Vols HC Josh Heupel gives his thoughts on watching opposing fans storm the field after beating Tennessee
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel has been on both sides of fans storming the field after an SEC game. Vols fans have twice stormed the field at Neyland Stadium after a win during the Heupel era (both times after wins against Alabama — in 2022 and 2024). And earlier this season, Tennessee watched as […]
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel has been on both sides of fans storming the field after an SEC game.
Vols fans have twice stormed the field at Neyland Stadium after a win during the Heupel era (both times after wins against Alabama — in 2022 and 2024).
And earlier this season, Tennessee watched as Arkansas fans stormed the field in Fayetteville after the Razorbacks' 19-14 win against the Vols.
On Wednesday during the SEC coaches teleconference, Heupel was asked for his opinion on fans storming the field after a big game.
"One of the things that separates college football from so many other sports is the passion," said Heupel. "Not just of the fan bases, but got a lot of young people that are in school, that feel tied into their university. And obviously the alumni, too, there in the stands. And obviously the field storming when you're the opponent, or you're on the wrong side of the scoreboard, isn't as much fun as it is when you're on the right side of the scoreboard.
"But I think it's just, it's a unique part of this game, and now those are moments, memories that people will remember for a long time. And there's a lot of build up to a game when something like that happens. There's a lot of circumstances that they got to be right."
That's a fantastic answer from Heupel. Plenty of coaches would take that opportunity to denounce storming the field — especially since programs are fined six figures for it — but Heupel is all about the passion and pageantry of the sport. He understands how much fans care about the game. And he'd rather take the time to recognize that aspect of the game instead of giving a lecture that no one asked to hear.
