Could Tennessee play Alex Golesh after Nebraska canceled nonconference series?

In the world of college sports, unexpected cancellations and scheduling conflicts are part of the game. Yet whensuch decisions affect a high-profile nonconference series, the ripple effects can be felt throughout an entire program. For Tennessee, the sudden cancellation of their highly anticipated nonconference series against Nebraska raised several questions. Perhaps the most intriguing of those was the potential for the Volunteers to schedule a new opponent or even explore a future showdown with someone close to their program—like Alex Golesh.

Golesh, the former offensive coordinator at Tennessee, now serves as the head coach at South Florida. His departure from Knoxville was one of the more significant coaching changes for the Volunteers, but his connection to the program remains strong. Golesh’s role in Tennessee’s offensive success, particularly in developing quarterback Hendon Hooker and leading the high-powered Vols’ offense, made him a beloved figure during his time in Knoxville. The idea of playing against Golesh—albeit as the head coach of another team—has been a topic of conversation among fans and sports pundits alike.

With the cancellation of the Nebraska series, Tennessee suddenly found itself with a gap in its schedule, and the question arises: Could they play Alex Golesh’s South Florida team as a replacement? This scenario, while hypothetical, raises important discussions about scheduling flexibility, the importance of maintaining competitive matchups, and the narrative of a reunion between Golesh and his former program.

This article explores the possibility of Tennessee scheduling a game against Alex Golesh’s South Florida squad, the circumstances surrounding the Nebraska cancellation, and what such a game could mean for both programs.

The Nebraska Cancellation and Tennessee’s Scheduling Dilemma

The Tennessee Volunteers were slated to play the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a high-profile nonconference series that many fans were looking forward to. These nonconference matchups serve as a vital platform for teams to test themselves against opponents from different conferences, and the Nebraska series was expected to be a major challenge for the Volunteers.

However, due to a combination of logistical issues, travel restrictions, and external factors, the game was abruptly canceled. This left Tennessee in a difficult spot, as the program not only lost a key nonconference matchup but also had to scramble to find a replacement opponent that would fit within the tight schedule of college football.

The cancellation of the Nebraska series raised concerns for both the team and the fans, as these nonconference games are often viewed as critical for playoff positioning, recruiting exposure, and national recognition. Losing out on such an opportunity meant that Tennessee would have to look elsewhere to fill that void in its schedule.

One potential avenue for the Volunteers was to schedule a game against another Power 5 opponent, which might provide a similar level of competition to what Nebraska would have brought to the table. However, with scheduling being a complex and often inflexible process, finding a willing opponent at such short notice posed significant challenges. This led to the idea of looking outside the traditional Power 5 landscape—perhaps even at a team like South Florida, led by none other than Alex Golesh.

Alex Golesh’s Departure from Tennessee

Before becoming the head coach at South Florida, Alex Golesh was an integral part of the Tennessee football program. Hired as the offensive coordinator by head coach Josh Heupel, Golesh helped transform Tennessee’s offense into one of the most explosive units in college football. Under Golesh’s leadership, Tennessee’s offense flourished, with Hendon Hooker emerging as a Heisman contender and the Volunteers finding success in the high-tempo, fast-paced scheme that became a hallmark of Heupel’s system.

Golesh’s departure from Tennessee after the 2022 season was a significant one. As Tennessee’s offensive coordinator, he had been instrumental in the program’s resurgence, helping the team win big games and elevate its national profile. When South Florida came calling and offered Golesh the chance to be a head coach, it was a major step in his career, but it also meant that the Volunteers would be losing a key figure in their offensive unit.

Despite his departure, Golesh’s ties to Tennessee remained strong. The relationships he had built with players, coaches, and staff during his time in Knoxville made him a figure who would always be connected to the program. His knowledge of Tennessee’s offensive system and the players he had worked with would give him insight into the strengths and weaknesses of his former team—making a potential matchup between the Volunteers and South Florida even more intriguing.

The Possibility of Scheduling a Game Against South Florida

In the aftermath of the Nebraska series cancellation, the idea of Tennessee scheduling a game against South Florida became a possibility. While such a matchup would not have been on most fans’ radar before the season began, it offered a unique storyline and an opportunity for both teams to showcase their strengths.

From Tennessee’s perspective, playing South Florida would provide a chance to continue building momentum after a successful season in 2024. The Volunteers, who have established themselves as one of the premier programs in the Southeastern Conference, would benefit from a nonconference game that could help prepare them for the tough SEC schedule ahead. Additionally, a game against South Florida could help the Volunteers maintain national relevance during a time when their schedule had been disrupted.

For Golesh, the opportunity to face his former team would be a storybook scenario. As a first-year head coach at South Florida, playing against Tennessee would not only give him a chance to test his program against one of the SEC’s best teams but also serve as a chance for a personal and professional reunion. It would allow him to see how far he has come as a coach and how his program at South Florida stacks up against the powerhouse he once helped build.

From a logistical standpoint, scheduling such a game wouldn’t be easy, but it is certainly feasible. South Florida’s football program would likely be open to the idea of taking on a high-profile opponent like Tennessee, as it would be a chance for them to earn national exposure and make a statement in a high-stakes matchup. Furthermore, Tennessee’s athletic department could potentially accommodate such a game, provided they could work out the necessary arrangements.

The Narrative: Golesh’s Return to Knoxville

A matchup between Tennessee and South Florida would have significant narrative implications, particularly for Alex Golesh. As a coach who played such a pivotal role in Tennessee’s recent success, his return to face his former team would be highly emotional, not just for him but for the players and staff who had worked alongside him.

Golesh’s legacy at Tennessee is not one that can be easily overlooked. The offensive transformation that occurred during his tenure as offensive coordinator was nothing short of remarkable. The idea of facing the team he helped build, in what would surely be a highly charged atmosphere, adds a layer of drama that would captivate fans.

For Tennessee, it would be a chance to show appreciation for what Golesh did for the program while also demonstrating how far they’ve come since his departure. It would allow the Vols to measure their progress against a coach who was once instrumental in their success. The game would undoubtedly attract national attention, not only for the football played on the field but also for the off-field storyline surrounding Golesh’s return to Knoxville.

Recruiting Implications

In addition to the narrative elements of the potential game, such a matchup could have significant recruiting implications for both teams. Tennessee, under Heupel’s leadership, has been recruiting at a high level and is looking to solidify its standing as a top-tier SEC program. A game against South Florida, led by a coach with deep ties to Tennessee, could provide a platform for the Volunteers to showcase their talent to recruits who are following both programs.

For South Florida, facing Tennessee would be a recruiting opportunity in itself. Golesh could use the game as a recruiting tool to show prospective players the level of competition they would face in a high-stakes, nationally televised game. South Florida is in the process of building its program under Golesh, and a strong showing against a top-tier opponent like Tennessee could help them attract more attention from recruits in the region.