I Don't Want to Look Past this Season, but it's Not a Bad Look

[vegasvolfan]

Even if Aguilar gets the nod as starter this year, this next year should surely put one of the other two QBs in good position to run this offense a year down the road. Pendleton is apparently looking serviceable at Center already, and we might keep our entire OL for 2 straight years AFTER THIS YEAR while others develop. Hopefully we can pick up another blue chip OL guy this year. Could we get on Gray's radar even further? I believe if our OL showed great improvements this year at that position, we might flip some guys. We could use one or two more young, highly rated OLs to develop over the next couple of years.

We should be deep everywhere else. We need some WR talent to shine and let's see what the RBs can do, but I have found absolute confidence in our D.

This all makes me a bit more excited about this season. I'm never NOT excited, but I have prepared myself pretty well for down seasons since Heupel took the helm. Tempering expectations left me pleasantly surprised in '23 and with how we faired through some very rough performances on O last year. No way did I think we were making the playoffs after that Arkansas loss.

So, not only do we have POTENTIAL this year, I believe the fact that we might lose very few players (and none that are key positions) the year after gives us a lot to watch for in the area of development. The losses of Kits, West, Bailey, Eason, and Turrentine will probably be felt the most. Other than those guys, no-one HAS TO go from an eligibility perspective that is likely to be a real contributor this year. Yes, there is that transfer portal. Depending on that and early departures, we may have the deepest roster we have seen during the Heupel area in 2026.

By the way, Star Thomas... any word on him so far in camp? He had some decent numbers at Duke last year. He could surprise, but I think we are good with Bishop, West and whoever else--especially after this year.

Pardon any redundancy. It's late.

2025 Football Roster - University of Tennessee Athletics

The official 2025 Football Roster for the University of Tennessee Volunteers

utsports.com

 

[LittleVol]

Even if Aguilar gets the nod as starter this year, this next year should surely put one of the other two QBs in good position to run this offense a year down the road. Pendleton is apparently looking serviceable at Center already, and we might keep our entire OL for 2 straight years AFTER THIS YEAR while others develop. Hopefully we can pick up another blue chip OL guy this year. Could we get on Gray's radar even further? I believe if our OL showed great improvements this year at that position, we might flip some guys. We could use one or two more young, highly rated OLs to develop over the next couple of years.

We should be deep everywhere else. We need some WR talent to shine and let's see what the RBs can do, but I have found absolute confidence in our D.

This all makes me a bit more excited about this season. I'm never NOT excited, but I have prepared myself pretty well for down seasons since Heupel took the helm. Tempering expectations left me pleasantly surprised in '23 and with how we faired through some very rough performances on O last year. No way did I think we were making the playoffs after that Arkansas loss.

So, not only do we have POTENTIAL this year, I believe the fact that we might lose very few players (and none that are key positions) the year after gives us a lot to watch for in the area of development. The losses of Kits, West, Bailey, Eason, and Turrentine will probably be felt the most. Other than those guys, no-one HAS TO go from an eligibility perspective that is likely to be a real contributor this year. Yes, there is that transfer portal. Depending on that and early departures, we may have the deepest roster we have seen during the Heupel area in 2026.

By the way, Star Thomas... any word on him so far in camp? He had some decent numbers at Duke last year. He could surprise, but I think we are good with Bishop, West and whoever else--especially after this year.

Pardon any redundancy. It's late.

2025 Football Roster - University of Tennessee Athletics

The official 2025 Football Roster for the University of Tennessee Volunteers

utsports.com

Star Thomas has looked very good ever since her transferred here.
- great hands
- faster than you realize
- has some tackle breaking ability

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

We are building an SEC roster. Once we get qb situated, look out. This thing is about to take off.

 

[CAVPUT]

We are building an SEC roster. Once we get qb situated, look out. This thing is about to take off.

Heupel has completely flipped this roster. No more Pruitt holdovers. This is his roster 100%. This is year 5 and he's still "building"? Still searching for his QB? Maybe he should give Butch a call and get some tips on laying brick? Let's get real. This is the portal era. No one needs 5-6 years to "build a roster".

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Heupel has completely flipped this roster. No more Pruitt holdovers. This is his roster 100%. This is year 5 and he's still "building"? Still searching for his QB? Maybe he should give Butch a call and get some tips on laying brick? Let's get real. This is the portal era. No one needs 5-6 years to "build a roster".

Don’t be stupid. He had his QB until the drama and demand for money he didn’t deserve caused him to transfer. He’s not “still” searching for his QB in Year 5. It was an unexpected curveball that he’s having to adjust to in real time.

 

[zeppelin128]

Heupel has completely flipped this roster. No more Pruitt holdovers. This is his roster 100%. This is year 5 and he's still "building"? Still searching for his QB? Maybe he should give Butch a call and get some tips on laying brick? Let's get real. This is the portal era. No one needs 5-6 years to "build a roster".

Eh, I think this is a little harsh. Criticism of the WR room is warranted (not the quality of guys, but the lack of dudes). Need more dudes! But the rest of the roster seems to be in good shape.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

Just read the below article, talks about Heuple's delima at QB for this season to set up next season. Interesting theory.

Tennessee football: Is Josh Heupel RIGGING Vols QB race?

Does Josh Heupel know who Tennessee football will start at quarterback among Volunteers signal-callers Jake Merklinger, Joey Aguilar and George MacIntyre?

offthehooksports.com

 

[Bigorangefan 98]

We are building an SEC roster. Once we get qb situated, look out. This thing is about to take off.

We just need to start building some talented depth at the WR position.

 

[Sarms58]

About half our roster are freshman/redshirt freshman (55/111). I’m not sure what the mix is supposed to be but it does look like we could being really strong in 2026 - especially if (as you suggested) the OL cones together this year. It’s looking like we are going to have two juniors, one sophomore and two freshman starting and at least two other freshman and a sophomore in the two deep. We’ve already got three OL commitments in the 2026 class and one of those is a 4/5 star - getting Gray would make a perfect OL class.

13 seniors, 26 juniors, 17 sophomores, 25 redshirt freshman and 30 freshman

 

[salutethehill]

Heupel has completely flipped this roster. No more Pruitt holdovers. This is his roster 100%. This is year 5 and he's still "building"? Still searching for his QB? Maybe he should give Butch a call and get some tips on laying brick? Let's get real. This is the portal era. No one needs 5-6 years to "build a roster".

This is stupid.

 

[RiseToTheTop]

pendleton is better than “serviceable”

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Just read the below article, talks about Heuple's delima at QB for this season to set up next season. Interesting theory.

Tennessee football: Is Josh Heupel RIGGING Vols QB race?

Does Josh Heupel know who Tennessee football will start at quarterback among Volunteers signal-callers Jake Merklinger, Joey Aguilar and George MacIntyre?

offthehooksports.com

I don't believe him. I see no reason for anyone one to believe some of the hacks who are trying to make a name for himself.

 

[TennesseeTarheel]

Even if Aguilar gets the nod as starter this year, this next year should surely put one of the other two QBs in good position to run this offense a year down the road. Pendleton is apparently looking serviceable at Center already, and we might keep our entire OL for 2 straight years AFTER THIS YEAR while others develop. Hopefully we can pick up another blue chip OL guy this year. Could we get on Gray's radar even further? I believe if our OL showed great improvements this year at that position, we might flip some guys. We could use one or two more young, highly rated OLs to develop over the next couple of years.

We should be deep everywhere else. We need some WR talent to shine and let's see what the RBs can do, but I have found absolute confidence in our D.

This all makes me a bit more excited about this season. I'm never NOT excited, but I have prepared myself pretty well for down seasons since Heupel took the helm. Tempering expectations left me pleasantly surprised in '23 and with how we faired through some very rough performances on O last year. No way did I think we were making the playoffs after that Arkansas loss.

So, not only do we have POTENTIAL this year, I believe the fact that we might lose very few players (and none that are key positions) the year after gives us a lot to watch for in the area of development. The losses of Kits, West, Bailey, Eason, and Turrentine will probably be felt the most. Other than those guys, no-one HAS TO go from an eligibility perspective that is likely to be a real contributor this year. Yes, there is that transfer portal. Depending on that and early departures, we may have the deepest roster we have seen during the Heupel area in 2026.

By the way, Star Thomas... any word on him so far in camp? He had some decent numbers at Duke last year. He could surprise, but I think we are good with Bishop, West and whoever else--especially after this year.

Pardon any redundancy. It's late.

2025 Football Roster - University of Tennessee Athletics

The official 2025 Football Roster for the University of Tennessee Volunteers

utsports.com

Approved by the Department of Redundancy Department

 

[WillisWG]

Heupel has completely flipped this roster. No more Pruitt holdovers. This is his roster 100%. This is year 5 and he's still "building"? Still searching for his QB? Maybe he should give Butch a call and get some tips on laying brick? Let's get real. This is the portal era. No one needs 5-6 years to "build a roster".

you're building every year my friend. yep it is the portal era, we saw the exit end work in 21 with the mass exit then add in 28 scholarship reductions not sure I really see CJH as being in year 5

 

[valoisvol]

You lost me after your first sentence. Pendleton could move on for more money just like every player on this team could. Enjoy each year and what we have. Every new season will bring uncertainty

 

[LegionnaireOfTheMiserable]

pendleton is better than “serviceable”

He was a backup (who you likely never heard of) at ND when they were healthy. How do you know if he is better than serviceable?

 

[LittleVol]

Heupel has completely flipped this roster. No more Pruitt holdovers. This is his roster 100%. This is year 5 and he's still "building"? Still searching for his QB? Maybe he should give Butch a call and get some tips on laying brick? Let's get real. This is the portal era. No one needs 5-6 years to "build a roster".

Eason,

 

[cherokeeeVOL]

The OL talk is promising and I hope it really reaches another level this year. Hopefully there won’t be as much patchwork from the portal to cover OL recruiting misses moving forward. The run blocking is always top notch at least. The WR situation has been a little shaky for a couple years now.

 

[Sarms58]

Heupel has completely flipped this roster. No more Pruitt holdovers. This is his roster 100%. This is year 5 and he's still "building"? Still searching for his QB? Maybe he should give Butch a call and get some tips on laying brick? Let's get real. This is the portal era. No one needs 5-6 years to "build a roster".

Lol! “Still searching for a QB?” To use your words - “Let’s get real. This is the portal era.” We have a redshirt freshman 4 star, a true freshman 5 star and an experienced transfer. So we’re in about the same (or better) situation as last year. Last year worked out all right - Heupel’s second ten win season in 4 years - he probably doesn‘t need to call Butch…

BTW There are two Pruitt signees on this years roster - just in case facts matter.

 

[Sarms58]

I don't believe him. I see no reason for anyone one to believe some of the hacks who are trying to make a name for himself.

I do believe Heupel will try to do what’s best For a players development but as the head coach, he will do what it takes to win games this year…

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Heupel has completely flipped this roster. No more Pruitt holdovers. This is his roster 100%. This is year 5 and he's still "building"? Still searching for his QB? Maybe he should give Butch a call and get some tips on laying brick? Let's get real. This is the portal era. No one needs 5-6 years to "build a roster".

Heupel has clearly built a roster that is in the upper tier of the SEC. It’s kind of hard to not see that after winning 30 games over three seasons. The NEXT step is to have enough talent to compete with the best teams in the playoffs and to make the playoffs on a regular basis. We don’t have a roster like UGA or OSU but I believe JH is bringing this program closer to clubs like them.

 

[Sarms58]

pendleton is better than “serviceable”

Yea, he and Satterwhite seem to be in a dog fight for the starting center spot but Pendleton is going to be a starter either at center or guard - he’s definitely better than serviceable. The emergence of Perry at guard seems to a factor in Pendleton being the starting center…they‘re working to get the best five guys out there.