ESPN college football analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy has made a statement that Tennessee Volunteers fans will undoubtedly appreciate — and one the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee needs to hear. As the playoff picture begins to solidify heading into November, McElroy took time on ESPN’s *Always College Football* to highlight Tennessee’s underappreciated standing in the rankings and its case for more respect.
The Tennessee Volunteers, under head coach Josh Heupel, have built a strong resume in the 2024 season. They’ve maintained their position as one of the top teams in the SEC despite facing fierce competition week after week. With a potent offense, a steadily improving defense, and signature wins, Tennessee has quietly re-established itself as a playoff contender.
McElroy argued that the CFP committee needs to pay closer attention to Tennessee’s overall body of work rather than just leaning on outdated metrics or narratives about the program.
“When you evaluate Tennessee,” McElroy said, “you see a team that has consistently faced one of the toughest schedules in the nation. Their only losses have come in extremely competitive games against top-tier opponents. They’ve demonstrated growth on both sides of the ball, and that’s what the committee should value.”
One of McElroy’s main points centered on Tennessee’s grueling schedule. The Vols have faced a gauntlet of top SEC teams, including Alabama and Georgia, and have played several ranked opponents throughout the season. This level of competition, McElroy emphasized, is unmatched by many of the other playoff hopefuls in the mix.
“Strength of schedule has to matter,” McElroy added. “If you’re playing in the SEC, particularly in the division Tennessee plays in, you’re not getting any weeks off. That has to carry weight when comparing resumes.”
Tennessee’s path has included marquee wins over SEC East rival Kentucky and a dominant performance against Texas A&M, along with their annual showdown with Alabama. Even in defeat, the Vols have shown they belong among the nation’s elite, particularly when considering their high level of play against Georgia, a team consistently ranked at the top of the CFP standings.
McElroy also highlighted the Vols’ explosive offense as a key reason why they should remain in the playoff conversation. Tennessee’s high-octane attack, which ranked among the nation’s best last season, has continued to shine in 2024. Quarterback Joe Milton III has emerged as a dual-threat weapon, while the running game, led by Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small, provides balance. This dynamic offense makes Tennessee one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
“Tennessee can score on anyone,” McElroy said. “If the committee is looking for the best teams, they have to look at teams that can compete against playoff defenses. Tennessee is one of those teams.”
While the Vols may not currently be in the top four of the CFP rankings, McElroy believes they should be firmly in the conversation, especially if they finish the season strong. Tennessee’s remaining schedule includes winnable games that could boost their profile, along with potential chaos in the rankings as other contenders face challenging matchups.
“Tennessee isn’t just a good team; they’re a complete team,” McElroy argued. “If the committee’s goal is to put the four best teams in the playoff, Tennessee deserves a closer look. They’ve faced adversity, they’ve played a brutal schedule, and they’ve consistently shown they belong.”
McElroy also pointed out that the CFP committee often places too much emphasis on early-season rankings and preconceived notions, rather than focusing on how teams evolve over the course of the season. Tennessee’s improvement on defense, particularly in the secondary, has been a game-changer, and McElroy believes the committee should recognize that growth.
Greg McElroy’s passionate defense of Tennessee’s playoff candidacy is sure to resonate with Vols fans, but more importantly, it underscores a larger issue with the CFP selection process. The emphasis on schedule strength, team improvement, and overall body of work should take precedence over reputation or brand recognition. As McElroy pointed out, Tennessee checks many of the boxes required to compete in the playoff.
Whether or not the CFP committee ultimately heeds McElroy’s call remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Tennessee has earned the right to be in the conversation. With a strong finish to the season, the Vols could force their way into the playoff discussion — and perhaps even shock the world come January.