The Tennessee Volunteers football team fell short of their title aspirations Saturday night, losing 42-17 to Ohio State in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff. The defeat, witnessed by a national television audience, underlined the challenges the program still faces, even as they finished the season with an impressive record of 10-3. Only four years prior, the Vols endured dismal seasons, finishing 3-7, making the current achievement one worth noting for the fans.
Despite the loss, there is renewed hope for Tennessee football as the program continues to evolve under Head Coach Josh Heupel. Heupel’s tenure has seen the Vols not only reach the playoffs for the first time but also cultivate talent and enthusiasm among their fanbase. "This was our first playoff game, and we are proud of the effort put forth by our players and staff," Heupel remarked post-game. "But we all feel disappointed; we didn’t coach or play well enough for our fans, who showed up beautifully tonight."
The Vols were unable to find their footing early against the Buckeyes, who quickly built up a 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. This recurring theme of slow starts became apparent throughout the season, with performances suffering, especially on the road—something Heupel noted as needing urgent attention. "Winning on the road is tough, but we need to find ways to be more competitive outside of Neyland Stadium," Heupel stated. The disparity between their home victories and road defeats emphasized the need for improvement.
Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee’s starting quarterback, faced significant pressure throughout the game. Heupel noted the offensive line struggled with protection, which compounded their inability to make plays down the field. "You’ve got to have the guys around you playing at a high level, too," Heupel elaborated on the collective nature of the struggles. "We just didn't execute the way we needed to tonight."
The season-ending loss also marks the departure of several key players from the roster. Center Cooper Mays, who has been with the team since 2019, expressed his emotional farewell as he reflected on his time at Tennessee. "I don’t know how to put it all together, but this has been such a special time for me and my family," Mays stated after the game. "It's tough to leave, especially with how much we invested this year."
Defensive woes plagued the Vols during this playoff encounter, something Heupel acknowledged during post-game interviews. "We had the chance to get off the field early, but penalties and busts allowed them to capitalize. We didn’t find ways to get it done collectively," he shared. The coaching staff now faces the challenge of rebuilding, especially with the impending loss of key contributors like defensive tackle Omari Thomas and offensive standout Dylan Sampson, both likely heading for the NFL this offseason.
Nevertheless, there is optimism for Tennessee's future due primarily to the potential of Iamaleava, who demonstrated flashes of brilliance throughout the season. Heupel and his team have laid the groundwork for recruiting efforts, and the upcoming 2025 class looks promising, featuring multiple four-star recruits. The momentum generated from this season will be pivotal, as Tennessee aims to capitalize on the airtight competition offered by the SEC. "We’ll continue to grow as we rebuild and retool for next season," Heupel noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and enhancing their competitive edge.
Despite the bitter taste of the playoff loss, Heupel's successes at Tennessee are noteworthy. The Vols have won 30 games across three seasons, marking one of the most successful periods for the program since its national title run back in 1998. The transition from underdog status to playoff participant reflects the work being done within the program. Heupel expressed gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support throughout the season, especially those who traveled to Columbus to witness the game. “The amount of orange here tonight was special, and we are grateful for every single one of them,” Heupel stated.
While the path to elite status remains lengthy, the return of key players like Iamaleava and the infusion of new talent through recruitment and potential transfer portal moves signal brighter days for Tennessee football. The backdrop of the loss to Ohio State should act as motivation for the team as they regroup and prepare for next season.
With Heupel at the helm, the Volunteers are poised to rebuild yet again, but this time with the foundation of recent success and ambition to continue elevuating the program. The lessons learned on the field, particularly from the playoff loss, will serve as stepping stones for the growth of Tennessee football as they strive for greatness.
