Tennessee football identifies key areas for success in 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 11:52 AM
Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Tennessee football, under head coach Josh Heupel, prepares for a critical 2026 season following a disappointing 2025 campaign. A major focus will be the choice of starting quarterback between George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon, both top prospects. Defensive improvements are essential after ranking poorly in rushing and passing yards allowed in 2025. The Vols must also avoid losing winnable games, as past seasons showed a trend of missed opportunities that hurt their overall record.
- •Tennessee had its fewest wins in 2025 since 2021 under Heupel.
- •MacIntyre and Brandon are in competition for the starting quarterback position.
- •Tennessee's defense needs to improve after a weak showing in 2025.
- •Vols cannot afford to lose games against supposed weaker opponents in 2026.
- •Jim Knowles joins as defensive coordinator, expected to enhance defensive strategies.
- 11:52 AMYahoo Sports — Three things that must go right for Tennessee football in 2026
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