Alabama Football: Assessing four SEC challengers on 2023 schedule

Alabama Football Opponent Preview: Tennessee Volunteers

In its second season under Josh Heupel, Tennessee finally beat Alabama to end a 15-year drought against the Crimson Tide. Are the Vols here to stay, or will they be a one-hit wonder?

It will be difficult for Tennessee to reproduce the high-powered offensive attack it deployed in 2022. Quarterback Hendon Hooker was the point man for the offense, and he has moved on. Furthermore, defenses will eventually catch on and adjust to Heupel’s gimmicky scheme. The young coach will have to prove he has some counter punches in his arsenal.

The good news for Tennessee is that backup quarterback Joe Milton returns, and he has shown plenty of promise within the system. While the Vols lose top receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman, they will not be lacking in terms of playmakers.

Ramel Keyton, Bru McCoy, and Squirrel White could be an electric trio at receiver, while talented running backs Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright are also back in the fold.

If Milton falters, Vol fans will quickly begin to call for incoming 5-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Iamaleava is a top-5 player in the 2023 recruiting cycle, and would be surrounded with talent should he take over in Knoxville this fall.

Tennessee has struggled defensively in recent years, but added several solid pieces through recruiting and the transfer portal to supplement that side of the ball. Still, the loss of players like Byron Young and Jeremy Banks is substantial.

I don’t envision the Vols being much improved on defense in 2023. Once again, they will rely on their ability to outscore opponents.

Tennessee has to come to Tuscaloosa this fall, where it has not won since 2003.