The College Football Playoff rankings are finally out and goodness, Tennessee football must be feeling pretty lucky that they're even in. Following the loss to Oklahoma last weekend, the Vols fell to No. 23 in the AP poll.
Tennessee and Josh Heupel are missing a former coach now more than ever
The loss to the Sooners all but closed the door on the Vols reaching the College Football Playoff. For the initial rankings, though, Tennessee is technically still alive, as Josh Heupel and Co. are checking in at No. 25. This of course is not where anyone wanted to see UT, but it's how things have gone down for them after going 6-3 to this point:
25 in the initial @CFBPlayoff rankings#GBO 🍊 | #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/RZfnLOEwPV
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) November 5, 2025
Tennessee has checked in at No. 25 in the first CFP rankings
It turns out Tennessee almost was left out completely, with a lot of us a little surprised that they were the first team announced by the ESPN crew. Right now, everyone is wondering 'what if' for the Vols, as Oklahoma is No. 12 in the rankings after coming out on top at Neyland Stadium.
Following that loss, Joey Aguilar was understandably heartbroken and Josh Heupel was pretty frustrated too. Despite that, both of them said that there's still plenty of season left and the focus right now is on the remaining three games left on the schedule.
In addition to the loss to Oklahoma, Tennessee also wasn't able to get the job done against Georgia and Alabama. The loss to UGA is going to keep on stinging for quite some time, as Max Gilbert had a chance to win it at the end of the 4th quarter, but his attempt sailed wide.
Tennessee is on a bye this week, and the Vols will be back in action come Week 12 against New Mexico State. The season will close out with games at Florida and then at home against Vandy. It's going to take a miracle for the Vols to somehow sneak into the CFP, but regardless a bowl game will be coming this winter.