**Tennessee’s Josh Heupel Advocates for Whole Body of Work in College Football Playoff Evaluation**
As the College Football Playoff (CFP) race intensifies, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has made his stance clear: a team’s entire body of work should be the primary factor in determining who earns a coveted spot in the four-team playoff. Heupel, who has led the Volunteers to national prominence with his high-octane offense and competitive spirit, spoke candidly about the selection process during his recent press availability.
The debate over the CFP criteria has become a hot topic as the playoff committee evaluates teams with differing résumés, conference affiliations, and schedules. For Heupel, the focus should not be limited to a single game or moment but instead encompass the season as a whole.
When asked about his thoughts on playoff criteria, Heupel emphasized the importance of rewarding teams that have demonstrated consistency and excellence throughout the season.
> “You have to look at the full body of work,” Heupel said. “What a team has done from start to finish should carry the most weight. One game doesn’t define a season, and it’s important to take into account the challenges a team has faced and how they’ve performed over time.”
Heupel pointed out that teams often face unique circumstances, such as injuries or tough scheduling stretches, that can impact individual games. However, those factors shouldn’t overshadow a season-long record of success.
A key component of Heupel’s argument is the role that strength of schedule plays in evaluating a team’s performance. Tennessee, like many other SEC teams, faces one of the toughest slates in college football, regularly competing against ranked opponents in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences.
> “Playing in the SEC means you’re tested every week,” Heupel said. “Our players are going up against the best in the country, and that has to be factored in when looking at the playoff picture.”
Heupel also noted that non-conference games should not be overlooked. Teams willing to schedule challenging matchups outside their conference deserve credit for taking risks to prove their worth.
For Heupel, ensuring fairness in the CFP selection process is critical to maintaining the integrity of college football. He expressed concern about placing too much emphasis on conference championships or recency bias, which can sometimes overshadow the larger picture.
> “Championship games are important, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle,” Heupel explained. “What about the team that has been consistent all season and maybe fell short in one game? You can’t discount the months of hard work and success leading up to that moment.”
Heupel’s comments come at a time when debates over playoff inclusivity and expansion continue to dominate the college football landscape. With the CFP set to expand to 12 teams in 2024, his perspective highlights the ongoing need for balance in the selection process.
Tennessee’s own playoff aspirations may be shaping Heupel’s views, as the Volunteers have fought through a competitive season in pursuit of a New Year’s Six bowl bid. While the Vols may not be in the immediate CFP conversation this year, Heupel’s team is building toward sustained success, and his remarks underscore his commitment to fairness and excellence in college football.
As the selection committee prepares to make its final decisions, Heupel’s plea for a comprehensive evaluation of teams resonates as a reminder of what makes college football special—a season-long journey marked by triumphs, challenges, and resilience.