Updating Tennessee Football's ranking in Way-Too-Early Top 25s after spring practice
The first Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings for the next college football season drop as soon as the previous season ends, right around the time the national championship game comes to an end. Now that spring football has come and gone across the country, it’s time for an update. Here’s where Tennessee Football is ranked in the updated early rankings looking ahead to the 2024 season:
The Athletic — No. 15
The Athletic’s Ari Wasserman: “Many of the headlines in college football this offseason were about the NCAA’s probe into Tennessee’s program, specifically when it came to the recruitment of former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava and his NIL situation. Tennessee’s legal response to that probe was fascinating. But now it’s time to find out: Is Iamaleava worth it? He’s the new face of the Volunteers program, one that returns a big chunk of its defense from a year ago. Can Tennessee recapture some of the magic from 2022?”
ESPN — No. 16
ESPN’s Chris Low: “The Vols need to play well around (Nico) Iamaleava this season, both in the way the offensive line protects him and the way his skill players make plays. Iamaleava is well-liked in the locker room and has shown no entitlement despite all the attention he’s received. But now comes the real challenge — performing consistently week in and week out against the grind of an SEC schedule. Iamaleava also needs to bulk up. Unlike his arm talent, his durability could be a question.”
CBS Sports — No. 16
CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd: “Nico Iamaleava is expected to start earning his reported $8 million NIL salary immediately. If so, Josh Heupel’s offense will return to its 2022 level with Iamaleava having able targets in Squirrel White, Bru McCoy and Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell II (four catches, 89 yards in the spring game).”
FOX Sports — No. 16
FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt: “Nico Iamaleava takes over at quarterback for the Volunteers and will have Squirrel White on the outside at receiver. I think White is perfect for Josh Heupel’s vertical system. Defensively, defensive end James Pearce might be the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft. He’s an excellent player. Their secondary is a bit questionable, though. Their schedule isn’t as tough as Oklahoma’s as they get Alabama at home, but they’ve also got to go to Norman and take on Georgia.”
