Depending on who you ask, this is a make-or-break season next fall for Josh Heupel and Tennessee. The outlook on the roster is very mixed, some believe this team can compete for an SEC title if things break right, while others think six wins is more likely than reaching double digits. However, CBS Sports has a promising outlook on the Vols in its most recent top 25.
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Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports dropped his post-spring top 25, and he’s clearly high on Tennessee. He has them at No. 16, ahead of Clemson, Penn State, and Florida. Marcello said, "Tennessee whiffed in the transfer portal at quarterback, leaving George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon to battle for the job in the spring. I'm a big believer in Josh Heupel pushing quarterbacks beyond their perceived limitations, so my concerns haven't ballooned out of control. This season's difference could be the arrival of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who worked wonders at Oklahoma State before turning around Ohio State and spending a single season at Penn State. The secondary could be the most improved unit in the SEC."
Tennessee at No. 16 in recent CBS top 25
I really like what Marcello had to say, because I think he's spot on. The Vols went big-game hunting for a quarterback out of the portal, and unfortunately, they struck out. The good news? Tennesse has two young quarterbacks with all the potential in the world on the roster.
What really stood out was what Brandon Marcello said about Josh Heupel. He mentioned believing in Heupel’s ability to push quarterbacks past their limits, and that makes sense. Heupel has done it time and time again. The offense might be more vanilla this year, but that’s fine. Tennessee can rely on DeSean Bishop and the run game and keep things easy for MacIntyre or Brandon early. Heupel has proved he will cater his play calling to his quarterback, so I can't imagine the young quarterbacks being too uncomfortable.
Not to mention, Tennesse's defense under Jim Knowles should take a major step forward this year. The Vols have a completely rebuilt secondary with proven talent in Qua Moss, TJ Metcalf, Dejuan Lane, and Kayin Lee, all of whom will have big roles at the back end next season. Tennessee has a deep linebacker unit as well, with freshmen like Brayden Rouse and TJ White both flashing, but with so little room, they might be forced to not play much. William Inge has a good problem on his hands.
At the end of the day, No. 16 feels like a fair landing spot for Tennessee. There are still questions to answer, but with steady quarterback play and an improved defense, eight or nine wins are within reach. This is a team that should be exciting to watch grow as the season unfolds.
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