Throughout its history, Tennessee has been involved in some of college football’s biggest rivalries and unforgettable games against teams and players that Vols fans love to hate. That passion is what makes the sport special. College football wouldn’t be the same without heated rivalries, memorable villains, and players and coaches who aren’t afraid to go back and forth with opposing fan bases.
Lane Kiffin won’t love what Josh Heupel said about him at SEC Media Days
In the SEC, the phrase is often overused, but it’s true; it just means more. Every game brings intensity, drama, and must-see moments that lead to years of hatred from players and fans.
Given that, who are the three players that Vols fans just love to hate?
3. Tua Tagovailoa: QB, Alabama
In 2017, when Tua Tagovailoa entered the national championship game and made one of the most iconic throws in college football history, Tennessee fans nearly couldn’t believe what they were watching. It was a painful moment, and all offseason they had to hear about how he was the future of Alabama’s program and potentially the next great lefty quarterback.
Tua had a phenomenal next two years, and he completely dominated Tennessee by an average margin of 30 points per game. However, he never secured another title after his freshman year. While Tua himself was never the most disliked player, the hype surrounding him drove Tennessee fans crazy.
2. Tim Tebow: QB, Florida
Considered by many as one of the greatest college football players in history, Tim Tebow reached his peak at a time when Tennessee was beginning to struggle under the weight of a changing SEC landscape.
During his career, Tebow went 4-0 against the Vols, including a 59-20 win, and dominated college football. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and followed it up by finishing among the top five in Heisman voting in each of the next two seasons. He was an easy villain; the Gators and Vols hated each other, and his passionate playstyle made Vols fans love to hate him.
1. Diego Pavia: QB, Vanderbilt
Few opposing players have annoyed Tennessee fans quite like Diego Pavia. His confident personality and the attention he received during Vanderbilt's successful season have made him particularly unpopular among Tennessee supporters. Although Pavia had a record-setting campaign, the Commodores ultimately fell short of reaching the College Football Playoff, which Vols fans love. Even the best player in school history couldn't take them to a playoff game.
Pavia was undoubtedly a talented player who earned the confidence to back up his words, but his outspoken personality quickly made him one of Tennessee fans’ biggest villains after leading Vanderbilt past the Vols. His comments about Vanderbilt taking over the state only fueled the rivalry, and he added more fuel to the fire at the Heisman Trophy ceremony with controversial remarks about the voters.
Pavia will probably hold this top spot forever in Vols fans minds.
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