Josh Heupel Reflects on Tennessee’s 2022 Orange Bowl Win; ‘The Best Is Yet to Come’ for the Volunteers
When Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel looks back on the 2022 Orange Bowl, it’s with a sense of pride, gratitude, and unshakable belief in the bright future of Volunteer football. The 31-14 victory over Clemson was more than a bowl win; it was a statement that Tennessee was returning to national prominence after years of struggles. For Heupel, that night in Miami Gardens marked a pivotal moment for the program—a moment he believes is only the beginning of something even greater.
In a recent interview reflecting on the game, Heupel revisited the journey leading to the Volunteers’ triumphant season, the significance of the Orange Bowl win, and his aspirations for the program moving forward.
The 2022 Orange Bowl wasn’t just another game for the Volunteers—it was a culmination of Heupel’s efforts to transform a program that had been searching for stability and success. When Heupel took the reins in 2021, Tennessee was coming off a 3-7 season and a turbulent coaching transition. Expectations were modest, and many doubted whether the Volunteers could compete in the SEC’s daunting landscape.
However, Heupel wasted no time implementing his fast-paced offensive system, emphasizing player development, and building a winning culture. By 2022, Tennessee had turned heads, finishing the regular season 10-2, including a dramatic win over Alabama that ended a 15-year losing streak to the Crimson Tide.
The Orange Bowl represented an opportunity to cap off the season on a high note against a Clemson team that had become a perennial powerhouse under Dabo Swinney.
The Volunteers entered the Orange Bowl as underdogs, especially without star quarterback Hendon Hooker, who had been sidelined by an injury late in the season. Backup quarterback Joe Milton III stepped in, and Heupel’s confidence in his team never wavered.
From the opening drive, Tennessee played with energy and determination, showcasing the explosive offense that had become its trademark. Milton delivered a standout performance, throwing for 251 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Bru McCoy and running back Jabari Small also contributed with key plays that kept Clemson on their heels.
Defensively, Tennessee stepped up in a big way, forcing two turnovers and holding Clemson to just one touchdown until late in the game. Linebacker Aaron Beasley and defensive lineman Omari Thomas anchored a unit that refused to back down, even against Clemson’s high-powered offense.
When the final whistle blew, Tennessee had secured a 31-14 victory, sending a clear message to the college football world: the Volunteers were back.
In his recent reflection, Heupel called the Orange Bowl win a “special night” and credited the players, coaches, and fans for their roles in the program’s resurgence.
“That night in Miami was about more than just a game,” Heupel said. “It was about showing who we are as a team and as a program. It was about proving to ourselves and to everyone watching that Tennessee football is built to compete at the highest level.”
Heupel praised Joe Milton’s performance, noting how the quarterback’s resilience and preparation paid off. “Joe stepped up in a big way,” Heupel said. “He’s a leader, and he showed everyone what he’s capable of. That’s what this team is about—guys stepping up, supporting each other, and seizing the moment.”
While Heupel is proud of what the Volunteers accomplished in 2022, he made it clear that the program’s ambitions go far beyond one successful season.
“Our goal isn’t just to win games—it’s to build a championship program,” Heupel said. “The Orange Bowl was a huge step, but it’s just the beginning. The best is yet to come for Tennessee football.”
The Volunteers have already begun to capitalize on their success, bringing in a top-tier recruiting class that includes highly touted quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Heupel emphasized the importance of continuing to attract elite talent and developing players who embody the team’s values of hard work and determination.
“We’re building something special here, and it starts with the people,” Heupel said. “Our players, our coaches, our staff, and our fans—everyone has a role to play. We’re going to keep pushing, keep improving, and keep chasing greatness.”
One of the most striking aspects of Tennessee’s resurgence has been the unwavering support of its fan base. Neyland Stadium has become one of the most electric environments in college football, with the Orange Bowl serving as a national showcase for the passion of Volunteer fans.
“The energy from our fans is unmatched,” Heupel said. “They’ve been with us every step of the way, and they make a huge difference. This is a program with a rich tradition, and it’s amazing to see everyone come together to help us write the next chapter.”
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Volunteers face high expectations. With returning stars, a strong recruiting class, and Heupel’s innovative approach, Tennessee is poised to contend for SEC titles and beyond.
The 2022 Orange Bowl win will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Tennessee fans and players. For Josh Heupel, it’s a memory to cherish but also a reminder of what’s possible. As he leads the Volunteers into the future, his message is clear: Tennessee football is on the rise, and the journey has only just begun.
With a coach who believes in his team and a fan base that believes in its program, the sky’s the limit for Tennessee. As Heupel said, “The best is yet to come.”