Paul Finebaum, a prominent ESPN analyst, has expressed optimism about the future of Tennessee football under head coach Josh Heupel. Reflecting on the program’s resurgence, Finebaum noted, “Tennessee has it going. All of a sudden, it just clicked at Tennessee. I think Heupel is a genius when it comes to offensive plays.”
Finebaum emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum, stating that following a record-breaking year, it’s crucial not to regress to an 8-4 record. He expressed confidence in Heupel’s ability to sustain success, acknowledging that while Tennessee has historically been a major power in college football, recent years have seen a decline. Finebaum believes that with the existing infrastructure and Heupel’s leadership, the program is poised for a return to prominence.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Finebaum assessed Tennessee’s schedule and identified key challenges. He remarked, “I think the games that would worry me are Georgia, at Alabama, and at Florida. Other than that, I think Tennessee can handle that schedule pretty well.” Despite the departure of 18 players to the transfer portal, Finebaum highlighted the retention of star quarterback Nico Iamaleava as a significant advantage for the Volunteers.
Finebaum’s remarks underscore a positive outlook for Tennessee under Heupel’s guidance, with an emphasis on building upon recent successes and navigating upcoming challenges effectively.
