2024 SEC Media Days: Spotlight on the Tennessee Volunteers

Josh Heupel enters his fourth season as the Tennessee Volunteers' coach, having joined after leaving Central Florida in 2021. The Vols have high expectations, with many experts, including ESPN's Greg McElroy, ranking them as one of the most talented teams. McElroy places Tennessee at No. 10 in his preseason top 25. Let's review what we learned from Tennessee's appearance at the 2024 Southeastern Conference Media Days on July 16.

Celebration of the Past

Heupel expressed excitement for the overall Tennessee brand, celebrating the recent successes of the basketball and baseball teams. Specifically for football, he took pride in the team's academic achievements, with more than 60 players recognized for their classroom performance. On the field, he highlighted Tennessee's 20 wins over two years, marking their best performance in 20 years since back-to-back 10-3 seasons in 2003 and 2004.

With Oklahoma joining the SEC this year, Sept. 21 will be an emotional day for Heupel as the Vols travel to Norman for their conference opener. Heupel, an All-American quarterback for the Sooners in the 1990s, led them to a BCS National Championship in 2000. Interestingly, Heupel said this will be his first time returning to Norman, Okla., since 2014, when he was let go as offensive coordinator. While all coaches take a 1-0 approach each week, a victory over the Sooners would be especially meaningful for Heupel.

Vols' Future Is Bright

Heupel mentioned the Vols have a unique mix of experienced and younger players depending on the position group. While having experience is beneficial, the 2024 Vols will only go as far as redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava takes them. Iamaleava, one of the top recruits in the 2023 class, played in five games, including a 35-0 Citrus Bowl victory over Iowa where he was named MVP. Heupel praised his young quarterback for his leadership, work ethic, preparation and physical ability. Expectations are sky-high for Iamaleava, who will face an early test on the road against North Carolina State at Carter-Finley Stadium on Sept. 7.

Joining Heupel at SEC Media Days were three seniors: center Cooper Mays, linebacker Keenan Pili and defensive lineman Omari Thomas. Sticking with the youth theme, all three were asked about early enrollee and true freshman defensive back Boo Carter, who has shined in spring practices. The trio praised his athleticism and ability to fit in with the team culturally. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks will gladly accept the challenge of finding ways to get Carter on the field this fall to make plays for the defense.

Tennessee Volunteers Hype

After going 7-6 in his first season at Tennessee in 2021, Heupel followed up with an 11-2 season in 2022 before taking a step back last year at 9-4.

Fair or not, the yearly expectation at programs like Tennessee is double-digit victories and an appearance in the new 12-team College Football Playoff. Heupel and his coaching staff will need to ensure that the younger players on both sides of the ball mature quickly for the 2024 Vols to meet those expectations.