Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has rejuvenated the Volunteers football program since his arrival in 2021, turning it into one of the most dynamic offenses in the nation and re-establishing its relevance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). However, while Heupel’s tenure has brought significant progress, he knows there’s still work to be done to elevate the program to the next tier of college football elites. In a recent media session, Heupel outlined the key factors that will determine Tennessee’s ability to consistently compete for championships and solidify its place among the nation’s top programs.
Heupel emphasized that maintaining momentum is paramount to Tennessee’s long-term success. The Vols’ resurgence has been marked by high-profile wins, including a dramatic victory over Alabama in 2022, but sustaining that level of performance requires consistency in all aspects of the program.
“We’ve had some big moments, but the challenge now is to make those moments routine,” Heupel said. “To be in the conversation for championships every year, you need consistency—not just on game day but in preparation, recruiting, and player development.”
Heupel highlighted the importance of executing at a high level week in and week out, regardless of the opponent. “The teams that consistently win in this league don’t have off weeks. They bring their best every Saturday,” he added.
Tennessee’s recruiting has improved under Heupel, but the head coach stressed that landing top talent is only part of the equation. Developing players to maximize their potential is equally critical.
“We’re competing in the toughest conference in college football, so recruiting at an elite level is non-negotiable,” Heupel said. “But beyond that, it’s about what we do with those players once they’re here. Our staff has to continue to put them in positions to succeed and help them grow on and off the field.”
Tennessee’s 2024 recruiting class has shown promise, and Heupel believes the influx of young talent can help bridge the gap between the Vols and perennial SEC powerhouses like Georgia and Alabama. “We’re bringing in players who are hungry and ready to compete,” he said. “Now it’s up to us to mold them into championship-caliber athletes.”
Heupel pointed out that Tennessee’s ability to execute in high-pressure situations will be a defining factor in taking the next step. This includes performing better in close games, converting critical third downs, and limiting mistakes in pivotal moments.
“When you’re playing against the best teams, the margin for error is razor-thin,” Heupel said. “We’ve had games where one or two plays made the difference. To get to that next level, we have to be the team that consistently makes those plays.”
He cited Tennessee’s performance against Georgia in recent matchups as an example. “Those are the games where every detail matters, and we’re going to focus on being sharper in those moments,” he explained.
Depth has been a recurring issue for Tennessee in recent years, especially late in the season when injuries tend to pile up. Heupel acknowledged that building depth across all positions is essential for sustained success.
“You can’t rely on just your starters to carry you through an entire season,” he said. “The teams that win championships have depth—guys who can step in and perform at a high level when called upon.”
Heupel credited the program’s recent recruiting efforts for addressing depth concerns but noted that there’s still room for improvement. “We’re getting there, but it’s a process,” he said. “Every position group has to be deep enough to withstand the grind of an SEC schedule.”
Perhaps most importantly, Heupel stressed the need to continue cultivating a winning culture within the program. This includes fostering accountability, resilience, and a team-first mentality among players and staff.
“Culture is the foundation of everything we do,” Heupel said. “It’s about creating an environment where everyone—players, coaches, and support staff—is committed to the same goal. That’s what sets the great programs apart.”
He added that the buy-in from players has been a key factor in Tennessee’s resurgence and expressed confidence that the culture will continue to evolve in a positive direction. “Our guys believe in what we’re building here, and that’s a huge part of why we’ve been able to take these steps forward,” he said.
As Tennessee prepares for the 2025 season, Heupel is optimistic about the program’s trajectory but remains focused on the work ahead. The Vols have shown they can compete with the best teams in the SEC, but reaching the next level will require continued growth and dedication.
“There’s no magic formula—it’s about putting in the work every single day,” Heupel said. “If we stay committed to that process, there’s no limit to what this program can achieve.”
With Heupel at the helm, Tennessee fans have reason to believe that the Vols are on the verge of something special. The foundation has been laid, and the next step is turning potential into sustained success.