Meanwhile, this is the season Tennessee makes a slight jump in the SEC East, finishes third and finds some consistency on both offense and defense. Quarterback
Jarrett Guarantano isn't an elite quarterback, and his career has been uneven, but the senior has more confidence heading into, yes, yet another quarterback competition. He threw for 2,158 yards and 16 touchdowns against eight interceptions and led the Vols to six straight wins to end the 2019 season. Still, those opponents were not necessarily great (the win at above-average Kentucky was the highlight). Four-star freshman
Harrison Bailey joins a four-man battle along with
Brian Maurer and J.T. Shrout. The bet here is Guarantano starts the season but is yanked at the first sign of trouble.
Tennessee's offense should improve behind one of the better offensive lines in the conference. Trey Smith has great punch and might be the best offensive guard in the SEC. The Vols return
Ty Chandler and
Eric Gray at running back but lose receivers
Jauan Jennings and
Marquez Callaway.