When Tennessee takes the field this fall, they will have no big expectations, at least not from the national media. Pretty much every early top-25 poll has the Vols either unranked or in the 20s, indicating that they won't be a playoff team next fall. However, not everyone in the media thinks that Tennessee will have a rough go next season.
Josh Heupel is once again using a Vol legend to recruit David Gabriel Georges
SEC Mike has a strong prediction for Tennessee, believing they will reach the college football playoffs next fall. He highlights that their most challenging games against Texas, Alabama, and LSU are all at home. He praises Heupel as the best playcaller and Hazle as the top quarterback coach, both crucial for elevating the offense. Additionally, he expects Bishop to lead the conference in rushing and anticipates an improved defense. He said, "There's a lot to like about Tennessee... when does
Tennessee do well? When you count them out."
Tennessee is making the College Football Playoff this season.
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) July 8, 2026
I'm not even sure this is a hot take
Full hot take show: https://t.co/lSRfvteTKd pic.twitter.com/xJxYPMQpd5
SEC Mike thinks the Vols make the College Football Playoffs
At the very least, you have to respect how bold his take is because pretty much nobody has stood firm on a stance about Tennessee football. He does make a great point: the Vols have a very talented offense and a great group of coaches to support whoever plays quarterback. The offensive line returns about three-quarters of its production, and the Vols have multiple All-American level skill players to make life easier for whichever quarterback wins the job.
What's a very underrated point is that Tennessee does have a very tough schedule, as there's no denying that. Most of their toughest games come at home, which is outstanding as they will have Vol nation helping them out. Texas A&M will be a significant challenge since Kyle Field is one of the hardest places in the nation to play. Additionally, the Vandy rivalry game on the road could prove to be difficult. However, having Texas, Alabama, and a Lane Kiffin reunion at home is massive for Heupel.
The biggest concern for this team last year was the defense and Tennessee did a great job replenishing the unit with proven power conference talent and arguably the best defensive coordinator in the nation, Jim Knowles. While Tennessee does have some concerns with its pass rush, especially after losing Chaz Coleman, the Vols have one of the best linebacker corps in the country and a much-improved secondary. This unit could be surprisingly good in the fall.
This team has a wide range of outcomes next season, with the ceiling being a playoff appearance. However, SEC Mike is the only media member willing to take a stand on this hill. In the SEC, 10 wins will typically get you in. If Heupel doesn't make the right move at quarterback, even eight wins are certainly in play. However, It's not surprising to see people think they could also make the playoffs and win double-digit games. Heupel has a lot to prove this fall, so SEC Mike doesn't end up with freezing cold takes.
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