Tennessee didn’t just tweak the defense this offseason. Josh Heupel tore it down and rebuilt it with the help of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The Vols added 12 new defenders, a clear response to how often that unit came up short last fall. Josh Heupel heard the noise from the fan base who were tired of Tim Banks last fall. Heupel decided change was non-negotiable and acted accordingly. The defense's outlook is 10 times better than it was just 30 days ago.
Josh Heupel gets massive boost as fan favorite LB returns to Tennessee instead of the NFL Draft
Plus, you can’t help but feel like the offense won't regress too much. The Vols clearly have quarterback questions; nobody is going to deny that. Let's not forget that the Vols return two great wideouts, Braylon Staley and Mike Mathews. They have Second Team All-SEC running back DeSean Bishop on the roster. Tight end Ethan Davis really came on at the end of last year, too, with 12 receptions for 157 yards and a score in his final two contests.
This offense has firepower, and it's also encouraging that Tennessee has a very quarterback-friendly offense. Heupel has a scheme that's not too complicated to read, and George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon both have the arm talent and football IQ to be successful.
With all of that in mind, national outlets are starting to buy into Tennessee’s direction. On3 has released their way-too-early 2026 rankings, and the Vols came in at number 20 in the nation.
NEW: On3 2026 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25👀
— On3 (@On3) January 19, 2026
Do you agree? 🤔https://t.co/Eel5VBAUlk pic.twitter.com/U2YlWB1Lfg
On3's No. 20 ranking for Tennessee is fair
With the questions the Vols have at QB1, it's fair they come in at 20. Plus, Ari Wasserman makes the point that Knowles' defense takes time to really start making waves, which I agree with.
This team is coming into 2026 with something to prove. The Vols lost to Vandy and didn't beat an FBS team with a winning record. Josh Heupel has received a lot of scrutiny for the Vols' play in 2025, and there's no doubt he will be looking for revenge next fall.