After they didn't meet that expectation in 2025, many fans questioned what the next expectation would be for the 2026 season. Bleacher Report Describes Tennessee's Expectations in Just One WordJul 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectBleacher Report recently described college football teams' expectations in one word, and they described the Tennessee Vols' expectation as "Hover." Youth Plays a Major Factor in 2026Tennessee quarterback George MacIntyre (12) during Tennessee football’s first preseason practice in Knoxville, Tennessee, Aug. 5, 2026. If the Vols were to make a college football playoff appearance, it would be a win in my book.