The Tennessee Volunteers entered the 2026 preseason conversation with a No. 20 ranking in the AP Top 25 and a No. 18 spot in the Coaches' Poll, but the excitement was tempered when ESPN omitted the team from its own power rankings.
Seven SEC programs were placed ahead of Tennessee in ESPN's list, including No. 2 Georgia, No. 5 Texas, No. 10 LSU, No. 11 Texas A&M, No. 13 Ole Miss, No. 14 Oklahoma and No. 16 Alabama, underscoring the depth of competition within the conference.
Teams that narrowly missed the Volunteers' position were No. 20 TCU, No. 21 Washington, No. 22 Houston, No. 23 SMU, No. 24 Iowa and No. 25 Arizona, illustrating how a single spot can separate inclusion from exclusion.
Heather Dinich's Take
ESPN analyst Heather Dinich voiced disbelief, asking, “I can’t believe Tennessee is even ranked, let alone No. 20,” highlighting concerns about the team's quarterback situation and defensive stability.
The Volunteers will open the season on September 5 with a tune‑up game against Furman, a matchup that could provide early clues about the quarterback competition between Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre.
Both candidates are expected to battle for the starting role, while new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles faces scrutiny over whether his scheme can solidify a unit that has been a question mark heading into the year.
A Season of Questions
Beyond the rankings, the article notes that ESPN analyst Mark Schlabach compiled the preseason power list, but the conversation now centers on how Tennessee will translate its preseason perception into on‑field performance.