Prominent national media outlet makes it clear how they feel about Tennessee football in 2026 in latest SEC power rankings
The Tennessee Vols aren’t facing high expectations entering the 2026 season.
Maybe it’s a good thing, but the Tennessee Vols won’t be facing high expectations in 2026.
After going 8–5 last season, the Vols are viewed by CBS Sports as one of the teams in the bottom half of the SEC heading into Josh Heupel’s sixth season as Tennessee’s head coach.
CBS Sports ranks Tennessee at No. 11 in latest SEC power rankings
CBS Sports revealed their latest SEC power rankings on Tuesday morning and they have Tennessee at No. 11.
“Does Tennessee’s outlook change if Joey Aguilar wins his court case against the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility?” wrote CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello. “Probably. Even so, I’m more curious about the Vols hiring former Penn State and Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. He is a mastermind and one of the best in the game, but he typically needs two to three years to implement his system and players before hitting a stride.”
Auburn, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Mississippi State are the only SEC programs ranked below Tennessee.
Ultimately, expectations and power rankings don’t matter. They have zero impact on what happens on the field.
Still, it’s clear the Vols will be flying under the radar heading into 2026 — which could work in Heupel’s favor after a disappointing finish to 2025.
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