Tennessee Vols HC Josh Heupel shares message with fans ahead of 2023 season
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel joined The Nation on Sunday evening and he shared a message with UT fans ahead of the 2023 season. Heupel, who is entering his third season as Tennessee's head coach, was asked about the excitement level that he feels from fans with the start of the regular season just […]
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel joined The Nation on Sunday evening and he shared a message with UT fans ahead of the 2023 season.
Heupel, who is entering his third season as Tennessee's head coach, was asked about the excitement level that he feels from fans with the start of the regular season just a few weeks away.
The former Heisman Trophy runner up, who was quick to point out that Tennessee's fan base is even more passionate than he anticipated it would be, expressed his appreciation for Vols fans and their love of UT football.
“The excitement that surrounds Vol Nation is across the country," said Heupel. "You can feel that in recruiting, too. That is a part of our recruiting success. In Knoxville, everywhere you go, or everywhere I have been, there has been so much excitement around this football program. I think they truly love the way they compete for each other. They can tell there is a connection and bond there, and the fact they do things the right way."
"That has parlayed itself into high expectations and a real expectation that we have an opportunity to go win every Saturday and put ourself in a position at the end of the year to do what we want to," continued Heupel. "Our players feel that way. Our coaches do, too. But it is awesome to have our fans feel the same way. I have said this before — as good as I thought it was here, this fan base is better than I even anticipated. They care 365 days out of the year. They pay attention to everything that is going on in-season and out of season. I am excited to go kick it off in Nashville with them.”
One thing is clear about Heupel — he's not running from expectations. And he loves that Tennessee fans share those big expectations.
By the way, Heupel also doubled down on his goal of bringing a national championship back to Knoxville during his appearance on The Nation.
"I mean, ultimately the goal at Tennessee is to win a championship," said Heupel on Sunday. "You can look back at our history and understand that. There were a lot of great moments (in 2022). Things I will look back on in my career and remember forever. Same for our players, too. At the same time, there was a lot we didn’t accomplish. This group is driven to be their best individually and be our best as a team. They have been unbelievable all off-season. You have to stay the course here in training camp and finish this out right. But at the end of the day, we have high goals."
No one has higher expectations for the Vols than the expectations inside of Tennessee's facilities.
The Vols know nothing will be given to them just because of last year's success. That's why Tennessee's 2023 squad is committed to leaving their own mark on college football this fall.
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Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
