As we usher in the New Year, it is a time for reflection and renewal, and for the Tennessee Volunteers (Vols), their head coach Josh Heupel, and their talented quarterback Nico Iamaleava, 2025 presents an opportunity to build upon the team’s remarkable progress. With a promising future ahead, the Vols are aiming to capitalize on their gains and push towards greater heights in the college football world. Here are five New Year’s resolutions that could help the Tennessee Vols, Josh Heupel, and Nico Iamaleava achieve continued success in the upcoming year.
While Tennessee’s offense under Josh Heupel has consistently been one of the most dynamic in the nation, the defense has often been a source of frustration. In 2024, the Vols showed flashes of defensive potential but struggled at times with inconsistency and discipline. New Year’s resolution ( 1) for the Vols should be to focus on improving consistency in their defensive play.
In the SEC, where powerful offenses dominate, having a solid defense can make the difference between being a contender or falling short. With coordinator Tim Banks entering his third season, he has a full roster of players who are familiar with his system. Tennessee needs to refine its tackling, avoid big plays, and improve its third-down defense. The team’s defensive backs and linebackers must become more disciplined in their coverage, while the defensive line needs to increase its pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
To achieve this, players need to commit to their roles and focus on continuous improvement, especially in high-pressure situations. The goal should be to avoid the lapses in coverage and fundamental errors that plagued the defense in 2024. By improving their defense, the Vols will create more opportunities for the high-octane offense to take control, ensuring the team’s performance is well-rounded and resilient.
2. Develop Josh Heupel’s Leadership and Strategic Adaptability
Josh Heupel has transformed Tennessee’s offense into one of the most explosive in college football since taking over as head coach. His leadership style has been characterized by a high-flying, fast-paced offensive attack, but as we’ve seen in 2024, his coaching must evolve to keep pace with the changing dynamics of the SEC. Heupel’s New Year’s resolution should focus on developing even greater strategic adaptability.
Heupel’s offense is based on tempo and a quick-strike attack, but when things slow down or when the Vols face defenses that are particularly adept at adjusting to the speed, there can be challenges. One area where Heupel could improve is his game management in tight contests, especially in the second half when opposing teams often make adjustments. Additionally, the incorporation of a more balanced offensive strategy, one that blends the pass-heavy attack with a strong run game, could provide more versatility and prevent Tennessee’s offense from becoming one-dimensional in key moments.
Moreover, Heupel must continue to adapt to his evolving roster. With Nico Iamaleava at quarterback, the coaching staff has a young and talented player who may bring a different dynamic to the offense. Heupel should focus on building offensive schemes that maximize Iamaleava’s strengths while continuing to refine the overall game plan.
Adapting to the growing competitiveness of the SEC and further developing his leadership during crunch-time moments will be critical to Heupel’s success in 2025.
3. Foster Nico Iamaleava’s Development and Leadership Skills
For the Tennessee Vols to become true national championship contenders, the development of Nico Iamaleava as the quarterback is absolutely crucial. With his immense talent, the 2024 five-star recruit has all the tools to be a game-changer. His New Year’s resolution should be centered on building his confidence, refining his leadership skills, and making steady progress on his technical game.
The first step for Iamaleava will be improving his decision-making in high-pressure situations. As a young quarterback, the ability to quickly process information and make smart decisions will be key in controlling the tempo of the game and keeping opponents off balance. Iamaleava should continue working on his ability to read defenses, recognizing coverages, and making quick adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
Another key element of Iamaleava’s development in 2025 will be becoming a more vocal leader. While he certainly has the physical tools to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country, leadership is equally important in the SEC. The quarterback is often the face of the team, and his ability to motivate his teammates, communicate effectively in the huddle, and lead by example will be pivotal for Tennessee’s success.
Additionally, Nico’s work on his fundamentals should remain a priority, particularly his footwork and pocket presence. Improving his accuracy under pressure and his deep ball accuracy will elevate Tennessee’s offense and make him an even more dangerous weapon.
4. Strengthen Special Teams Play
One area that often gets overlooked but plays a critical role in close games is special teams. In 2025, Tennessee should resolve to put more emphasis on special teams, which can often be the difference-maker in key games. This involves everything from the kicking game to punt and kick returns, to coverage units. Special teams can shift momentum, and strengthening this aspect of the game will be essential in Tennessee’s quest for SEC dominance.
With so much focus on offense and defense, special teams can sometimes fall by the wayside, but a reliable kicker, solid punter, and dangerous return game are often necessary to gain the upper hand in tight matchups. Tennessee’s coaching staff should take the time to improve the mechanics of its special teams players, ensuring that field goals, kickoffs, and punts are consistently executed without error.
Additionally, building up a dynamic return game will allow Tennessee to start with better field position, providing their offense with more favorable starting points. Special teams could be the unsung hero in helping the Vols flip field position and win the hidden battles during crucial games in 2025.
5. Capitalize on Momentum and Build a Winning Culture
Finally, Tennessee must resolve to build on the momentum they’ve gained in recent years. Josh Heupel has laid the foundation for a high-powered offense, and the team has seen a resurgence in success. The resolution here is not just to win, but to sustain that success through a continued commitment to building a winning culture.
The Vols must focus on developing a strong team mentality, fostering resilience, and pushing through adversity. Tennessee has shown it can compete with the best, but to become a championship contender, every player needs to buy into the process and the philosophy of building a championship-caliber program. This involves focusing on team chemistry, accountability, and a relentless work ethic.
For Iamaleava, this resolution could mean focusing on his role as a leader both on and off the field, inspiring his teammates to embrace the work ethic required to elevate the team to national prominence. Heupel, too, must continue fostering an environment where success is measured not only by the scoreboard but by the growth of players as individuals and the team as a whole.
Conclusion
As the 2025 season approaches, the Tennessee Volunteers, Josh Heupel, and Nico Iamaleava all have the potential to elevate Tennessee to new heights in college football. By making these New Year’s resolutions—focused on improving defense, strategic adaptability, quarterback development, special teams, and building a winning culture—the Vols can position themselves for success in the fiercely competitive SEC and beyond. The road ahead may not be easy, but with commitment and focus, Tennessee can reach its full potential and contend for championships in the near future.