The Tennessee Volunteers haven’t won a national championship in nearly three decades.
The program has battled with college football relevance since the Phillip Fulmer era, but things appear to be improving under the leadership of new head coach Josh Heupel. In three seasons with the program, Heupel has pushed the Volunteers to a 27-12 record, including back-to-back bowl victories.
Tennessee fans are now expecting the squad will take the next step ahead and compete for a national championship, or at the very least a conference crown. Here are some bold program forecasts that could help them get started on the correct track toward their goals.
James Pearce Jr. will be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft
Pass rushers are in high demand in the NFL, and James Pearce Jr. already appears to have the potential to play on Sundays.
Pearce broke into the scene in 2023, recording 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles to earn first-team All-SEC accolades. The tape showed a well-built edge player with exceptional burst and quickness off the snap, bending around the corner and getting to opposing quarterbacks.
Tennessee’s defensive effectiveness will be greatly reliant on Pearce’s performance in 2024. Another great season could propel him up draft boards. He already has the third-best chance of being the No. 1 choice in 2025, but that might improve as the 2024 season progresses.
Squirrel White will earn All-SEC honors
The name alone has gotten Squirrel White some national notice. However, his on-field performance in 2024 will propel him to stardom.
White has previously contributed to the Volunteers for two years. In 2023, he became more of an offensive focal point, catching 67 passes for 803 yards and two scores. With 5-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava taking over as the starter, he could see an even greater increase in production.
White, who is 5-foot-10 and weighs 165 pounds, is unlikely to impress anyone with his size. His fast twitch, elusiveness, and ability to create separation should give him a focal point in Tennessee’s attack, forcing the rest of the conference to pay attention.
Tennessee won’t make the College Football Playoff
It seems unjust to talk about all of the things Tennessee supporters should be happy about, only to pull them down with something unpleasant.
However, the Volunteers’ schedule is simply too difficult to seriously compete for the SEC championship or the College Football Playoff this season.
Tennessee will face the North Carolina State Wolfpack, Oklahoma Sooners, Florida Gators, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Georgia Bulldogs this season.
Even with the increased 12-team playoff, a three-loss SEC program will have a very difficult time making the tournament. The Volunteers may likely experience some early-season growing pains as a rookie quarterback adjusts to Heupel’s unusual approach.
It might not go well in 2024, but enough flashes from Iamaleava might put the team in a strong position to compete in 2025.
