Tennessee projected eighth in SEC pre-season media rankings for 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 24, 2026, 5:05 PM
Last updated Jul 24, 2026
The media has ranked Tennessee Volunteers eighth in the Southeastern Conference for the upcoming 2026 season, following an 8-5 record in 2025. Head coach Josh Heupel will face challenges with a quarterback competition between true freshman Faizon Brandon and redshirt freshman George MacIntyre. The Volunteers do retain several key players, including running back DeSean Bishop and experienced receivers Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews. Defensively, new coordinator Jim Knowles aims to improve a unit that struggled in 2025. Georgia is projected to win the conference, with Texas in runner-up position.
- •Tennessee finished 2025 with an 8-5 record, going 4-4 in SEC play.
- •The Volunteers are projected eighth, narrowly ahead of Florida.
- •Four players were named to the All-SEC third team, including DeSean Bishop.
- •Josh Heupel continues to develop a new starting quarterback for the season.
- •Jim Knowles takes over as defensive coordinator with significant roster changes.
- 5:40 PMYahoo Sports — Where Texas A&M was picked to finish in SEC Preseason Media Poll
- 5:05 PMYahoo Sports — Where Tennessee was picked to finish in the SEC by the media
"The Texas A&M Aggies have been picked to finish fourth in the SEC Preseason Media Poll. Four Aggies made the All-SEC team.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 24, 2026, 5:40 PMWhere Texas A&M was picked to finish in SEC Preseason Media Poll
The Texas A&M Aggies have been picked to finish fourth in the SEC Preseason Media Poll. Four Aggies made the All-SEC team.
- Yahoo SportsJul 24, 2026, 5:05 PMWhere Tennessee was picked to finish in the SEC by the media
Tennessee is officially a sleeper.
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