Breaking News: Josh Heupel Explains Why the Tennessee Vols Won’t Win Big Ten Championship This Year If Nothing is Done About This
In a surprising and candid interview, Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel opened up about his team’s challenges this season, providing a bold statement regarding the Vols’ prospects for winning the Big Ten Championship.
While the Vols are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Heupel expressed concerns that if certain issues are not addressed soon, Tennessee’s potential to compete for major championships—including in the Big Ten—could be severely hindered.
Heupel began by acknowledging the Vols’ strong start to the 2025 season, with the team showing considerable promise, particularly in offensive production. Tennessee’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Joe Milton, has been one of the most dynamic in the country.
However, Heupel was quick to point out that while the offense has been formidable, the team’s defense and depth in key positions may prevent the Vols from making a deep run in any national championship race, whether it’s the SEC or even a hypothetical Big Ten showdown.
“Look, we’ve had a great season so far, and I’m incredibly proud of what our guys have accomplished. But when you start talking about winning a championship at the highest level, it’s about more than just putting up points.
It’s about every facet of the game working together,” Heupel explained. “If we don’t get some things fixed—particularly on the defensive side of the ball—then we could find ourselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs.”
Heupel was quick to clarify his comments about the Big Ten Championship, acknowledging that Tennessee plays in the SEC, not the Big Ten. His point, however, was not about the Vols joining the Big Ten but rather about how Tennessee’s current roster construction and defensive struggles would fare against top teams from any conference, including the Big Ten, which has become more competitive in recent years.
The head coach specifically highlighted a few areas of concern. First, the defensive line has been inconsistent, struggling at times to stop the run and apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
Heupel pointed out that against the top teams in the Big Ten, such as Michigan and Ohio State, a lack of pass rush and poor run defense could prove fatal.
“We’re in a situation where we can’t afford to let teams control the line of scrimmage. The Big Ten is known for its tough, physical style of play.
If we’re going to go toe-to-toe with those teams—teams that are built to win in the trenches—we need to step up in that area,” Heupel said.
Another key area of concern was depth in the secondary. While Tennessee’s defensive backs have shown promise at times, Heupel noted that the Vols lack the depth and experience to keep up with the elite passing attacks that Big Ten teams possess.
He warned that if Tennessee’s secondary isn’t up to par, they’ll struggle against top-tier quarterbacks in a playoff situation, potentially costing them a championship.
Ultimately, Heupel’s comments seem to be a call to action for both his players and his staff. “We have to get better, and we know it,” Heupel stated.
“If we don’t address these issues now, we could be setting ourselves up for failure when it matters most. The Big Ten has become a powerhouse, and we need to be prepared for anything.”
As the Vols continue their season, all eyes will be on whether Heupel can address these concerns in time for a potential championship run, whether it be in the SEC, the playoff, or even against future Big Ten opponents.
