With the conclusion of SEC Media Days, anticipation builds as teams like the Tennessee Volunteers prepare for kickoff. Neyland Stadium will soon be buzzing with Tennessee football fans as the team enters the fourth year under head coach Josh Heupel in Knoxville.
Josh Heupel, a former Oklahoma quarterback turned coach, wasn’t initially the top choice for Tennessee fans or administration. However, he has proven to be a success. Over three seasons, the Vols have achieved a 27-12 record and a 2-1 record in bowl games under his leadership, bringing newfound joy to the fans.
The 2022 season stands out, with Tennessee reaching the No. 1 ranking before losses to Georgia and South Carolina, finishing 11-2 and ranked No. 6. Although they took a slight step back last season with a 9-4 record, the Vols have a promising recruiting class, key transfers, and a young quarterback ready to shine, positioning them as SEC contenders in 2024, with a possible playoff berth on the horizon.
Here are some bold predictions for Tennessee football in the 2024 season:
Nico Iamaleava will make the SEC All-Conference Team
The excitement for Nico Iamaleava is growing as the season approaches. Tennessee hasn’t seen this much hype around a quarterback since Peyton Manning. Iamaleava, a former five-star recruit, has shown glimpses of his potential, with one start against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl last season where he threw for 151 yards, ran for 27, and scored three times against a top-ranked defense.
Making the SEC All-Conference team would be a significant achievement for the redshirt freshman, highlighting his status as one of the best in his class. He faces tough competition from returning talents like Georgia’s Carson Beck, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, and Texas’ Quinn Ewers.
Tennessee Football will finish with a top 20 offense and defense
Tennessee football is often associated with its potent offense under Heupel. Two seasons ago, the Vols had the No. 7 and No. 1 ranked offenses in the country. Last season, injuries and inconsistent quarterback play saw them drop to 37th. If Iamaleava meets expectations and stays healthy, Tennessee’s offense should be strong again in 2024. Key players returning include wide receivers Bru McCoy and Squirrel White, along with transfers Chris Brazzell II and tight end Holden Staes. Running back Dylan Sampson, who was second in rushing last year, also returns, adding depth to the offense.
On defense, the Vols have quietly improved under defensive coordinator Tim Banks. They’ve progressed from ranking 90th in team defense in 2021 to 22nd in 2023. Although there are concerns about the secondary due to player losses, the team has brought in notable transfers like Jalen McMurray, Jermod McCoy, and Jakobe Thomas. Additionally, edge defender James Pearce Jr. is expected to be a major force on the defensive front.
James Pearce Jr. will be top five in the country in sacks
James Pearce Jr. is another key player generating buzz. He’s projected to be a top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft but has one more year at Tennessee. Last season, Pearce recorded 28 total tackles, 14.5 for a loss, and 10 sacks, along with two forced fumbles and an interception returned for a touchdown. He tied for 11th in sacks nationally, and many players ahead of him have moved on to the NFL.
With another year of experience, Pearce is poised for even greater achievements in 2024, potentially making him one of the best defenders in recent Tennessee history.
Tennessee football earns a spot in the College Football Playoff
The new 12-team playoff field offers opportunities for teams like Tennessee to secure a spot. While contending for the SEC title remains challenging with teams like Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss, earning one of the other seven playoff spots seems attainable, making losses less detrimental.
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