Tennessee Volunteers football has potential to be a top-25 team, with improvements post-spring practice under Josh Heupel, though Joel Klatt’s snub raises questions.

As spring practice draws to a close for the Tennessee Volunteers, the future of the program is looking brighter, with head coach Josh Heupel continuing to mold the team into a legitimate contender in the SEC. However, despite the optimism surrounding Tennessee’s football program, there remains skepticism about whether the Vols truly belong in the Top-25 rankings. The lack of consistent recognition, particularly with a notable snub from Joel Klatt, has raised questions about the Vols’ standing in college football.

In this article, we’ll explore whether Tennessee Volunteers football should be considered a top-25 team and examine the factors that contribute to their current position in the national landscape. We’ll also delve into how Heupel’s system and recent spring practice results could propel Tennessee to greater heights in the 2025 season.

Josh Heupel’s Impact and the Vols’ Growing Program

Under Josh Heupel’s leadership, Tennessee has experienced a remarkable turnaround. When Heupel arrived in 2021, the program was in a state of flux, reeling from years of mediocrity and underachievement. Heupel’s high-tempo offense, which focuses on explosive plays, quick decision-making, and a deep passing attack, has breathed new life into the Vols.

The foundation for Tennessee’s future success has been firmly laid with Heupel at the helm. The 2022 season was a breakthrough year for the Vols, as they finished 11-2 and reached a high-water mark in the college football rankings. Heupel’s up-tempo offense was firing on all cylinders, and quarterback Hendon Hooker’s play elevated the entire team. The Vols secured a memorable win over Alabama and a victory in the Citrus Bowl, solidifying their place as one of the top teams in the country.

However, the following year, in 2023, the team faced some challenges, particularly with injuries and a slight dip in performance. The Vols finished with a respectable 9-4 record but fell short of the lofty expectations set after their 2022 success. With many key players departing and some areas of the roster needing work, the question remains: Are the Vols truly a top-25 team heading into 2025?

Is Tennessee a Top-25 Team in 2025?

To assess whether Tennessee football deserves to be ranked in the Top-25, we must first consider several factors, including team performance, roster talent, and coaching.

1. Offensive System and Scheme Under Heupel

One of the most important elements of Tennessee’s success under Heupel is his offensive system, which has been one of the most explosive in college football. The up-tempo, high-scoring attack is designed to put pressure on defenses by moving quickly and capitalizing on mismatches. This system has helped Tennessee achieve a potent offensive identity and has been particularly effective in developing quarterbacks who can excel in this fast-paced environment.

The key to Tennessee’s success in 2025 will be whether they can continue to execute this offense at a high level. With quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a 5-star recruit, set to take the reins, expectations are high for the young signal-caller. Heupel’s ability to develop quarterbacks has been evident in the success of Hendon Hooker and even former QB Jarrett Guarantano. Now, with a quarterback like Iamaleava, Tennessee’s offense could be poised to hit another level. If Iamaleava takes full command of the offense and shows improvement as a decision-maker, Tennessee’s offensive production could be among the best in the SEC.

Additionally, Tennessee has a solid group of wide receivers and playmakers who can thrive in Heupel’s system. Players like Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, and other emerging talents will be critical in maintaining the high-scoring nature of the offense. If the offensive line can provide adequate protection for Iamaleava and open up running lanes, Tennessee’s offense should be a threat to any defense.

2. Talent on Both Sides of the Ball

While Heupel’s offense has been the focal point of Tennessee’s success, the team’s overall talent across the roster is what will determine whether they can break into the Top-25 consistently. The Vols have made strides in recruiting and have assembled one of the most talented rosters in recent memory.

Offense: Quarterback Play and Skill Positions

The addition of Iamaleava, the highest-rated quarterback recruit in Tennessee’s history, is a game-changer. His potential to be a dynamic playmaker under Heupel’s offense could elevate Tennessee’s overall play to new heights. Along with a deep and talented wide receiver corps, Iamaleava has the potential to spark Tennessee’s offense and lead them to a top-tier ranking.

However, quarterback play is just one aspect of the equation. Running back is another area where the Vols have depth and talent. With Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson leading the backfield, Tennessee has a strong running game that can complement their high-powered passing attack. If the running backs can consistently churn out yardage and relieve some of the pressure on Iamaleava, it will make Tennessee’s offense even more difficult to defend.

Defense: Areas of Concern and Growth

Tennessee’s defense, on the other hand, has been more of a work in progress under Heupel. While the Vols have had some standout players and flashes of brilliance, consistency has been an issue. In 2025, defensive coordinator Tim Banks will have to continue to improve a unit that has been prone to giving up big plays. The Vols will need to bolster their pass rush, improve their secondary, and ensure that the defense can get off the field in key situations.

Tennessee does have talent on defense, particularly in the front seven. Players like linebacker Aaron Beasley and defensive linemen like Tyre West will need to step up as leaders and impact players for the Vols to succeed. If Tennessee can become more consistent on defense and limit big plays, they will be able to compete with the elite teams in the SEC.

3. The SEC Gauntlet

One of the biggest factors in determining whether Tennessee belongs in the Top-25 is the difficulty of their schedule. The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, with perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU posing major challenges. Tennessee’s ability to compete with these teams will be critical in determining their ranking.

In 2025, Tennessee will face a loaded SEC schedule, including games against Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and others. The Vols will need to show that they can compete with the top teams in the league and pick up key victories to establish themselves as a legitimate Top-25 team. In recent years, Tennessee has shown that they are capable of beating the likes of Alabama, and with Iamaleava at the helm, they could once again be primed for an upset or two.

4. Joel Klatt’s Snub and the Vols’ Perception

Despite the positive signs coming out of Knoxville, Tennessee’s placement in the national rankings remains a subject of debate. One example of this skepticism is the recent snub by Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt, who did not rank Tennessee in his pre-season Top-25. Klatt’s reasoning centers around the questions about Tennessee’s defense and their ability to remain consistent in the face of tougher competition.

While Klatt’s rankings are just one analyst’s opinion, his snub highlights the perception that Tennessee may still be slightly underrated compared to other teams in the SEC. The Vols have made significant strides in recent years, and yet, they are still often viewed as a team that can’t quite crack the upper echelon of college football. This perception might stem from a lack of sustained success over the last decade, as well as concerns about the consistency of Heupel’s defense.

5. A Top-25 Case for Tennessee in 2025

Tennessee has all the ingredients to be a Top-25 team in 2025. The offense, under Iamaleava, could be one of the most explosive in the country, and with the right development, the defense could become a more reliable unit. Heupel has proven himself as a capable coach, and the Vols have the talent to match.

The key for Tennessee will be consistency, both offensively and defensively. If Iamaleava can live up to his 5-star billing and lead the offense, and if the defense can minimize big plays and get stops in critical situations, Tennessee could very well be one of the top teams in the SEC and nationally.

While a snub from Klatt may be frustrating for Vols fans, it also serves as a reminder that Tennessee has much to prove. If the Vols can capitalize on their potential and perform at a high level throughout the season, they will undoubtedly earn their spot in the Top-25, where they belong.