The Tennessee Volunteers are poised for another successful season as they were picked second in the SEC Preseason Coaches Poll, signaling expectations of a highly competitive campaign in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The announcement is part of the league’s buildup to the start of the 2025 football season, and it highlights both the team’s potential and the intense competition they are set to face within one of college football’s most demanding conferences.

Alongside this recognition, the SEC Preseason Coaches Poll also featured six Tennessee players on the Preseason All-Conference Teams, further emphasizing the Volunteers’ depth and talent across the roster. These honors reflect not only individual performances from last season but also the high regard the coaching community has for Tennessee’s prospects in 2025.

Tennessee Volunteers: A Legacy of Excellence

The Tennessee Volunteers have long been a staple of college football greatness, with a history that includes national championships, conference titles, and a legacy of producing standout players in every era. Despite facing challenges in the competitive SEC, the Vols have consistently shown their ability to rebuild and contend for championships.

As the 2025 season approaches, Tennessee is looking to build on their recent successes. Head coach Josh Heupel has made significant strides in his tenure, bringing new energy and an up-tempo offensive style that has revitalized the program. This has resulted in an offensive juggernaut, which has taken the SEC by storm, with the Vols being one of the most feared teams in the conference. The team’s high-powered offense and its ability to score quickly have made them a threat to even the most established programs.

The preseason recognition, including the No. 2 ranking in the SEC Coaches Poll, places Tennessee in an elite position heading into the season. While Alabama remains a force to be reckoned with, the Vols’ presence in the upper echelons of the SEC showcases the potential of this program.

The SEC Preseason Coaches Poll: Analyzing the Ranking

The SEC Preseason Coaches Poll is a highly respected and anticipated feature of the league’s annual preseason activities. It offers a snapshot of how coaches view the teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. Tennessee’s second-place finish in the poll places them just behind the defending national champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide, and ahead of other traditional powerhouses such as Georgia, LSU, and Kentucky.

The Vols have earned this placement through a combination of strong recruiting, player development, and a competitive schedule that challenges them on all fronts. While the SEC is often dominated by teams like Alabama and Georgia, Tennessee’s rise has been impressive, and their ranking in the preseason poll reflects the respect they’ve earned from coaches across the league.

Coach Josh Heupel has cultivated a culture of excellence, and the Vols’ high ranking is a testament to his leadership and the development of his players. The team enters 2025 with a sense of urgency to make their mark on the SEC and push for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The Preseason All-SEC Teams: Tennessee’s Star Power

The inclusion of six Tennessee players on the Preseason All-SEC Teams is a clear indicator of the team’s overall talent and potential. These players have demonstrated exceptional abilities both on the field and in the weight room, earning recognition from the league’s coaches as some of the best in their positions.

The players named to the All-SEC teams come from various positions, showcasing the breadth of talent that the Vols possess. From explosive wide receivers to dominant defensive linemen, Tennessee is represented across the board, and these players will play pivotal roles in the team’s success in 2025.

1. Quarterback: Joe Milton III

Joe Milton III, a senior quarterback with a cannon for an arm, is one of the key players for Tennessee in 2025. After taking over the starting role in 2024, Milton displayed his arm strength and playmaking ability, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. His inclusion on the All-SEC list is no surprise, as his combination of size, athleticism, and skill make him a formidable force under center.

Milton’s development in Heupel’s system has been crucial, and with another year of experience, he is poised to take Tennessee’s offense to new heights. His leadership and ability to make big throws downfield will be crucial in Tennessee’s bid for an SEC title.

2. Wide Receiver: Cedric Tillman

Cedric Tillman, a senior wide receiver, has emerged as one of the premier pass catchers in the SEC. His size, hands, and ability to track the ball make him a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks. Tillman’s presence in the Tennessee offense is vital, as he provides Milton with a reliable target capable of stretching the field and making spectacular catches in critical moments.

Tillman’s inclusion on the Preseason All-SEC team highlights his status as one of the top receivers in the conference, and he will be a key figure in Tennessee’s passing attack this season.

3. Running Back: Jabari Small

Jabari Small, a powerful and dynamic running back, rounds out Tennessee’s offensive trio on the Preseason All-SEC teams. Small’s vision, speed, and ability to break tackles have made him a consistent force in the Vols’ backfield. He is the type of running back who can make plays both in the ground game and as a receiver out of the backfield, making him a dual threat for opposing defenses.

Small’s ability to contribute in multiple areas of the offense will be a major asset for Tennessee as they look to balance their high-flying passing attack with a strong ground game. His toughness and leadership will be crucial in maintaining offensive balance throughout the season.

4. Offensive Line: Darnell Wright

Darnell Wright is one of the premier offensive linemen in the SEC, and his inclusion on the Preseason All-SEC list reflects his dominance in the trenches. As a senior, Wright is the cornerstone of Tennessee’s offensive line, providing both strength and stability to the unit. His ability to protect Milton and open up running lanes for Small is critical to Tennessee’s offensive success.

Wright has been a key player in the Vols’ resurgence in recent seasons, and his leadership along the offensive line will be essential in helping the team navigate the challenges of a tough SEC schedule.

5. Defensive Line: Byron Young

Byron Young, one of Tennessee’s top defensive players, has been a force on the defensive line. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with pressure and his ability to create havoc in the backfield have made him a standout player. Young’s inclusion on the Preseason All-SEC team is a reflection of his dominance on the defensive side of the ball.

Young’s ability to rush the passer and clog up running lanes will be key for Tennessee’s defense, and his leadership will be essential for the Vols to compete against some of the most explosive offenses in the country.

6. Defensive Back: Kamal Hadden

Kamal Hadden has become one of the top defensive backs in the SEC, and his inclusion on the Preseason All-SEC list comes as no surprise. Hadden has a unique combination of size, speed, and ball skills that make him one of the best in the league at shutting down wide receivers. His ability to play both press coverage and deep zone coverage gives Tennessee flexibility in their defensive scheme.

Hadden’s presence on the back end of Tennessee’s defense will be crucial in slowing down the potent passing attacks that the Vols will face in the SEC, and his ability to create turnovers could play a pivotal role in Tennessee’s success.

Expectations for the 2025 Season

With these six standout players and a talented roster around them, Tennessee has set its sights on competing for the SEC Championship in 2025. The Vols’ offense is one of the most explosive in the country, while their defense is improving and starting to match the level of their offensive counterparts.

The competition in the SEC is fierce, and the road to the top will not be easy. Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and other programs will present significant challenges, but Tennessee’s depth and talent make them one of the most dangerous teams in the conference.

The Vols’ ability to live up to their preseason ranking and expectations will depend on several factors, including consistent play from their quarterback and skill position players, a strong offensive line, and continued improvement on defense. If they can navigate the tough SEC schedule and perform at a high level, the Vols will be in the conversation for a spot in the College Football Playoff and a chance at the SEC title.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Tennessee to see if they can live up to their potential and make a run at the top of the SEC. With the league’s best players and a motivated coaching staff, the Volunteers are primed to make 2025 a memorable season in Knoxville.