SAD NEWS: Josh heupel announce that he is leaving Tennessee volunteers now another significant issue for the team….
Tennessee’s historic 2022 offense dipped in 2023. There’s reason to believe that it will snap back into elite form in 2024 with rising star quarterback Nico Iamaleava running the show. The defensive line has star power. The secondary and offensive skill positions will dictate the ceiling, as Tennessee has the pieces to compete for a College Football Playoff spot.
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Tennessee 2024 Season Preview and Prediction
Previewing Tennessee’s Offense for 2024
It’s Nico Iamaleava time in Tennessee. The former 5-star quarterback is taking the reins of head coach Josh Heupel’s high-powered offense. Iamaleava, a redshirt freshman, flashed in four games then performed well in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa. He injects life into the offense after a frustrating season with Joe Milton III at the helm.
Bru McCoy returns after a season-ending injury to lead the wide receiver corps. Squirrel White needs to make a jump, as does former Oregon transfer Dont’e Thornton Jr. Freshmen Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley are good additions. Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell II could elevate the passing attack, as could Notre Dame transfer tight end Holden Staes.
The offensive line returns three starters, but the key is left tackle Lance Heard, a former 5-star recruit who transferred from LSU after his freshman season. Tennessee ran the ball extremely well last season. Dylan Sampson (604 yards, seven TDs) is the leading returning rusher and will be the main back, but the group lacks proven depth.
Related: College Football Rankings for 2024
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) during Tennessee’s Orange & White spring football game at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava is one of college football’s top rising stars.
Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
Previewing Tennessee’s Defense for 2024
Tennessee’s defense features one of the game’s most dominant forces in edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a likely top-10 NFL Draft pick in 2025 after a sophomore season with 14.5 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks.
It isn’t just Pearce for the Vols, though. Tennessee led the SEC in tackles for a loss with 101 and was second in sacks with 41 last season. The defensive line is the unquestioned strength of the unit — but that group and the defense as a whole must perform better against elite competition.
The Vols lost 10 defensive backs this offseason, including seven to the transfer portal and three to the NFL Draft. There will be plenty of new faces, including some transfers — cornerback Jermod McCoy (Oregon State), cornerback Jalen McMurray (Temple) and safety Jakobe Thomas (Middle Tennessee). Remember the name Boo Carter. He can play safety or nickelback and could do so early in his career.
Related: SEC Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2024
Tennessee DL James Pearce
Tennessee defensive end James Pearce recorded 10 sacks last season.
© Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Previewing Tennessee’s Specialists for 2024
Josh Turbyville will be the placekicker after Charles Campbell’s graduation. Jackson Ross returns at punter and can boot it with either foot. Tennessee loses a weapon in punt returner Dee Williams, but the Vols hope White, Carter and Cameron Seldon can be forces on returns.
National Ranking: 13
Athlon College Football Preview Magazine 2024
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