It’s time for coach Josh Heupel and No. 15 Tennessee to show they can keep up.
They need to compete not just with the stronger Southeastern Conference but also with other successful programs on campus.
The Vols recently won the SEC men’s basketball title with coach Rick Barnes and achieved their first national title in baseball since 2009 under Tony Vitello.
In Knoxville, football faces the most pressure and attention. Heupel has turned a struggling program into one with a long waiting list for season tickets at Neyland Stadium. He knows it’s his job to prove how good his program can be.
“I’m not sure that there’s ever been a better time to be a Vol,” Heupel said.
Heupel is starting his fourth season after a 9-4 record and a No. 17 ranking in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll. He has led the Vols to 20 wins over the past two years, the best two-year stretch for the program since 2003-04.
However, Vols fans and supporters expect more, especially with significant investments in renovating Neyland and the SEC expanding with the additions of Texas and Heupel’s alma mater, Oklahoma.
Heupel won many games with Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton III, both now in the NFL.
Now, star recruit Nico Iamaleava will run Heupel’s fast-paced offense, with guidance from Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle. College coaches can now communicate directly with quarterbacks through helmet electronics.
Heupel believes Iamaleava understands the offense better now.
“I think we are going to see his play go to an even higher level, which is a scary thing to think about because just his natural ability to step on a football field and go play well is elite,” Heupel said.
