Just about everyone has been quick to bash the Tennessee football team this offseason. With quarterback Nico Iamaleava off to UCLA, there are plenty of question marks surrounding the team. Despite that, though, there's still optimism for the Vols.
Joey Aguilar could end up being a stud for Josh Heupel, while a lot of the young returning pieces will be ready to ball out too. With that said, things could be way, way worse for Heupel and his staff. At least Tennessee isn't in the same boat as the four teams below, who we can confidently say have zero chance to make noise in the SEC this year. Will we end up eating our words? Doubtful:
4. Kentucky Wildcats
To say the seat is warm for Mark Stoops would be an understatement. He's on a massive contract, expected to have the Wildcats playing at a high level. The opposite was the case in 2024, with Kentucky going 4-8 overall and 1-7 in conference play. Veteran QB Zach Calzada was brought in to try and change the team's fortunes, but will he be enough to save Stoops' job?
3. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Inarguably the worst team in the SEC last year were the Mississippi State Bulldogs. MSU went 2-10 overall and 0-8 in SEC action. You've got to be pretty damn bad to not win a single conference game and that's exactly what happened under new head coach Jeff Lebby. Mississippi State was able to add some quality talent via the portal, but don't expect them to make many teams nervous on Saturdays this fall.
2. Vanderbilt Commodores
The team Vols fans love to hate on this list? You better believe it. While quarterback Diego Pavia is back in Nashville hoping to close out his college career with a bang, Vandy failed to impress last season and it didn't do enough this offseason to inspire a ton of confidence. The Commodores went bowlin' last year, but frankly, we think Pavia is overrated and not good enough to have Vanderbilt in serious contention. Take your 6-7 wins and run with it.
1. Auburn Tigers
Surprised with Auburn being featured? You know what, we almost left them off, but until Hugh Freeze can prove some people wrong, a lot of people will continue to doubt this team. Freeze is handing over the keys to the offense to Jackson Arnold, who transferred in from Oklahoma. This is a crucial season for Freeze, with Tigers supporters losing patience. Freeze is putting all of his trust in Arnold to get this offense back where it needs to be. While we do think Arnold will be solid, don't expect for him to lead Auburn to a dream season. More disappointment will be on the way for the program.