In 2022, the Tennessee Volunteers were playoff contenders until a late-season loss at South Carolina. Hendon Hooker was a shoo-in to be a Heisman finalist until he tore his ACL in the loss. In came Joe Milton, and a very successful Orange Bowl performance had Vol fans excited for the 2023 season. Expectations were quelled pretty quickly as they experienced inconsistent quarterback play and wide receiver injuries.
Milton opted out of the Citrus Bowl against Iowa, and former five-star freshman Nico Iamaleava stepped in and dominated a highly-rated Hawkeyes defense. Now, expectations are high again on Rocky Top. Iamaleava is even getting some preseason Heisman hype. Can Josh Heupel get his offense back to looking more like his 2022 team? Can Tennessee get back to the top of the new look and loaded SEC?
Tennessee Volunteers Offensive Outlook
The Vols offense in 2024 should be more explosive than they were in 2023. Inconsistent play at quarterback mixed with injuries and inexperience at wide receiver led to a somewhat down season for the Tennessee offense. After a 2022 season that saw the Volunteers lead the country in scoring, UT came down to earth last season.
Joe Milton had plenty of hype heading into 2023 but never lived up to the high expectations fans and media placed on him. Combine that with the loss of Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman to the draft and then Bru McCoy to injury early in the season, Tennessee couldn’t quite find their explosion.
Going into 2024, Nico Iamaleava will take over as the signal caller and he has had lofty expectations placed on him. A true dual-threat quarterback, Iamaleava showed his versatility and promise in last season’s Citrus Bowl against Iowa. Back are wide receivers Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, Dont’e Thornton, Kaleb Webb, and Chaz Nimrod as well as incoming five-star freshman Mike Matthews and Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell. The depth in the wide receiving room is a welcomed site after last season’s struggles.
At running back, Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small have left for the NFL, but Dylan Sampson returns to lead the backfield. Cameron Seldon will miss some time after undergoing shoulder surgery this spring, so Desean Bishop, Khalifa Kieth, and freshman Peyton Lewis will have to fill in while he is out. The Vols have run for over 2500 yards in consecutive seasons, and have the tools to do it again.
Tennessee Volunteers Defensive Outlook
The strength of the defense is the deep and talented defensive line. Led by potential number one overall 2025 NFL Draft pick James Pearce Jr. on the edge, the Tennessee defensive line is one of the best in the country. Omari Thomas, Bryson Eason, and Omar Norman-Lott are dynamic interior linemen, and Tyre West, Dominic Bailey, and Joshua Josephs will provide more pass rush and speed.
At linebacker, Keenan Pili returns from injury to lead the group. Rising sophomores Arion Carter and Jeremiah Telander and incoming freshman Edwin Spillman will also develop into playmakers.
The biggest improvement needs to come from the secondary. After being the biggest liability over the last several years, Tennessee retooled during the offseason, adding transfers Jermod McCoy, Jalen McMurray, and Jakobe Thomas. Sophomore Rickey Gibson III should step into a starting spot after taking over late in 2023, and incoming freshman Boo Carter has proven to be dynamic and versatile during the spring.
Tennessee Volunteers Season Outlook and Prediction
The Big Orange start off the 2024 season at home against Chattanooga. The season kickoff will be a warm-up as Tennessee will be getting ready for a matchup in the Dukes Mayo Classic in Charlotte against North Carolina State. Here is where the season truly begins for the Vols.
The Wolfpack have brought in highly touted quarterback Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina, running back Jordan Waters from Duke, wide receiver Noah Rogers from Ohio State, and prized tight end transfer Justin Joly from UConn. The offensive overhaul combined with the return of wide receiver Kevin Concepcion and offensive coordinator Robert Anae have NC State excited for their potential.
After another early season warm-up game against Kent State, Tennessee will travel to Norman, Oklahoma to battle with new SEC foe Oklahoma. This will mark Josh Heupel’s return to his alma mater. The Sooners will hope to have a successful introduction into the conference, as Jackson Arnold takes over at quarterback for the departed Dillon Gabriel.
After their trip to the Sooner State, the Vols will head to Arkansas to take on the Razorbacks. Arkansas has one of the least talented rosters in the conference and is predicted to finish near the bottom of the league. Incoming Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green will be replacing KJ Jefferson, who has transferred to Central Florida. Utah transfer running back Ja’Quinden Jackson will look to improve a running game that was without Raheim Sanders for most of the 2023 season.
Four straight home games await Tennessee, as they host Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, and Mississippi State. Florida has the toughest schedule in the country and a subpar roster compared to past Gator teams. Bama is a team in flux. Can they continue their success after Nick Saban’s retirement? Incoming head coach Kalen DeBoer took Washington to the national title game last season, but the SEC is a completely different animal than the now-defunct PAC-12.
Traditionally, Kentucky has not fared well against Tennessee. The Wildcats have only defeated the Vols five times since 1978 and only twice in Knoxville during that time span. Mississippi State is another team with major questions. Since the tragic passing of Mike Leach, the Bulldogs have had a tough time with their offensive identity. In comes highly regarded offensive coach Jeff Lebby to run the program. Quarterback Blake Shapen has transferred in from Baylor and wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi transferred from UTEP.
The Vols’ biggest test of the season will come when they visit Athens to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Tennessee has a decent enough chance at being in the playoff race when they face Georgia. This game will be a major indicator for the Volunteers. Beat the Bulldogs and they could find themselves in the SEC Championship Game. Lose and they would likely be on the outside of the playoff picture looking in again.
After their trip to Sanford Stadium, Tennessee will finish the regular season against UTEP and at Vanderbilt.
Tennessee Volunteers 2024 Season Prediction: 9-3
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About the Author
Tom has been writing about professional wrestling, college football, NFL, and fantasy football for over a decade and is an avid sports fan. He has been known in the fantasy football industry for his dynasty and devy knowledge, but he is also very versed in betting.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a History degree, he loves all things Vols. He is also a massive Atlanta Braves and Dallas Cowboys fan.
Tom has been with Total Apex since the beginning and will continue to help push the company to higher levels. Follow Tom on X @TomHarveySports and follow Total Apex on X @totalapexsports and @totalapexeandg
