Tennessee Football 2024 Expectations -

“Nico.”

When you ask someone what their first thought about Tennessee Football in 2024 is, this will most likely be their answer. The hype around the Five-Star quarterback is unreal, but why shouldn’t it be? The former Polynesian Bowl MVP is Tennessee’s highest rated QB recruit since Peyton Manning in the mid 90’s. Fans have been waiting to see Nico start at quarterback since he arrived on campus, and they saw a glimpse of the future when he started the Citrus Bowl last season against Iowa in which he won the game’s MVP. So what should Tennessee’s 2024 expectations be?

Offense

I’ve already mentioned that Nico will be the starter at quarterback this season, but who else do the Vols have to look forward to on offense this season? Dylan Sampson, Cam Seldon, and Khalifa Keith are expected to be this year’s three-headed monster after Wright and Small declared for the NFL Draft. Sampson is expected to be the main work horse in this group, and has made big strides as a vocal leader on this Tennessee team in the offseason as well.

The wide receiver room could be Tennessee’s biggest strength, or its biggest area of concern this season. After a season where the wide receiver position didn’t live up to expectations, Josh Heupel reloaded the room. Tennessee only loses Ramel Keyton out of the room after he ran out of eligibility, and adds transfer Chris Brazzell out of the portal to go along with incoming freshmen Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley. These guys join a receiving core that features Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, Dont’e Thornton, Chas Nimrod, and Kaleb Webb. Bru and Dont’e are still working their way back from injury this spring giving these other guys a chance to prove themselves, but where does that leave them when the two guys are back and healthy? Tennessee could have receiver production reminiscent of the 2021 team, but there might not be enough playing time to go around for these guys which could result in a big portal hit as early as after the spring game.

Redshirt freshman Ethan Davis has some big shoes to fill after Jacob Warren and McCallen Castles both graduate. However, he won’t have to do it alone after Tennessee picks up Holden Staes out of the portal from Notre Dame. Heupel uses his tight ends in a variety of ways, and I believe these two will help the Tennessee offense in a big way this season.

The offensive line could be one of the best in the SEC this year if they remain healthy. Tennessee returns arguably the most important player on the team at center in Cooper Mays. They also return Javontez Spraggins and John Campbell Jr at right guard and right tackle respectfully. After left tackle Gerald Mincey transferred to Kentucky, Tennessee went to the portal and got Zalence Heard who will be battling with Dayne Davis for the position. Andrej Karic and Jackson Lampley will battle it out for the left guard position. There’s a lot of experience on this offensive line that should be big with a redshirt freshman quarterback taking the snaps.

Defense

The defensive front for Tennessee is arguably the best in the SEC entering the 2024 season. First team All SEC James Pearce Jr highlights the defensive line at the LEO position. Big Omari Thomas and Bryson Eason man the middle at defensive tackle. Dominic Bailey looks to be the guy to start at defensive end for Tennessee. These guys only tell a part of the story for the defensive front because of how much Tennessee rotates guys on the line. Guys like Tyre West, Josh Josephs, Omar Norman-Lott, Jaxson Moi, Elijah Simmons, Caleb Herring, and Jackson Ross should see a lot of action this season.

Tennessee lost a big part of their linebacker core to injury in the first game of the season last year which resulted in some young guys getting a lot of playing time and experience. That experience combined with Keenan Pili deciding to return to Tennessee after that injury last year could be key for this position this year. Arion Carter, Elijah Herring, and Jeremiah Telander will take the experience they got last year and use that this season to make Tennessee’s defense even better this year.

The biggest question mark on the Tennessee team this year is arguably the secondary. After some graduations and some transfers, Tennessee does not return a single starter in the secondary this season. Sounds like trouble right? It could be, but when you consider how bad the secondary has been over the last couple of seasons, surely it can’t get much worse than that. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks and Heupel hit the portal and recruiting trail hard to bring in guys to fill these positions and hopefully improve them. Ricky Gibson and transfer Jermod McCoy are expected to start at corner this season, although expect Jordan Matthews, Christian Conyer, transfer Jalen McMurray, and freshman Kaleb Beasley to make an impact as well. Jourdan Thomas is expected to hold down the star position for Tennessee. Andre Turrentine and transfer Jakobe Thomas looks to start at safety although freshman Boo Carter is making his case to be a starter this spring.

What Should Expectations Be?

Tennessee has a favorable schedule for the most part this season. They play Chattanooga, Kent State, UTEP, and NC State (Charlotte) in the nonconference this year. Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, and Mississippi State are all home games. Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia, and Vanderbilt are the road games. Tennessee should finish no worse than 9-3 this year, and should be in a position to make the inaugural 12 team playoff. I’m not saying Tennessee should win the whole thing, but should be competing for that.