ESPN: Names the Biggest Challenge the Tennessee Vols Need to Overcome in Year Five of the Josh Heupel Era, Highlighting Key Areas for Improvement and How the Program Can Finally Take the Next Step Toward SEC Dominance Amidst Competitive Pressures and Talent Development Needs
As Tennessee enters the fifth year under head coach Josh Heupel, the Volunteers are looking to continue their ascent in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) after a resurgence in the past few seasons. However, ESPN has recently pinpointed the biggest challenge facing the Vols in 2025, which could be pivotal in determining if the program can reach its full potential in the ever-competitive SEC landscape.
While Heupel has made significant strides since taking over as head coach in 2021, including revitalizing Tennessee’s offense and restoring relevance to a program that had been on the decline, there is still a major hurdle standing in the way of the Vols achieving true SEC and national prominence. According to ESPN analysts, the biggest challenge Tennessee must overcome in year five is the inconsistency on both sides of the ball, particularly in defense and in terms of depth on the roster.
Defensive Struggles Persist
One of the key issues that has plagued Tennessee under Heupel has been its defense. Despite explosive offensive play, Tennessee has often found itself in shootouts, with the defense struggling to keep up. Over the course of Heupel’s tenure, the Vols have consistently ranked in the lower half of the SEC in total defense, which has been a significant factor in their inability to consistently contend for SEC titles.
In particular, Tennessee has struggled to generate a consistent pass rush and has faced challenges in covering top-tier SEC quarterbacks and wide receivers. This has resulted in the Vols allowing too many big plays, especially in high-stakes games against rivals like Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. ESPN experts believe that improving the defense, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive line, is essential for Tennessee to become a more complete team capable of competing at the highest level of college football.
Depth and Recruiting Needs
Another area of concern for Tennessee is depth. The Vols have made strides in recruiting under Heupel, but there is still a need for greater depth, particularly in the trenches and at linebacker. While the offense has been explosive, the team has sometimes struggled with sustaining drives when injuries or depth issues arise, especially against physical SEC opponents. ESPN highlights that the lack of depth in the defensive front has been a critical issue, as Tennessee’s defense has sometimes wilted late in games due to fatigue or the inability to rotate players effectively.
To address this challenge, Heupel and his staff will need to continue to focus on elite recruiting classes, particularly in the areas of defensive line and linebacker, while also developing young players who can step in and contribute sooner rather than later. Building a stronger depth chart will be crucial for Tennessee as they aim to compete in the SEC, where teams like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU consistently have high-level talent throughout their rosters.
The Quarterback Position
On offense, the quarterback position will also play a critical role in the Vols’ success in 2025. After the departure of Hendon Hooker, who was one of the best quarterbacks in Tennessee history, the Vols will need to find a capable successor. While Joe Milton has had his moments, there are still questions surrounding his consistency and ability to lead Tennessee to big wins. ESPN points out that the Vols need to develop a quarterback who can be more than just a game manager and who can perform under pressure in high-stakes matchups.
With Heupel’s offense being fast-paced and heavily reliant on the quarterback’s decision-making, the Vols will need to ensure that whoever takes the reins can execute the offense at a high level. This could be a key turning point in Tennessee’s development under Heupel, as the right quarterback could help the team take the next step into true SEC title contention.
The Road Ahead
Despite these challenges, the future remains bright for Tennessee under Heupel. The Vols have a dynamic offensive scheme that can put points on the board in a hurry, and their recruiting efforts have been steadily improving. If Heupel can address the defensive issues and ensure that the Vols build sufficient depth, there’s potential for Tennessee to make a serious run at the SEC East title and perhaps even contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
As ESPN notes, 2025 will be a critical year for the Volunteers. With Heupel’s offense and a defense that still has room for improvement, the Vols are on the cusp of greatness—if they can find a way to overcome these persistent challenges. Whether they can make the necessary adjustments will determine whether Tennessee can return to the top of the SEC and eventually to the national spotlight. For Vols fans, the anticipation for year five under Heupel has never been greater.
