Leading up to No. 14 Tennessee hosting No. 1 Texas in Week 4, there's a lot of focus by Vols fans on slowing down Arch Manning and humbling Steve Sarkisian. For longtime die-hard Tennessee supporters, Will Muschamp is still someone people are not too fond of. In fact, it's safe to say they despise the guy.
If you need a refresher, the veteran defensive coordinator was once the head coach at Florida from 2011-2014, and he was part of some memorable battles against Tennessee both at home and on the road.
This included a 10-9 victory in Knoxville for the Gators in '14. Muschamp had some choice words for the Tennessee faithful during that deflating Saturday, and receipts have been kept. Yup, 12 years later, it's time to make Muschamp pay for this and leave him with a different look on his face:
Let’s pay Muschamp back for this pic.twitter.com/X9drxufSZX
— Swagger of Tennessee (@SwaggerofUT) September 23, 2026
It will be on Faizon Brandon to ruin Will Muschamp's day vs. Tennessee
"It's great to see all of these people here disappointed," an elated Muschamp said right after breaking UT hearts after that Florida win. "I love it."
That video of Muschamp speaking with Maria Taylor may be more than 10 years old, but it's still enough to irritate folks out there. The fact that he's 7-1 as a head coach vs. Tennessee only makes things worse, too. With that, Muschamp's wild coaching journey has led him back to Austin on Sark's staff, and it's safe to assume that this dislike for the Vols hasn't gone anywhere. The feeling is mutual, bud.
That will be showcased on Saturday when Muschamp does everything possible to rattle Faizon Brandon, DeSean Bishop, and the rest of the Tennessee playmakers on offense. With Texas currently favored by 4.5 points, the Longhorns might have some extra pep in their step to open SEC play with a bang, but the Vols have other ideas.
Just like Texas, Tennessee is 3-0 to open the year, and the offense has looked strong in the wins over Furman, Georgia Tech, and Kennesaw State. Brandon has lived up to the 5-star hype thus far, throwing for 552 yards and six touchdowns, while adding three more scores on the ground.
In order for 'sweet revenge' to head Muschamp's way, Brandon will have to be at his absolute best from start to finish. Muschamp will do all that he can to prevent that from happening, but it's going to be on head coach Josh Heupel to do everything possible to make sure he puts his freshman signal-caller in the best position to succeed once kickoff arrives.
Should that happen, it will end up being Muschamp who leaves Neyland Stadium feeling disappointed. We're not guaranteeing a Tennessee win or anything, but making Muschamp eat his words all these years later would be so incredible to see.
He's always had an annoying side of arrogance to him, but now is the time for Muschamp to be reminded that Tennessee football is still elite and that the Vols can dance with anyone when they face off with one another.
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