ESPN’s latest future power rankings have placed the University of Tennessee at No. 18, a nine‑spot drop from the previous year. The figure is not a reward for past achievement but a projection that blends quarterback stability, line play, roster depth, star power and the experience of coaching staffs.
Analysts evaluate each program on how well it can translate talent into performance, focusing on the quality of the offensive and defensive lines, the clarity of the quarterback picture and the overall depth of the squad.
For the Vols, the quarterback battle has taken on added urgency. After the NCAA denied Joey Aguilar’s bid for an extra year of eligibility, head coach Josh Heupel now faces a direct competition between George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon for the starting spot.
That uncertainty could ripple into the 2026 season, especially because the offensive line returns with valuable experience while the defensive line welcomes new faces such as Xavier Gilliam, giving the unit a blend of continuity and fresh talent.
Among the returning standouts are seniors DeSean Bishop and Arion Carter, who are expected to anchor the offense, alongside sophomores Ty Redmond and Mike Matthews who are being counted on for added star power.
How the SEC stacks up
The broader projection still sees the SEC at the top of the list. Notre Dame holds the No. 1 spot, followed by Ohio State, Texas, Oregon and Georgia. Within the conference, LSU sits at No. 8, Texas A&M at No. 9 and Alabama at No. 10, underscoring the depth of competition.
Adding to the optimism for Tennessee is the arrival of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, a veteran of Penn State, Ohio State and Oklahoma State. His reputation for aggressive, disciplined schemes has many analysts believing the unit could take a significant step forward in the coming season.