Always interesting.
Athlon Sports is back with one of the most fun posts of the year — anonymous quotes from coaches around the SEC. Each year coaches are able to go on the record completely anonymously to give their thoughts on other programs in the conference.
We’ve had some strong comments through the years when the Tennessee program was really struggling, but now opposing coaches are singing a different tune. Let’s get right to it.
“That staff thinks Nico [Iamaleava] will be the best quarterback they’ve had in that system, and when they have a QB they’re confident in, they’re as good as anyone on that side of the football.” (Athlon)
We’ll see if Nico can reach Hendon Hooker status this fall, but the early returns in the bowl game were certainly promising. The former five-star prospect could end up being an instant upgrade over Joe Milton, who struggled to get Tennessee’s downfield passing game going last season.
“The question is going to be what they put around him this season; they don’t have an elite wideout or obvious target, but the Tulane transfer [Chris Brazzell II] is pretty decent.” (Athlon)
Tennessee receivers largely struggled last season with drops, and injuries to Bru McCoy and Dont’e Thornton didn’t help. However, now with the addition of Brazzell and getting McCoy back, the Vols have a lot of options. Five-star prospect Mike Matthews joins the picture as well after making a splash in the spring game. We’ll see if a new quarterback can jumpstart this group.
“Defensively, they’re not at the level of the national title-caliber programs in this league, but they’re better than when Josh [Heupel] took over. The floor is higher here, but they have question marks in the secondary.” (Athlon)
I’d argue Tennessee’s front six is among the best in the league, complete with studs like James Pearce and Omari Thomas. However, the coach is right about the secondary after Tennessee (literally) lost all of its starters from a year ago. The staff hit the portal hard there to replace them, but it’s still a big question mark looking ahead to the fall. Five new starters will be interesting to say the least.
“Put them right outside of the playoff contenders for now, but the quarterback could be really special.” (Athlon)
Tennessee appears to be set to start the year ranked somewhere around 15th, so this comment checks out with the expanded playoff. There’s a legitimate path here for the Volunteers though, especially with Alabama and Florida coming to Knoxville.
Tennessee also gets a fortunate draw with Mississippi State and Arkansas as their rotating opponents this year. Alabama at home, at Oklahoma and at Georgia will likely be the defining moments of the 2024 season.
Athlon has comments on all 16 teams here.