Former Tennessee Vols defender makes strong statement about Josh Heupel's system ahead of the 2025 season
Over the past two years, there have been plenty of questions about whether the Tennessee Vols' offensive system under Josh Heupel can continue to be successful in the SEC. After averaging 46.1 points per game in 2022 (which led the nation), Tennessee's offense has averaged just 32.5 points per game the last two seasons. One […]
Over the past two years, there have been plenty of questions about whether the Tennessee Vols' offensive system under Josh Heupel can continue to be successful in the SEC.
After averaging 46.1 points per game in 2022 (which led the nation), Tennessee's offense has averaged just 32.5 points per game the last two seasons.
One reason that's been the case has been quarterback play (Joe Milton in 2023 and Nico Iamaleava in 2024 didn’t play at the same level as Hendon Hooker did in 2022).
Another reason is because some defensive coordinators have learned how to better defend Tennessee's unique up-tempo offense.
Heupel is expected to add a few wrinkles to his system in 2025 to prevent the Vols from becoming predictable.
Despite Tennessee's downtick in offensive production over the past two seasons, former Vols defensive back Alontae Taylor is a firm believer in Heupel's system.
"I think they can be special," said Taylor to WBIR when asked about Tennessee in 2025. "I feel like Heupel has the right system. He has the right coaches in the building. He's kind of been through it before. One thing about Coach Heupel's system is that it's one of those things that once everybody buys into it, it can have a lot success.
"I think over the past couple of years, you see guys buying in and buying in (to Heupel's system). I think with the transfer portal, guys are coming in and they're coming in for a reason. They believe in what Coach Heupel's doing. And I know that [Tennessee] will do what they need to do this season to possibly extend that playoff run."
Taylor, a second round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, is entering his fourth season with the New Orleans Saints.
The Tennessee native played for the Vols from 2018 to 2021. Taylor's final season on Rocky Top was Heupel's first season as Tennessee's head coach.
The Hendon Hooker stat that shows why the biggest concern about new Tennessee Vols QB Joey Aguilar may be misguided
Might not be that big of a deal after all
