The Tennessee Volunteers were eliminated from the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff on December 21, 2024, after suffering a disheartening 42-17 defeat at the hands of the Ohio State Buckeyes. This loss at Ohio Stadium not only ended the Vols’ playoff aspirations but also marked the conclusion of their promising 2024 season, where they finished with a 10-3 record.
Following the game, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the need for improvement. "We’ve got to playbetter. We’ve got to coachbetter. Ohio State is a good football team. Tonight wasn’t one of our best performances this year, and at the end of the day, we’ve got to continue to grow," Heupel said. His words encapsulated the disappointment felt throughout the Vols’ locker room and fan base after such high hopes for the season.
The conditions on game day contributed to the atmosphere, with temperatures at kickoff hovering around 25 degrees—tying for the third-coldest game for Tennessee since 1950. The challenging weather certainly played a role, but it was Ohio State’s quick start and relentless offensive execution which truly set the tone for the game.
From the get-go, the Buckeyes were dominant. They struck fast, establishing a 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, showcasing their offensive prowess and speed—qualities the Vols struggled to match. Tennessee’s famed defense, which had been reliable throughout the season, was exposed as Ohio State quarterback Will Howard completed 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards and three touchdowns, with freshman Jeremiah Smith catching six passes for 103 yards and two scores.
Despite the adversity, Tennessee rallied somewhat. After going scoreless the entire first quarter, they managed to put points on the board, winning the second quarter and drawing within 11 points. They even started the second half with possession, but any hopes for a comeback were quickly dashed as Ohio State scored two unanswered touchdowns. The Volunteers simply couldn’t keep up with the Buckeyes’ efficiency.
Key Tennessee players faced difficulties as well. Dylan Sampson, the Vols’ star running back, struggled with a leg issue and finished the game with only six rushing yards. He was not the only one—injuries plagued the team, with receiver Squirrel White and others also sidelined during the game. The mismatches became evident as Tennessee’s secondary struggled to contain Ohio State’s receivers, which led to significant yardage and dismantled the Vols’ game plan.
Despite the grim outcome, there were bright spots for Tennessee. Freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava fought valiantly under duress, running 20 times and scoring both of Tennessee’s touchdowns, even after taking some tough hits. Heupel praised his young quarterback's grit: "That kid is going to lay it on the line and compete with everything he’s got," reflecting optimism about Iamaleava’s future potential for the program.
Looking back on the season, it’s worth noting the significant accomplishments Tennessee achieved. This 10-win season marked their second such finish within three years—an impressive feat for the program. It was also the first year ever the Vols participated under the new 12-team playoff format, leading to excitement and expectation among fans. They have achieved more than 30 wins combined over the past three seasons, the most since the 1998-2000 era, which included the national championship season.
Bob Kesling, who has been the Voice of the Vols since 1999, called his final game during this playoff matchup, leaving behind big shoes to fill within Tennessee’s tight-knit football community. His retirement marks the end of another era, one filled with rich memories, excitement, and local pride.
Despite the disappointments of the playoff game, Tennessee's outlook remains hopeful. Heupel has indicated the need for retooling and rebuilding the team. He acknowledged areas for improvement, stating, "We just didn’t play well enough, didn’t coach well enough," which resonates vividly with the coaching staff and players moving forward. With several seniors exiting the program and positional needs to address, the path forward will require significant attention and effort to maintain and build on the success they’ve achieved.
Tomorrow’s aspirations hinge on this year's lessons, and how the Volunteers adapt and grow will be pivotal as they prepare for the 2025 season. Though they stumbled at the playoff’s first hurdle, there’s still plenty of reason for Vol fans to remain optimistic about what the future holds.
