Most of the questions related to Tennessee football after spring practice usually have been about defense in recent years. That’s not surprising since coach Josh Heupel was known for offense when he was hired from UCF after the 2020 season.
But this spring has been different. Much different, in fact − and not just because the Vols now have to break in a new quarterback following the sudden departure of Nico Iamaleava.
There is reason to wonder how good Tennessee’s offensive line will be or if the Vols will have enough quality wide receivers to recharge an offense that sputtered at times in 2023 and 2024.
UT’s defense raises fewer questions unless you can’t shake the memory of the Vols’ College Football Playoff appearance against eventual national champion Ohio State. And the game wasn’t as close as the 42-17 score.
But the defense’s overall play under coordinator Tony Banks signified improvement. Just check the stats.
Despite the 42 points scored by Ohio State, Tennessee finished the season ranked seventh in points allowed per game. The Vols also ranked sixth in yards allowed per game.
No doubt, a favorable schedule factored into those rankings. UT’s four-game nonconference schedule was a breeze, and its SEC schedule didn’t include some of the more offensive-minded teams, including Texas, Ole Miss and LSU.
The schedule again could work to the advantage of Tennessee’s defense.
Syracuse is the only threatening nonconference opponent, and it will be without quarterback Kyle McCord, the Ohio State transfer who passed for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns last season. Leading receiver Trebor Pena also has departed. Pena had 84 receptions for 941 yards last season.
Four of Tennessee’s SEC opponents – Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and Mississippi State – will be breaking in new starting quarterbacks….
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Publish date : 2025-04-27 09:01:00
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