While countless Tennessee fans can't wait to see Josh Heupel and Co. make a statement in the season opener, there are still several worries being discussed by talking heads. It's fair, as this new-look offense and defense are going to be put to the test in the first few weeks of the campaign.
However, soon enough, everyone will stop overreacting, especially after the Vols put together what we believe is going to be an incredibly lopsided win over the Paladins at Neyland Stadium. With a predicted scoreline of 66-10 on the way, these doubts should, no question, be put to rest, giving the Tennessee faithful some extra confidence ahead of the Week 2 matchup against Georgia Tech.
3. No, Tennessee is not on upset alert going up against Furman
Let's go ahead and just send this one to the moon to start off. ESPN's Jordan Rodgers has put Tennessee on upset alert, which is absurd. He brought up potential concerns about Faizon Brandon having too many ups and downs, potentially leading to the Vols 'beating themselves' in a game they should win by a landslide.
It's not going to happen. The Vols are simply too stellar on both sides of the ball to lose to an FCS school. Call this a personal guarantee that Tennessee is going to post a win and barely break a sweat. If they don't, I'll get a Furman tattoo on my heart. Nope, not gonna happen.
2. Faizon Brandon isn't going to live up to the hype? Please
Another major concern surrounding the offense in particular is the play of Brandon, who is getting ready to make his Tennessee debut as an 18-year-old baby-faced true freshman. In his high school career, he posted nearly 9,000 total yards, with 114 touchdowns. Care to wonder why he's a 5-star freshman who signed with UT as the No. 3 QB in the country for 2026? There you have it.
Brandon is going to have the ideal opportunity to go through some minor growing pains against a Paladins' defense that he should have no issues lighting up. Brandon topping 300 yards and three touchdowns can't be ruled out - a strong game should be on the way, and it will remind everyone of why he was such a highly touted prospect in the first place.
1. Jim Knowles will silence the doubters who think Tennessee hiring him was a mistake
Last but not least, there's a narrative developing that Jim Knowles, one of the best defensive coordinators in the college game, has lost his fastball a bit. What?! Tennessee bet big on 5-star transfer Chaz Coleman leading the pass rush, and him departing the program is, of course, a setback.
However, losing one player won't ruin Knowles' entire vision for the Vols in 2026. He'll adjust his game plan and put Tennessee in the best position to win. Ohio State winning the natty in 2024 came in large part because of Knowles running the defense, with his in-game adjustments being a thing of beauty. More of the same will be on the way with him running the defensive show in Knoxville.
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