ESPN has released its College Football Future Power Rankings, consisting of the 68 Power 4 teams in college football.
This is ESPN's way of evaluating each program's future with the ever-changing college athletics landscape. With all the changes, their future power rankings only hold up for the next two seasons, as it is nearly impossible to know how each team will look beyond 2026 with the constantly changing NIL and transfer portal.
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg examined several variables for his power rankings: the returning quarterback, the likelihood of a multiyear QB on the roster, the offensive line/defensive line outlook, roster management, star power (All-Americans, national award contenders, all-conference contenders), and coaching staff.
Tennessee checks some of these boxes, but after the fallout with Nico Iamaleava, there isn't a clear future at quarterback, and the Vols don't have a returning quarterback. Without those options, Tennessee is going to have to rely on its line play, roster management, star power, and coaching staff.
Rittenberg shared the same concerns in his examination of Tennessee's future. He ranked Tennessee the No. 9 program in college football and the No. 4 program in the SEC.
That makes Tennessee fourth out of five SEC teams in the top ten. Texas holds the top spot at No. 1, Georgia ranks No. 3, LSU ranks No. 8, and SEC rival Alabama is at No. 10. Other SEC schools made the top 25, including Florida at No. 15, Ole Miss at No. 16, South Carolina at No. 18, and Missouri at No. 22.
Star power and coaching staff are among the best categories for the Vols. Players have earned several awards in recent years, while the coaching staff has continuously developed their team and led the Vols to their first College Football Playoff appearance last season.
"Star power: McCoy earned second-team All-SEC honors last season after sharing the team lead with four interceptions while adding a forced fumble," Rittenberg writes. "Carter, Josephs, and other returning defenders should be all-conference contenders.
"Coach Josh Heupel's offense creates opportunities for stardom, which should help Aguilar, Thomas, the returning receivers, and other running backs like sophomores DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis. Moe was a second-team All-Pac 12 selection for Arizona in 2023."
Tennessee is likely to have to rely on its defense again this year. As Rittenberg mentions, there is a lot of potential on the defensive side of the ball, with rising stars looking to break out on offense.
The Vols' coaching staff is another high point, as Heupel has put together a solid staff on both sides of the ball. Retaining defensive coordinator Tim Banks and linebackers coach William Inge have been vital to Tennessee's defensive success and will continue to improve the Vols' defense in the future.
"Coaching staff: After leading Tennessee to its first playoff appearance, Heupel has exceeded most outside expectations with a 37-15 record in Knoxville. He brings back primary coordinators Tim Banks (defense) and Joey Halzle (offense), while making a few changes to the group of position coaches."
Tennessee has the coaching staff and roster to be College Football Playoff contenders for years to come. How Heupel and the Vols manage NIL, and the transfer portal could determine how successful the Vols will be in the near future.