Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel currently ranks No. 13 after leading his team to the College Football Playoff in 2024. While this position places him ahead of coaches like Steve Sarkisian, Lane Kiffin, and Kirby Smart, it is not necessarily a glowing endorsement. Heupel’s standing reflects a mixed evaluation—neither a failure nor a resounding success—leaving his future at Tennessee in a somewhat uncertain state.
A Look at Heupel’s Performance
Now entering his fourth year in Knoxville, Heupel has undoubtedly improved the program. However, his 2024 season exposed some weaknesses, particularly in SEC play. Against powerhouse teams like Alabama and Georgia, Tennessee’s offense struggled, with an over-reliance on the passing game often proving costly. Despite these issues, Heupel has largely accomplished what he was brought in to do by athletic director Danny White back in 2021.
While he may not be considered a revolutionary figure for the Volunteers, Heupel has injected new life into a program that had been in decline. He has recruited well and delivered signature victories. His 2022 team briefly held the No. 1 ranking following an impressive, dominant run. That success was further validated in 2024 when Tennessee secured a College Football Playoff berth.
What’s Next for Heupel?
Looking ahead, the biggest question is whether Heupel can take the next step—leading Tennessee to an SEC championship or even a national title. While it is difficult to predict, his coaching abilities have certainly put the Volunteers on an upward trajectory.
With year four on the horizon, the pressure is mounting. Will Heupel continue to build on his success, or is Tennessee’s resurgence just a temporary surge?