
Big Ten Backs 24‑Team Playoff as SEC Faces Crucial Decision
The Big Ten’s endorsement of a 24‑team College Football Playoff puts pressure on the SEC, whose veto power and upcoming spring meetings will decide the sport’s postseason future.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Josh Heupel across Football, Baseball, Soccer.

The Big Ten’s endorsement of a 24‑team College Football Playoff puts pressure on the SEC, whose veto power and upcoming spring meetings will decide the sport’s postseason future.

Six‑foot‑four long snapper Sam McKeown chose the Volunteers over his home‑state Sooners, citing the influence of Coach Josh Heupel and coordinator Evan Crabtree. His pledge reflects a broader trend of awarding scholarships to specialists as the SEC expands its scholarship limit.
Sam McKeown, a top-ranked long snapper from Jenks, Oklahoma, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee, a decision that aligns with the SEC's new 105‑player scholarship model. His pledge marks the ninth verbal commitment in Tennessee's 2027 recruiting class and highlights a broader trend reshaping how college programs evaluate specialists.

A three‑way battle for the starting spot highlights both experience and potential, with ESPN’s analysis linking the newcomer to a Volunteers legend.

ESPN’s latest rankings spotlight Tennessee’s freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, placing him among the nation’s top ten newcomers and setting the stage for a pivotal battle with George MacIntyre.

The 2026‑27 SEC season promises dramatic shifts as veteran powerhouses and ambitious newcomers vie for the top spot, with coaching moves and playoff aspirations taking center stage.

From Kirby Smart’s championship pedigree to the fresh faces feeling the heat, the SEC’s coaching landscape is richer and more competitive than ever as the 2026‑27 season approaches.

Sam McKeown, a five‑star long snapper from the 2027 class, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee on Wednesday. Rated third nationally at his position by Kohl’s Kicking, he brings a blend of size, speed and precision that coaches say could immediately upgrade the Vols’ special‑teams unit.

Sam McKeown, ranked No. 2 among long snappers, pledged to the University of Tennessee, citing elite athleticism and a rapid 0.66-second snap time.

With the 2026 season less than three months away, SEC coaches voice skepticism about Tennessee’s fifth‑year quarterback shuffle, highlighting the lack of an experienced starter and the challenges it poses for coach Josh Heupel.

David Gabriel Georges, a five‑star back from Tennessee, has attracted national attention as he narrows his college choices. With Ohio State gaining momentum, the recruitment could reshape the Buckeyes’ backfield.

After securing the commitment of Tristen Keys, the Volunteers are intensifying their pursuit of Easton Royal, a Louisiana native ranked among the nation's elite.

A detailed look at the growing support for expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, the stance of the SEC, and how Tennessee's coaching staff envisions a different postseason history.

The 2026 schedule highlights five pivotal matchups for Tennessee, blending historic rivalries with new storylines under coach Josh Heupel.

With 50-1 odds, the Vols sit in the second tier of title contenders. Their success hinges on a revamped defense under Jim Knowles, a promising new quarterback, and a core of returning playmakers.

The University of Tennessee prepares for a defining season under head coach Josh Heupel, featuring must‑win games, historic rivalries and coaching shifts that could shape its postseason destiny.

From Baker Mayfield’s No. 1 ranking to the overlooked feats of Josh Heupel and Nate Hybl, Oklahoma’s quarterback lineage redefined the position and sparked debate across the sport.

A look at the 2026 schedule, the pressure on Coach Kalen DeBoer, and the must‑win October battles that could shape Alabama's playoff hopes.

The Volunteers have added eight commitments to their 2027 class, including standout defensive back Brandon ‘Slim’ Leavell, as they prepare for a busy summer of official visits.
Tennessee is mapping its quarterback depth for the 2027 season, balancing competition between George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon with the challenge of securing a reliable backup in a market where most college signal‑callers seek starting roles.

Brandon Leavell, a 6‑foot‑2 three‑star athlete from Goodpasture High School, pledged to the University of Tennessee on May 18, citing a growing list of Power Four offers and upcoming visits to key programs.
Brandon Leavell, a 6‑foot‑2, 170‑pound athlete from Goodpasture, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee on May 18, citing the program's early Power‑4 opportunity and a growing list of elite offers.

With Faizon Brandon, George MacIntyre and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub in the mix, the Volunteers' quarterback position remains unsettled heading into fall camp.

The SEC is the last major conference to decide on the future shape of the College Football Playoff, with financial considerations — including the $100 million championship game — driving the debate.