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Where Tennessee football ranks in USA Today's too-early Top 25
TL;DR
Tennessee football is ranked No. 20 in USA Today's too-early Top 25 for 2026, improving four spots since January. The team's expectations are boosted by a new defensive coordinator and key returning players.
Key points
- Tennessee football ranked No. 20 in USA Today's Top 25 for 2026
- Improved four spots since January rankings
- Jim Knowles is the new defensive coordinator
- Key players returning include Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley
Mentioned in this story
Jim KnowlesMike MatthewsBraylon Staley
Tennessee football
Where Tennessee football ranks in USA Today's too-early Top 25
Tennessee football's 2026 expectations are rising in at least one preseason measurement.
The Vols are ranked No. 20 in USA TODAY's too-early Top 25 rankings following spring practice. That's four spots better than they were ranked in January after the transfer portal closed.
The implementation of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' scheme is a factor in believing UT could have a solid season against a difficult season, especially with plenty of additions from the transfer portal. On offense, the return of Mike Matthews and SEC Freshmam of the Year Braylon Staley at wide receiver is a positive.
"(The defense) looks to be the strength of the team that just needs some help from the offense to be in position to be a sneaky playoff contender," the USA TODAY ranking explanation said.
Half of the 16 teams in the SEC made the USA TODAY's too-early ranking: No. 3 Texas, No. 4 Georgia, No. 7 Oklahoma, No. 9 Ole Miss, No. 11 Texas A&M, No. 12 Alabama, No. 17 LSU and No. 20 .
Q&A
What is Tennessee football's ranking in USA Today's too-early Top 25 for 2026?
Tennessee football is ranked No. 20 in USA Today's too-early Top 25 for 2026.
Who is the new defensive coordinator for Tennessee football?
The new defensive coordinator for Tennessee football is Jim Knowles.
Which key players are returning for Tennessee football in 2026?
Key returning players for Tennessee football in 2026 include Mike Matthews and SEC Freshman of the Year Braylon Staley.
