As the Tennessee Volunteers prepare for one of their most pivotal matchups of the season against Ohio State, head coach Josh Heupel took the podium on Wednesday to address the media. With the stakes high and the college football world watching, Heupel exuded confidence while emphasizing the importance of preparation, focus, and embracing the energy of such a marquee game.
Kicking off his comments, Heupel highlighted the unique atmosphere that games of this magnitude bring.
“The atmosphere of the game itself is going to be electric,” Heupel said. “This is the kind of game you dream about as a player and a coach. Everybody inside of our program is excited to go play this one.”
Tennessee fans have made Neyland Stadium a fortress, and Heupel acknowledged the role the fanbase plays in energizing the team. With the game against Ohio State marking a clash of two powerhouse programs, the anticipation in Knoxville has reached a fever pitch.
“Our fans are second to none, and I know they’re going to bring the energy,” Heupel said. “But it’s also about us controlling what we can on the field. We need to feed off that energy but remain disciplined in our execution.”
Heupel placed significant emphasis on preparation as the key to success against a talented Ohio State team. He praised the Buckeyes for their consistency and skill on both sides of the ball but made it clear that Tennessee’s focus remains on itself.
“Ohio State is a great football team. They’re well-coached, and they’ve got playmakers in all three phases of the game,” Heupel said. “For us, it’s about trusting our preparation. Our guys have put in the work this week, and I’m confident in their ability to rise to the occasion.”
Heupel specifically mentioned the importance of limiting mistakes, staying disciplined, and executing the game plan in critical moments.
“In games like this, the margin for error is small,” he explained. “We’ve got to be sharp in everything we do—offensively, defensively, and on special teams.”
When asked about the challenges Ohio State poses, Heupel didn’t shy away from acknowledging their strengths. He pointed to the Buckeyes’ dynamic offense, led by their quarterback and a deep group of receivers, as well as their stout defensive front.
“They’re talented, no question about it,” Heupel said. “Their quarterback does a great job of spreading the ball around, and they’ve got playmakers who can change the game in an instant. Defensively, they’re physical and aggressive, so we’ve got to be ready for that.”
Heupel emphasized the importance of Tennessee’s offensive line stepping up to protect quarterback Joe Milton and create opportunities for the running game.
“This is going to be a physical game, and we’ve got to win the battle up front,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Heupel expressed unwavering confidence in his team. He spoke highly of their growth throughout the season and their ability to perform in big moments.
“Our guys are battle-tested,” Heupel said. “We’ve faced adversity, and we’ve come out stronger because of it. This group is resilient, and they’re ready for the challenge.”
Heupel also highlighted the leadership within the locker room, crediting veterans like Milton and key defensive players for setting the tone.
“We’ve got great leadership on this team,” he said. “They’ve done an incredible job of keeping everyone focused and locked in.”
As the Vols head into their clash with Ohio State, Heupel’s message was clear: embrace the moment, trust the preparation, and play with discipline and passion.
“These are the games you work for all year,” Heupel said. “It’s about going out there and playing our brand of football, staying together as a team, and competing at the highest level. We’re excited, we’re ready, and we’re looking forward to an incredible atmosphere on Saturday.”
With his blend of confidence, focus, and belief in his team, Heupel has set the stage for what promises to be one of the most thrilling matchups of the college football season.