2026 Tennessee Football Preview
Jake Wimberly
Abby Boyd Contributing-
What’s to like:
Josh Heupel has turned Tennessee into one of the SEC’s more consistent programs. His offense remains one of the most explosive in the conference, creating big plays through both the passing and running game. Even with a new quarterback the Volunteers should once again have one of the better offensive lines in the SEC. That experience up front should help keep the offense productive while the new starter settles into the role.
The defense also has reason for optimism with the addition of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator. Knowles has built successful defenses throughout his career and brings a physical, aggressive style to Knoxville. If Tennessee adapts quickly to his system, the Volunteers should have the talent to compete with anyone on their schedule.
What’s not to like:
Tennessee has a shoe to fill at, arguably, the most important position, quarterback. Replacing a starter si never easy. While George McIntyre, Faizon Brandon, and Ryan Staub all have talent, none have proven themselves over the course of a full season.
There is also the challenge of adjusting to a new defensive system. Jim Knowles has a strong tack record, but learning new terminology and responsibilities takes time. Tennessee has the talent to be one of the better defenses, but there could be some growing pains as the players become more comfortable in the scheme.
What does the Hourglass say?
Tennessee- SEC (6-6)
Power ranking 105.84. The 6th toughest schedule in the SEC.
2026 Tennessee Analytics
National recruiting rating (three year metric): #16- outside the boundary of a National Championship Roster.
National Coaching Ranking:
Josh Heupel- 18th in Power 5 and 7th in the SEC.
2026 coaching value= 28.6 (average 2026 Power 5 coaching value=21.93) Josh Heupel is ranked middle of the pack for coaches in the Power 5.
Quarterback Play: George MacIntyre- ranked 24th in the Power 4, 7th in the SEC; 2026 QB value= 37.5 (Power 4 average- 26.43).
Impact Ball Catcher Metric: Tennessee has an Impact Ball Catcher Metric of 2. This puts the Volunteers at the lower tier for the SEC in this metric.
Final Thoughts:
Tennessee has become one of the SEC’s most consistent programs, but 2026 brings a few new challenges. Replacing the starting quarterback and adjusting to a new defensive coordinator will be key storylines throughout the season. If those questions are answered early, the Volunteers should once again be in the race near the top of the conference.
2026 Schedule analysis:
Projected Hourglass W/L record: Games in red denote games that could be a one possession game or even a different outcome than projection.
9/5/26 Furman- Win
9/12/26 At Georgia Tech- Win
9/19/26 Kennesaw State- Win
9/26/26 Texas- Loss
10/3/26 Auburn- Loss
10/10/26 At Arkansas- Win
10/17/26 Alabama- Loss
10/24/26 At South Carolina- Loss
11/7/26 Kentucky- Win
11/14/26 At Texas A&M- Loss
11/21/26 LSU- Loss
11/28/26 At Vanderbilt- Win
