SEC Coaches are Doubting the Vols in 2026
The Tennessee Volunteers were given some harsh criticisms heading into next season after a report came out indicating that multiple SEC coaches have little to no faith in the team next year. The coaches cite the Vols lack of experience as a potential hinderance to the team in 2026. Lucas Panzica tells fans why this shouldn't be a problem and the Vols have room to shock the college football world and exceed everyone's expectations.
Video Transcript
Anonymous SEC coaches do not seem to believe in Tennessee football in 2026.
Hey, Lucas Panzica here from 104.5 The Zone and A to Z Sports.
So every off-season, right around summertime, athlonesports.com puts out an article after having polled multiple anonymous coaches from every SEC coaching staff with comments about every SEC program.
And what they had to say about Tennessee was not necessarily glowing going into 2026.
One coach told Athlon Sports, quote, "Having the Joey Aguilar deal not go their way is a good thing for the SEC.
They are unproven at quarterback."
Another quote said, "It's a pivotal year for them to succeed.
I don't think they'll be better."
And finally, another quote on this same subject said about Tennessee, "Without a veteran quarterback in that system, you don't feel the same energy and excitement around that program.
Every time we face them or versions of them, it all runs through their quarterback and how confident he is at stretching the field and how mobile he is."
It is clear that the coaches Athlon Sports talked to are not buying into Tennessee in 2026 with the questions around the quarterback position.
And it is true, this is the first time that Josh Heupal, whether it's Faizon Brandon or George McIntyre, will roll out a quarterback that has never started a game at the college football level.
And it is tough to gauge expectations for Tennessee in 2026.
But I pose the question to you: Do you think Tennessee will be as good or better than they were in 2025?
And is that good enough after an 8-4 campaign where the Vols lost in the Music City Bowl?
Let us know in the comments.
