Knoxville, TN – In a stunning turn of events, the Tennessee Volunteers football team pulled off the upset of the season, defeating the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 24-20 at Neyland Stadium today.
The sold-out crowd of over 100,000 fans witnessed a nail-biting finish, as the Vols’ defense held off a late Alabama surge to secure the victory. Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Jaylen Wright rushed for 123 yards and a score.
“This is a momentous day for our program,” said Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. “Our players showed incredible heart and determination. We knew it would be a tough battle, but our guys rose to the challenge.”
The win marks the Vols’ first victory over a No. 1-ranked team since 2005 and sends shockwaves through the college football landscape. Tennessee (5-0, 2-0 SEC) now finds itself in the driver’s seat in the SEC East, while Alabama (4-1, 1-1 SEC) suffers its first loss of the season.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our team,” said Hooker. “We knew we had the talent and the drive to make this happen. We’re not done yet, though. We have our sights set on bigger things.”
The Vols’ defense, led by linebacker Jeremy Banks, held Alabama’s high-powered offense to just 20 points, well below their season average. Tennessee’s special teams unit also played a crucial role, with kicker Chase McGrath booting a 40-yard field goal to seal the win.
As the final whistle blew, the Tennessee bench erupted in joy, with players hugging each other in celebration. The victory marks a turning point for the program, which has been rebuilding under Heupel’s leadership.
“This is just the beginning,” said Heupel. “We have a long way to go, but today shows us what we’re capable of. I’m honored to be a part of this team.”
