The fallout from Ohio State’s dominant College Football Playoff victory over Tennessee continues to spark headlines, but the latest comment from a former Buckeyes quarterback has stirred up even more controversy. Speaking on a national sports talk show, ex-Ohio State quarterback **Cardale Jones** made a bold claim about the Vols’ program that is unlikely to sit well with Tennessee fans.
Jones, who led Ohio State to a national championship during the 2014 season, didn’t hold back when discussing Tennessee’s performance in their playoff matchup. He claimed that the Buckeyes’ win exposed Tennessee as “overhyped” and suggested that the Vols lack the consistency to compete at the elite level.
“Tennessee’s a good team, but let’s be real—they weren’t ready for this stage,” Jones said during the interview. “Ohio State went out there and showed why we belong in the Playoff every year. Tennessee? They’ve got a lot of work to do if they want to be considered one of the big dogs.”
Ohio State’s 41-24 win over Tennessee in the semifinal showcased the Buckeyes’ dominance on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Kyle McCord delivered a stellar performance, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, while the Buckeyes’ defense stifled Tennessee’s high-powered offense led by quarterback Joe Milton.
For Tennessee, the loss marked a disappointing end to a season filled with promise. After earning their first playoff berth under head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols entered the matchup with hopes of proving they could compete with college football’s elite. Instead, they found themselves outclassed by an Ohio State team that controlled the game from start to finish.
Cardale Jones’ critique of Tennessee went beyond their performance in the semifinal. He questioned the program’s ability to sustain success in the ultra-competitive SEC, pointing out that the Vols have struggled to string together consistent top-tier seasons.
“This isn’t just about one game,” Jones said. “Tennessee had a great season, but how often do they do this? They’ll have one big year, and then they disappear for a decade. Programs like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia—those are the programs that dominate year in and year out. Tennessee isn’t there yet.”
Jones also suggested that Tennessee’s offensive system, which relies heavily on pace and big plays, is not built to succeed against elite defenses. “That up-tempo offense works against most teams, but when you face a defense like Ohio State’s, it doesn’t hold up. They couldn’t handle the physicality or the adjustments we made. That’s why they couldn’t keep up,” he said.
Unsurprisingly, Jones’ comments have not gone over well with Tennessee fans, who are fiercely loyal to their program. Social media erupted with reactions, with many Vols supporters defending their team and calling Jones’ remarks disrespectful.
“Tennessee had one bad game, and now we’re ‘overhyped’? Give me a break,” one fan tweeted. “We’ve come a long way under Coach Heupel, and we’ll be back stronger next year.”
Others pointed out that Tennessee has made significant progress in recent years, including their victory over Alabama earlier in the season and their ability to recruit at a high level. “This isn’t the Tennessee of the past,” another fan wrote. “We’re building something special, and the rest of the country better get ready.”
While Cardale Jones’ comments have sparked controversy, they also highlight the broader challenge Tennessee faces as it seeks to establish itself as a perennial playoff contender. Programs like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia have built dynasties through sustained success, top-tier recruiting, and a culture of winning. Tennessee, despite its storied history, is still in the process of rebuilding that foundation under Josh Heupel.
The Vols’ loss to Ohio State exposed areas where the program still needs to improve, particularly on defense and in their ability to adjust to elite competition. However, it also served as a reminder of how far Tennessee has come in a short time. Just a few years ago, the idea of the Vols competing in the College Football Playoff seemed far-fetched. Now, it’s a reality.
For Tennessee, the focus now shifts to the future. With a strong recruiting class and Heupel’s proven ability to develop offensive talent, the Vols are poised to remain a force in the SEC. However, as Jones’ comments suggest, the road to becoming an elite program is fraught with challenges.
For Ohio State, the win over Tennessee reinforced their status as one of college football’s powerhouses. As the Buckeyes prepare for the national championship game, they can take pride in knowing they’ve silenced another challenger.
Whether Tennessee uses Jones’ comments as motivation or dismisses them as noise remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Vols are determined to prove their doubters wrong and take the next step toward becoming one of college football’s elite programs. For now, the debate rages on, with both sides eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this budding rivalry.