The Tennessee Volunteers have been enjoying a resurgence under head coach Josh Heupel, but not everyone is sold on their chances of cracking the College Football Playoff (CFP). Former Tennessee Titans Pro Bowler Keith Bulluck recently shared his skepticism about the Vols’ playoff prospects, and his comments have sparked discussion among fans and analysts.
Bulluck, a Titans legend and longtime observer of Tennessee football, raised questions about the Vols’ consistency and ability to navigate a challenging SEC schedule. While he praised the program’s progress, he ultimately argued that the Vols are not yet ready to compete for a spot in the CFP this season.
During a recent radio appearance, Bulluck discussed Tennessee’s performance this season and where they stand in the national picture. While he acknowledged their offensive firepower and coaching improvements, he pointed to areas where the Vols still lag behind other top teams.
“The Vols have made strides, no doubt about it,” Bulluck said. “But when you look at the teams that consistently make the playoff—Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State—they all have depth, balance, and the ability to win big games under pressure. Tennessee isn’t there yet.”
Bulluck specifically highlighted the Vols’ defense as a concern, citing their struggles against high-powered offenses. He also questioned whether Tennessee has the depth to compete with perennial playoff contenders in a grueling SEC schedule.
The Vols have had a solid season, with standout performances on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Joe Milton has shown flashes of brilliance, and Tennessee’s running game has been among the best in the conference. Additionally, the defense has improved compared to previous years, showing greater resilience and a knack for generating turnovers.
However, Tennessee’s losses to top-ranked opponents have raised doubts about their ability to compete at an elite level. A tough road loss to Alabama and a home defeat to Georgia exposed some of the team’s weaknesses, particularly in pass protection and secondary coverage.
Despite these setbacks, the Vols have remained in the CFP conversation, thanks in part to their strong wins over teams like Texas A&M and Kentucky. However, with other one-loss and undefeated teams vying for playoff spots, Tennessee’s margin for error is razor-thin.
To reach the CFP, Tennessee would need to win out and hope for chaos among other playoff contenders. The Vols have a favorable remaining schedule, but they would likely need convincing wins to impress the CFP selection committee. Even then, their two losses could prove insurmountable, particularly if other teams like Michigan, Washington, and Florida State remain unbeaten.
Bulluck’s comments reflect a broader skepticism about whether Tennessee can compete with the sport’s elite programs. “To get into the playoff, you have to be consistent week in and week out,” Bulluck said. “Tennessee has the talent, but they don’t have the track record. Not yet.”
Unsurprisingly, Bulluck’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions. Some fans agree with his assessment, acknowledging that the Vols still have work to do before they can be considered legitimate playoff contenders. Others have criticized his comments, arguing that Tennessee has shown enough improvement under Heupel to warrant optimism about their future.
Media analysts have also weighed in, with some agreeing that the Vols are a year or two away from serious CFP contention. Others point to Heupel’s offensive system and the team’s recruiting momentum as reasons for optimism.
Regardless of whether the Vols make the CFP this season, their progress under Josh Heupel is undeniable. The program is recruiting at a high level and building a foundation for sustained success in the SEC. While this may not be their year, Tennessee appears to be heading in the right direction.
Keith Bulluck’s comments may have been blunt, but they highlight the high expectations surrounding Tennessee football. For the Vols to silence their critics and prove they belong among the sport’s elite, they will need to show consistency, depth, and the ability to win on the biggest stages.
Until then, the CFP remains an elusive goal—but one that Tennessee is closer to achieving than it has been in years.