterbacks to develop a strong football IQ.

Quarterback development under Heupel also involves refining mechanics. While Heupel is known for his high-speed, fast-paced offensive system, he is also mindful of the fundamental aspects of quarterback play. Whether it’s footwork, throwing mechanics, or accuracy, Heupel ensures that his quarterbacks are consistently improving and becoming more polished with each rep. This approach helps the quarterbacks build confidence in their abilities and creates a foundation for sustained success.

The process of developing quarterbacks is also influenced by the coaching staff surrounding Heupel. Tennessee’s offensive staff is tasked with fine-tuning the skills of quarterbacks while also providing feedback and guidance that enhances their development. This collaboration between the head coach and the position coaches is vital to the growth of players in the quarterback room.

Leadership and Mental Toughness

Heupel also stresses the importance of leadership in the quarterback position. A quarterback is often viewed as the face of the team, and Heupel looks for players who can inspire their teammates, take charge of the huddle, and be a calming influence in critical moments. Mental toughness is a vital quality Heupel seeks in his quarterbacks, particularly because the high-tempo system demands a strong ability to bounce back from adversity.

In Heupel’s system, the quarterback is often the one tasked with keeping the offense moving, maintaining the pace, and making sure the players are executing at a high level. The quarterback must be able to handle the pressure of executing plays quickly, managing the clock, and making split-second decisions. Heupel believes that building mental toughness is crucial to the development of quarterbacks, as it enables them to perform well in high-pressure situations.

Heupel’s quarterbacks are also expected to be vocal leaders both on and off the field. Communication with the offensive line, running backs, and receivers is paramount in the fast-paced offense, and Heupel demands that his quarterbacks develop a strong rapport with all teammates. Heupel believes that leadership extends beyond simply calling the right plays—it’s about creating an environment where teammates feel confident and motivated to do their best.

Readiness for Future Seasons

Looking ahead, Heupel is focused on ensuring that the quarterbacks in his room are prepared not just for the immediate season, but for the future. This involves a balance between giving players opportunities to prove themselves and ensuring that younger quarterbacks are receiving the mentorship and coaching they need to be successful in the coming years.

As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, Heupel knows that developing quarterbacks who are adaptable and can thrive in various game situations is essential. The quarterback position requires players who can operate effectively in the high-speed offense but also make adjustments based on what defenses throw at them. This adaptability is key to Tennessee’s long-term success.

The recruitment of quarterbacks also plays a large role in Heupel’s vision for the future. Tennessee has made concerted efforts to bring in high-caliber recruits at the quarterback position, with the goal of continuing to build a pipeline of talent that will ensure long-term success. By bringing in quarterbacks who are capable of excelling within Heupel’s system, Tennessee is positioning itself to remain competitive in the SEC and on the national stage.

Heupel’s ability to recruit and develop quarterbacks has already paid dividends, and as Tennessee’s program grows and evolves, he aims to build a legacy of quarterback play that will be one of the defining features of the program. Whether it’s through continued player development or bringing in top-tier recruits, Heupel’s quarterback room will continue to be a focal point for Tennessee’s success in the years to come.

The Evolving Role of the Quarterback in Heupel’s System

Heupel’s offense is known for its fast-paced tempo, and the quarterback plays an essential role in maintaining that speed and efficiency. As the leader of the offense, the quarterback must be able to process information quickly, make quick decisions, and keep the offense moving without missing a beat. In many ways, Heupel’s offense places a unique set of demands on the quarterback that require both physical and mental agility.

The quarterback must be proficient in reading defenses, making quick throws, and managing the tempo of the game. At the same time, they must be able to adjust their play based on the defense’s reaction. The pace at which Tennessee operates requires quarterbacks to be comfortable with high-pressure situations and not get rattled when the game slows down or becomes more intense.

A quarterback in Heupel’s system must also be versatile. Heupel’s offense requires quarterbacks to excel in both the passing game and the running game. While Tennessee’s passing attack is often the centerpiece of the offense, quarterbacks are expected to contribute in the run game when necessary. This dual-threat ability makes Heupel’s quarterbacks valuable assets, capable of creating mismatches on the field.