A few months from now will be year one of the Nico Iamaleava era and year four under Josh Heupel. Under Heupel’s direction, Tennessee football has been revitalized, and with the addition of an enlarged postseason, Knoxville can now expect a significant return. After Oklahoma and Texas joined the Southeastern Conference, Tennessee will play on a conference schedule without divisions. The schedule for 2024 is highlighted by road visits to Oklahoma and Georgia, a home game versus Alabama, and a trip to Charlotte to play NC State.
Since summer is almost here and we have nothing better to do, let’s take a closer look. Need to win over UTEP, Kent State, and Chattanooga This season, Tennessee had three non-conference opponents. None ought to present a problem. in Vanderbilt Tennessee will likely visit Nashville once more and thrash Vanderbilt, which has shown no signs of life under Clark Lea. There’s a good chance Tennessee will be competing for a College Football Playoff spot, and the Commodores will be limping to the end.
vs Mississippi State
Former offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, who comes from Oklahoma, takes over with a little mess left behind by Josh Heupel. The Bulldogs have been busy on the transfer market, adding former Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen and completely revamping their offensive line. Lebby may have a difficult first year at Starkville, but I’d wager he finally finds his footing. While he heals, getting to Knoxville won’t be simple.
vs. Florida
Billy Napier’s seat is becoming rather warm, and an incredibly demanding schedule in 2024 won’t help. Although Tennessee lost this one on the road last year, they are ahead going into Knoxville. The Gators’ pitiful win total is at 4.5. Whether it’s a mental obstacle or not, you need to take care of this at home.
Don’t sleep on ‘em
vs. N.C. State
This one may get complicated. Playing in Charlotte, Tennessee, NC State is a very good squad that recently added Grayson McCall to the quarterback position. With the addition of TE Justin Joly from UConn and WR Noah Rogers from Ohio State to the Wolfpack, he will also have weapons. Tennessee is only a five-point favorite according to early odds.
at Arkansas
The Razorbacks shouldn’t be very good, but any SEC road game is just a little bit scary (outside of Vanderbilt). Sam Pittman is also on the hot seat and also has to navigate a brutal schedule. Arkansas gets Tennessee coming off of a bye week, but the Vols very well could be caught looking ahead to Florida the following week. The Hogs could be just dangerous enough to make some noise in this spot.
vs. Kentucky
Tennessee always seems to have Kentucky’s number, and that should continue this season. However, former top prospect Brock Vandagriff takes over under center and could elevate the entire offense to a new level. Kentucky hung around last year in Lexington, can they do it again in Knoxville this year? I doubt it, but Tennessee can’t get caught sleeping here looking out ahead to Georgia.
Toss Ups
at Oklahoma
This one might be one of the most fun matchups of the entire college football season. Former top prospects Jackson Arnold and Nico Iamaleava square off in a game that is going to feature plenty of points. Both Arnold and Iamaleava showed us big flashes during bowl season.
Oh yeah, Josh Heupel is returning to Norman on the other sideline. The former Sooner quarterback and offensive coordinator will want this one pretty bad.
Just looking at the schedule, the result here will have a huge impact on Tennessee’s season trajectory. A win here and the College Football Playoff is firmly in reach.
vs. Alabama
Kalen DeBoer, welcome, and farewell, Nick Saban. The rivalry between the two teams will be introduced to the former head coach of Washington in Knoxville, where Tennessee prevailed in 2022. Alabama is a slight road favorite in these early odds; some had them at just two points. Both teams will have a lot to gain from this, possibly with playoff implications.
Major Challenges
at Georgia
Kirby Smart is on the rise and doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon. Carson Beck, the veteran quarterback, is currently a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, and Georgia should contend for another championship. Positively, Georgia doesn’t have the easy ride they did in the previous season. Texas, Ole Miss, and Alabama are the toughest opponents in their difficult 2024 schedule. After the trip to Ole Miss, they are captured by Tennessee. Even still, arriving in Athens seems like a difficult undertaking.
Full Tennessee Football 2024 Schedule
Aug. 31 — Chattanooga
Sept. 7 — NC State (Charlotte)
Sept. 14 — Kent State
Sept. 21 — at Oklahoma
Sept. 28 — OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 — at Arkansas
Oct. 12 — Florida
Oct. 19 — Alabama
Oct. 26 — OPEN DATE
Nov. 2 — Kentucky
Nov. 9 — Mississippi State
Nov. 16 — @ Georgia
Nov. 23 — UTEP
Nov. 30 — at Vanderbilt.
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