Heupel joins Dodd Trophy watch list
Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel is entering his sixth season at the helm, a tenure that has already produced a 45‑20 record — the best five‑year stretch for the program since the early 2000s. His 45‑20 record eclipses the 29‑31 mark the Vols posted in the five seasons before his arrival, marking a clear turnaround.
The 2026 Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year award, administered by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation in partnership with Peach Bowl, Inc., honors coaches who excel on the field while demonstrating strong academic performance, community engagement and leadership.
A award that blends wins with scholarship
The selection process weighs Academic Progress Rate, Graduation Success Rate, community service and projected success, ensuring that honorees reflect a holistic view of coaching excellence.
Heupel’s track record includes a 72.3 percent win rate, ranking tenth among active FBS head coaches, and 73 career victories that place him fourth nationally among active coaches.
Academic excellence and community impact
Over the past five years, Tennessee has set new fall‑semester GPA records each season, and in the fall of 2025 the program recorded a record 80 SEC Academic Honor Roll recipients, highlighting the coach’s commitment to student‑athlete success.
Beyond the classroom, Heupel has guided his players into numerous community service initiatives, reinforcing the award’s emphasis on leadership and integrity.
The road to Atlanta
The winner of the 2026 Dodd Trophy will be announced during College Football Playoff quarterfinal week in Atlanta, bringing together the sport’s top coaches for a celebration of achievement on and off the field.