Tennessee Volunteers Football

The Tennessee Volunteers football program, representing the University of Tennessee (UT), has a rich history spanning 130 seasons since its inception in 1891. With a combined record of 865–414–53, they stand as one of college football's most successful programs, ranking eleventh in all-time win-loss percentage and second among SEC teams in win/loss ratio. Their impressive records include 16 conference championships, and six claimed national titles, including notable victories in the Sugar, Cotton, Orange, Fiesta, and Peach Bowls. Neyland Stadium, their revered home ground in Knoxville, has witnessed numerous triumphs, with 485 wins recorded, the highest home-field total in college football history.

Tennessee Volunteers Football Introduction

The Tennessee Volunteers football program, also known as "Tennessee," "Volunteers," "Vols," "UT," and "Big Orange," is affiliated with the University of Tennessee (UT). Established in 1891, the Vols have a rich history spanning 130 seasons. Among college football programs, they stand second in the all-time win/loss list of SEC programs at 405-273-33, showcasing their competitive prowess.

Over the years, the Vols have made their mark in postseason play, appearing in 54 bowl games and securing victory in 29 of them. Notable bowl victories include triumphs in prestigious events like the Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Peach Bowl. They have clinched 16 conference championships and lay claim to six national titles, with two recognized by major wire services: AP Poll and Coaches Poll.

Neyland Stadium, situated on the university's campus in Knoxville, serves as the Vols' home ground. The stadium's impressive capacity of 101,915 seats makes it the nation's sixth largest and the third largest in the Southeastern Conference. With 485 wins at Neyland Stadium, the Vols hold the highest home-field total in college football history for any school at its current venue.

Tennessee Volunteers Football History

The Tennessee Volunteers football program began in 1891 under the guidance of Henry Denlinger, a Princeton alumnus. Their first game, albeit a loss to Sewanee, was played on November 21, 1891. It took until October 25, 1892, for the team to secure their first win against Maryville College, marking the onset of their football legacy. The early years were marked by challenges, including a period where varsity football was briefly dropped due to dismal performance in 1893. In 1894, a group of students led by W. B. Stokely resurrected the team unofficially, keeping the spirit of football alive until its official return in 1896. The first official coach, J. A. Pierce, took over in 1899, setting the stage for future successes.

Throughout the early 1900s, notable players like Nash Buckingham and Tootsie Douglas emerged, laying the foundation for Tennessee's gridiron prowess. The arrival of Robert Neyland in 1926 marked a turning point. Neyland's tenure saw unprecedented success, including multiple undefeated seasons and conference titles. Notable players like Bobby Dodd and Gene McEver solidified Tennessee's status as a football powerhouse.

Tennessee's entry into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 1932 ushered in a new era of competition and rivalry. Despite challenges, Neyland's leadership led to national championships in 1938, 1940, and 1951, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. Even after Neyland's retirement, Tennessee's football tradition endured, with subsequent coaches striving to uphold its rich legacy.

Tennessee Volunteers Football Coach

Joshua Kenneth Heupel took over as the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers football program in 2021. He succeeded a line of 26 previous head coaches since the team's inception in 1891. Eleven of these coaches, including legends like Robert Neyland, John Barnhill, and Phillip Fulmer, led the Volunteers in postseason bowl games.

In January 2021, Joshua Heupel assumed the role of the 27th head coach at the University of Tennessee, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise to guide the Volunteers.

Heupel had previously served as the head coach at the University of Central Florida, where he achieved a notable 28–8 record. Heupel's football career began as a quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he garnered acclaim as a consensus All-American and led his team to win the 2000 BCS National Championship.

Here is a full list of Tennessee Volunteers head coaches:

Tennessee Volunteers Football Stadium: Neyland Stadium

Neyland Stadium, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is primarily known as the home of the Tennessee Volunteers football team. However, it also serves as a venue for large conventions and has hosted several National Football League (NFL) exhibition games. With an official capacity of 101,915, Neyland Stadium has a rich history of expansions, totaling 16 projects since its construction in 1921.

Originally known as Shields-Watkins Field (now the name of the playing surface), the stadium's capacity reached 104,079 before being slightly reduced in subsequent renovations. Neyland Stadium ranks as the sixth largest stadium in the United States, the eighth largest globally, and the second largest within the Southeastern Conference. It is named in honor of Robert Neyland, who held multiple stints as head football coach at the University of Tennessee between 1926 and 1952.

Tennessee Volunteers Football Rivals

The Vols have several main rivals in college football. They have intense matchups with the Alabama Crimson Tide, which is traditionally played on the Third Saturday in October, and the Vanderbilt Commodores. Their longest and most played rivalry is with the Kentucky Wildcats. Since 1992, when the SEC Eastern Division was formed, the Vols have developed rivalries with the Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, and the South Carolina Gamecocks. While none of these games have official trophies, Tennessee and Kentucky used to compete for a trophy called the Beer Barrel until 1999. In the past, the Volunteers also had significant rivalries with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Auburn Tigers, and Ole Miss Rebels, but these matchups have become less frequent due to conference realignment.

Tennessee Volunteers Football Record and stats

• Claimed 16 conference championships.

• Won Six national titles.

• Tennessee Volunteers have played for 130 seasons, and their combined record is 865–414–53

Conference championships

Division championships

Tennessee Volunteers Football Roster

Offense:

Defense:

Tennessee Volunteers Football Schedule

The Tennessee Volunteers Football team's regular season schedule matchups are as follows: