Outlook for the next few years

#1
AstonRoyal

AstonRoyal

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#1
2026 will be Heupel's 6th season with us, and it feels like the general consensus amongst the Tennessee fans is that we're not expecting much this year and it will be a rebuilding year of sorts with us having to break in a new QB and learn a new Defense.

If we were to think big picture about our program and think about where we're going even beyond this upcoming season, how confident do you feel about Tennessee football and where we'll be in the next few years? Do you see championships in the next 3, 4, 5+ years? If not Is there a point in your mind where you think it's time for a change, so for example if it's Josh's 10 year and we haven't made it past the 1st round of the playoffs do we make a change?

I struggle because I feel like it would be reasonable to want a championship in the next 3 years. I feel like up until this point, Coach Heupel has done very well, but we need to take the next step to become great. I do feel confident from a tactical standpoint in Heupel's offense and Knowles defense. And I love the work that the new Strength and Conditioning coach has done and feel like it'll go a long way with developing mentally stronger and tougher players. But looking at our roster, it feels like the talent and potential is good but not quite championship level. And while Heupel's talent acquisition has been good up until this point, it hasn't quite reached the level of top tier whether it be HS Recruiting or Transfers. And it also doesn't feel like he's shown much improvement with game management and discipline which has been issues during his time here.

So my confidence in the next few years at our current trajectory is Luke Warm. Whether it's reasonable or unreasonable my hope and expectation is for a championship. And while I like the steps we've taken in improving the Staff, I'm uncertain that we have or will acquire enough quality top tier talent that would be necessary to win a Championship.

What are y'alls thoughts?
 
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#2
#2
With NIL and recruiting both high school and transfer football players, who the heck knows what’s going to happen in the next few years. We have a dynamic offense and a highly anticipated defense so I’m excited. Scratch that, I’m as excited as I can be given the fact that the team projects to change upwards of 50% year over year. Who knew that college football would go the way of one and done? Not entering the draft but finding another college team that will pay you more $$$ or promise playing time.
 
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#3
#3
IMO expecting to make the playoffs 2 of 4 yrs is very reasonable since there are now 12 teams and if you accomplish that you should get lucky and win one every 5 yrs. Maybe this is low expectations for some but look at our schedule this yr and future it is brutal. And with recruiting now to whoever is the highest bidder who knows what kind of talent TN can afford yr to yr.
 
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#5
#5
If they skid into more 7-6, 8-4 seasons, there comes a point where they have to fire Heupel. I don't think UT is there yet. I do feel like he's smarter and sharper than a lot of coaches. He consistently scores and his teams drive the ball. He can probably tread water at 8 wins. So I think he's got a few years no matter what. But in the big picture, I have no idea where Tennessee will be. I don't feel like we're on an upward trajectory. I don't feel like winning a championship is in the cards. Not yet.

I think this Faizon Brandon thing is going to be a deciding factor. Everyone talks about him like he's the guy. Can run, can scramble, can throw big, can make plays. And as Heupel's quarterbacks go, so goes his offensive potency and game planning. Aside from the second year with Hooker, Heupel has always been making do at quarterback. But now it's Brandon, and I think Brandon's performance is very likely going to decide if Heupel keeps his job or not. To say nothing of Tennessee's chances to compete in the next three years.

A lot to put on one young man's shoulders. Well, strike that. One very well paid man. I hope he's worth it. I hope they picked the right guy. And I hope it pans out for them both.
 
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#6
#6
I for one am extremely optimistic about our future under Heupel. Now am I saying we are gonna win a NC? No. I hope we do but fans need to understand just how difficult winning a NC truly is. Since 1990, only 29 teams have won a NC. Considering how many D1 schools there are, the odds are not in our favor to win one.

Now do I think we can win one? Yes I do. I think Heupel is good enough. Although there are factors that will have to go our way for that to happen. As far as this season goes? I don’t know what to expect to be honest. I don’t see us winning fewer than 8 games but beyond that it’s a mystery.
 
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#7
#7
We need to win a flipping SEC title it’s been nearly 30 years since we last did. i mean a program with Tennessee’s resources and tradition that is way too long a title drought. We should have championship expectations here and with Heupel not settling for an occasional 10 win season and getting blown out in round 1 of the playoff. My god friggin Indiania a traditional doormat just went 16-0 and won the natty. Ole Piss won 13 games last year and was a couple of plays away from making to the title game.
 
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#9
#9
superdave1984 said:
Ask uga how they felt about Richt winning 9 games each year, but not getting over the hump. Tennessee will do the same to Heupel if he doesn't get it done.
Click to expand...
Yea and Richt won 2 SEC titles in his first 5 seasons and went to the SEC title game 5 times. We wouid kill for that kind of success.
 
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#11
#11
I’m old. I’m an alumnus. I’m forever Orange. I’m pleased as punch with the trajectory of the Volunteers football program since CJH took the reins. I remain hopeful that the breaks will go their way one season, and the Vols will be atop CFB once again.
 
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#12
#12
AstonRoyal said:
2026 will be Heupel's 6th season with us, and it feels like the general consensus amongst the Tennessee fans is that we're not expecting much this year and it will be a rebuilding year of sorts with us having to break in a new QB and learn a new Defense.

If we were to think big picture about our program and think about where we're going even beyond this upcoming season, how confident do you feel about Tennessee football and where we'll be in the next few years? Do you see championships in the next 3, 4, 5+ years? If not Is there a point in your mind where you think it's time for a change, so for example if it's Josh's 10 year and we haven't made it past the 1st round of the playoffs do we make a change?

I struggle because I feel like it would be reasonable to want a championship in the next 3 years. I feel like up until this point, Coach Heupel has done very well, but we need to take the next step to become great. I do feel confident from a tactical standpoint in Heupel's offense and Knowles defense. And I love the work that the new Strength and Conditioning coach has done and feel like it'll go a long way with developing mentally stronger and tougher players. But looking at our roster, it feels like the talent and potential is good but not quite championship level. And while Heupel's talent acquisition has been good up until this point, it hasn't quite reached the level of top tier whether it be HS Recruiting or Transfers. And it also doesn't feel like he's shown much improvement with game management and discipline which has been issues during his time here.

So my confidence in the next few years at our current trajectory is Luke Warm. Whether it's reasonable or unreasonable my hope and expectation is for a championship. And while I like the steps we've taken in improving the Staff, I'm uncertain that we have or will acquire enough quality top tier talent that would be necessary to win a Championship.

What are y'alls thoughts?
Click to expand...
I feel good about the upcoming season, but I'm a glass half full person. We have an experienced offensive line, wide receivers, and tight ends that will protect a young QB. And, you know Heup is going to establish the run game, which will also protect a young QB. Our LB room is definitely in the top half of the SEC. Secondary looks decent, if not potentially very good. Lot of young bodies on the DL that look like SEC D-linemen. Our new DC and strength coach look like they will be difference makers.

So much goes into winning a championship; lots of good luck and the ball bouncing your way. If I had to bet a substantial amount of money on an accurate W/L record, I'd go with 9-3. 8-4 is certainly possible as is 10-2 or 11-1. Should be a fun season with a great home schedule..........
 
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#13
#13
I always see the comparison of Richt and Heupel in these discussions.

Didn't Richt have consistent top 10 recruiting classes for several years? Does Heupel?

The rap on Richt, which was correct, was he "did less with more" than a coach should. Is that true of Heupel?

Unless UT is going to put up top NIL money year after year vs the billionaires coming from the oil states and big alumni fanbases of the B1G, we're not going to be able to buy enough talent to build (read: buy) a Natty winning roster.

It's the money now.

Richt was a substandard coach which is why he retired a couple of years after leaving GA. Heupel isn't a perfect coach but name one coach you'd rather have who isn't a "pipe dream" like Cignetti.
 
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#14
#14
Wait…. This is a rebuilding year?!?!? I swore that was last year. That’s right. It’s a “rebuild” every year. I’m sorry. People can bash me, call me what they want. I really don’t care, but Josh won’t get it done here. Year 6 and nothing to show for it honestly. Sure a couple good wins. But heck. Who beat UGA the last time?, and that dude sucked!!!!!
 
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#15
#15
AstonRoyal said:
2026 will be Heupel's 6th season with us, and it feels like the general consensus amongst the Tennessee fans is that we're not expecting much this year and it will be a rebuilding year of sorts with us having to break in a new QB and learn a new Defense.

If we were to think big picture about our program and think about where we're going even beyond this upcoming season, how confident do you feel about Tennessee football and where we'll be in the next few years? Do you see championships in the next 3, 4, 5+ years? If not Is there a point in your mind where you think it's time for a change, so for example if it's Josh's 10 year and we haven't made it past the 1st round of the playoffs do we make a change?

I struggle because I feel like it would be reasonable to want a championship in the next 3 years. I feel like up until this point, Coach Heupel has done very well, but we need to take the next step to become great. I do feel confident from a tactical standpoint in Heupel's offense and Knowles defense. And I love the work that the new Strength and Conditioning coach has done and feel like it'll go a long way with developing mentally stronger and tougher players. But looking at our roster, it feels like the talent and potential is good but not quite championship level. And while Heupel's talent acquisition has been good up until this point, it hasn't quite reached the level of top tier whether it be HS Recruiting or Transfers. And it also doesn't feel like he's shown much improvement with game management and discipline which has been issues during his time here.

So my confidence in the next few years at our current trajectory is Luke Warm. Whether it's reasonable or unreasonable my hope and expectation is for a championship. And while I like the steps we've taken in improving the Staff, I'm uncertain that we have or will acquire enough quality top tier talent that would be necessary to win a Championship.

What are y'alls thoughts?
Click to expand...

it is more difficult today to win a championship, since you said playoffs I assume you don't mean SEC, then it has ever been for Tennessee. Having only won one championship in the last 74 years shows how very difficult it has been in the past. If you get to see a championship during your lifetime, feel fortunate. I've seen one and I'm 78.

Not being negative, just stating reality.

As far as the coach status, I leave that to administration. Most hires end up being worse then the guy you let go so that is not always the answer to get to a championship.

Think about it. There are 4 active college coaches who have claimed a national championship in college football. It ain't easy to do.
 
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#16
#16
Maybe I’m a pessimist in this regard, but I don’t see any conference championships on the horizon.

That said, I certainly expect more CFP appearances with one needing to be in the next two seasons. If not, it will be coach searching time again IMO.
 
#17
#17
If CJH learns from the Indiana template and what Coach Barnes has done with the portal, we will compete for a Nattie very soon. Faizon is a BEAST and could be the centerpiece to an unstoppable O. Combined with our new D coordinator, I feel very optimistic.
 
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#18
#18
I think we are headed in the right direction. We made the playoffs in 2024 despite a quarterback that did not live up to expectations. We had a down year last season, but even with a horrible defense, an interception prone quarterback and a kicker who looked like a deer in the headlights three of our losses were by 6 points or less. A few less interceptions and missed kicks and last season could have been much better even with the defense being so bad. We now have a championship winning defensive coordinator and strength coach. Hopefully Josh Heupel has learned from his clock management mistakes and not to get too conservative with play calls until the game is in hand.
 
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#20
#20
NorthGeorgia_VolFan said:
Wait…. This is a rebuilding year?!?!? I swore that was last year. That’s right. It’s a “rebuild” every year. I’m sorry. People can bash me, call me what they want. I really don’t care, but Josh won’t get it done here. Year 6 and nothing to show for it honestly. Sure a couple good wins. But heck. Who beat UGA the last time?, and that dude sucked!!!!!
Click to expand...
Nobody who knows anything will call this year a rebuilding year.
 
#23
#23
BigOrangeTrain said:
Cannot have a rebuilding year in year 6 unless you have replaced the entire coaching staff and had massive roster replacement.
Click to expand...

sure you can. its about roster as to if you're rebuilding. A young and inexperienced roster is rebuilding.. that is where we are.. at this point IMO
 
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#25
#25
NorthGeorgia_VolFan said:
Wait…. This is a rebuilding year?!?!? I swore that was last year. That’s right. It’s a “rebuild” every year. I’m sorry. People can bash me, call me what they want. I really don’t care, but Josh won’t get it done here. Year 6 and nothing to show for it honestly. Sure a couple good wins. But heck. Who beat UGA the last time?, and that dude sucked!!!!!
Click to expand...
LOL, recess is over?
 
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