ESPN's Way Too Early Top 25 for 2026

#1

TrueOrange

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#1
Has Tennessee at #24:

"2025 record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC

Key starters expected to leave: QB Joey Aguilar, WR Chris Brazzell II, LB Arion Carter, CB Jermod McCoy, DB Andre Turrentine, DB Jalen McMurray, CB Colton Hood, CB Jermod McCoy, DL Dominic Bailey, DL Joshua Josephs

Key additions: LB Amare Campbell (Penn State), DE Chaz Coleman (Penn State), DT Xavier Gilliam (Penn State), S Dejuan Lane (Penn State), S Qua Moss (Kansas State), CB Kayin Lee (Auburn), DE/LB Jordan Norman (Tulane), S TJ Metcalf (Michigan)

2026 outlook: After a disappointing 2025 season, Volunteers coach Josh Heupel made a big move on defense by firing coordinator Tim Banks and replacing him with former Penn State coordinator Jim Knowles, who helped Ohio State win the 2024 CFP national title. The Vols ranked 14th in the SEC in scoring defense (28.8 points) and total defense (397.2 yards) last season. Campbell, Coleman, Gilliam and Lane followed Knowles to UT and should be impact players. Heupel didn't land a big-time quarterback in the transfer portal after pursuing Ty Simpson and Sam Leavitt, which could put his offense in a bad spot. It's unclear whether Aguilar will get another year of eligibility -- he's a co-plaintiff in former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia's lawsuit against the NCAA. A hearing on the motion for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Feb. 10. Redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and freshman Faizon Brandon will be in the QB room, and Heupel added Colorado's Ryan Staub at the end of the portal cycle."



 

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