Tennessee has now finished in the top 20 of the AP poll in back-to-back seasons, something it hadn’t accomplished in 19 years. The Volunteers have high expectations to keep the good times rolling in 2024, thanks to a potentially explosive offense. The biggest questions come defensively. Outside of superstar edge defender James Pearce Jr., the Volunteers have major concerns on that side of the ball.
BIGGEST STRENGTH: HIGH-UPSIDE PASSING GAME
Tennessee’s passing game has immense potential this season. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava is a former top-three overall recruit and flashed in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa, posting an 84.9 grade in the victory. The Volunteers also have a top-15 receiving corps in the nation and an innovative offensive mind in head coach Josh Heupel.
BIGGEST WEAKNESS: WILL JAMES PEARCE JR. BE ENOUGH FOR THE DEFENSE?
While Tennessee’s defense features the nation’s best pass-rusher in James Pearce Jr., many questions remain on that side of the ball. The biggest of which are at the second and third levels. Of the nine Volunteer linebackers/cornerbacks/safeties that played 300 snaps last year, only one returned.
