The Outlook for Tennessee Volunteers
The preseason AP Poll has placed the Tennessee Volunteers at No. 20, a slot that puts them eighth among SEC teams and signals a cautious optimism among analysts.
Last season the Volunteers finished 8‑5, only to slip out of the rankings after a bowl loss to Illinois, leaving a mixed impression heading into the next year.
The quarterback spot is perhaps the biggest unknown; no starter has been named, and neither of the two candidates has yet demonstrated the ability to lead the offense at the collegiate level.
A Roster Built for Depth
On the positive side, the receiving corps is among the nation’s most talented, featuring playmakers such as Braylon Staley, Mike Matthews, Travis Smith, Joakim Dodson and TK Keys.
The backfield also benefits from the return of Desean Bishop, who logged a 1,000‑yard rushing season and will be a cornerstone of the offense.
Defensively, the unit brings back a core of starters and several impactful transfers, suggesting that the team could tighten up on the other side of the ball.
Overall, the 20th ranking reflects a middle‑ground assessment that acknowledges both the upside of a potent offense and the downside of uncertainty at quarterback, making the Volunteers a team to watch as the season unfolds.