The Tennessee Vols have come a long way under Josh Heupel in his five-plus seasons as the program’s head coach. With multiple wins over Alabama and Florida, multiple 10+ win seasons, a playoff appearance, and a New Year’s Six bowl win, the program has stepped well beyond the days of being mired in a drought of post-2007 mediocrity under several head coaches.

Entering an important 2026, there’s a path for Tennessee to potentially surprise this season — if a number of things can come together. Tennessee will need a strong rookie performance from either George MacIntyre or Faizon Brandon. The defense will need some key transfer portal pickups to contribute immediately, and the unit as a whole will need to hit the ground running in Jim Knowles’ defense. A pass rush still has to be found with Chaz Coleman gone.

But the schedule is also an interesting factor, and it’s one where Vol fans can make an impact in some of Tennessee’s biggest games. Texas, Alabama, Auburn, Kentucky, and LSU all come to Neyland Stadium, and all will pose significant challenges. So Tennessee fans creating an electric environment will again be critical.

How wild have Tennessee gotten in recent years? Enough for Kirk Herbstreit to notice. Herbstreit previously sat down with comedian Josh Mancuso, and he tied Tennessee being “back” to the intensity of the fanbase at the games. He even pointed out a story of what it used to be like to illustrate his point.

Kirk Herbstreit recounted story about Tennessee fan lobbing a whiskey bottle at the referee from the upper deck against Notre Dame

“I hope so,” Herbstreit answered to whether they’re back. “We like when they’re back because their fans are rabid.

“Notre Dame came into Neyland Stadium when we were there. The ref made a bad call, and some dude threw a whiskey bottle from the upper deck. It landed maybe a foot or two away from the referee. That’s crazy.”

Tennessee hosted Notre Dame in 1999 and 2004, so presumably Herbstreit was talking about the latter here, which Notre Dame won 17-13 in a game that frustrated Vol fans in a big way.

Of course, fans shouldn’t throw things at the field, particularly objects that could have a serious or potentially deadly consequence if it lands on a skull. Let’s just clarify the obvious here.

But there’s no doubt that Tennessee’s passion and intensity on game day is matched by very few programs, if any. Former visiting players have felt it. Even visiting commentators.

In order for Tennessee to have the season that fans want this fall, fans will need to be that X-factor at home. And hopefully without any projectiles coming from the stands at Lane Kiffin, the officials, or anyone else this time around.