**📉 Disrespect or Oversight? Tennessee Vols Head Coach Josh Heupel Shockingly Ranked Lower Than Expected on National Coaches List**
*Knoxville, TN – In a surprising turn of events that has left fans, analysts, and college football insiders scratching their heads, Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel has found himself ranked unusually low on a recent national list of top college football coaches — a placement that many believe grossly underrepresents his accomplishments and impact on the program in recent years.*
The list, published this week by a major sports media outlet, ranks the top 25 head coaches in college football heading into the 2025 season. While coaches from perennial powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State dominate the top tier, what has stunned many is Josh Heupel’s placement far outside the top ten — coming in at a staggeringly modest **No. 19**.
### 🧠 Heupel’s Record Speaks Volumes
Since taking the reins at Tennessee in 2021, Heupel has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. The Vols went from struggling in the SEC East to becoming a legitimate contender — not just in the conference, but nationally. Under his leadership, Tennessee snapped a long-standing losing streak against Alabama, broke into the top 5 in national rankings, and finished with a top-tier bowl victory in multiple seasons.
Heupel’s offensive system has revolutionized Tennessee’s gameplay. Known for his aggressive, up-tempo attack, he developed one of the most electrifying offenses in the country — producing record-setting performances from quarterbacks like Hendon Hooker and wide receivers such as Jalin Hyatt and Bru McCoy.
His 2022 and 2023 campaigns brought Tennessee back to national prominence, restoring the pride of the Rocky Top faithful and re-establishing Neyland Stadium as one of the most feared venues in the sport.
So why the low ranking?
### ❓ The Confusing Criteria
Critics of the list point to vague criteria and possible bias toward blue-blood programs with longer recent streaks of dominance. While coaches with fewer signature wins and less-impressive rebuilds found themselves in the top 10, Heupel’s apparent punishment for a brief rebuilding year in 2024 seems disproportionate.
College football analyst Paul Finebaum said during a segment on SEC Network:
> *“I’m baffled. Josh Heupel took over a program in disarray and turned it into a national powerhouse in just two seasons. The fact that he’s ranked behind coaches who haven’t sniffed an SEC title or even a NY6 bowl is just plain wrong.”*
Others speculate that Heupel’s personality — humble, team-first, and low-profile — may cause him to be overshadowed in media-heavy rankings that reward flashy personas or longstanding name recognition.
### 🔥 Fan Reactions: Outrage and Support for Their Coach
Within minutes of the rankings being published, Tennessee fans took to social media to express their discontent. Hashtags like **#HeupelDeservesBetter**, **#VolsNation**, and **#UnderratedHeupel** trended on X (formerly Twitter), with countless users posting stats, comparisons, and video clips defending their coach.
One user posted: *“Heupel resurrected our program. These people ranked coaches above him that haven’t even won 9 games in a season. This is pure disrespect!”*
Another fan, wearing an orange “In Heupel We Trust” T-shirt outside Neyland Stadium, told local reporters: *“He’s brought us pride again. We believe in him more than ever. This ranking is garbage.”*
### 🗣️ What Heupel Had to Say
As is typical of Josh Heupel, the head coach responded with poise and professionalism when asked about the ranking during a post-practice media session:
> *“I don’t coach for rankings. I coach for my players, my staff, and the incredible fan base we have here in Knoxville. What matters to us is what happens between the lines — not someone’s preseason opinion.”*
Still, there’s little doubt that Heupel, who is known for turning criticism into motivation, will use this slight as fuel heading into the 2025 season.
### 🏈 Eyes on the 2025 Season
With a revamped offensive line, a highly anticipated quarterback battle underway, and multiple five-star recruits arriving on campus, the Vols look poised for another deep run in the SEC — and potentially beyond.
Heupel has also made significant additions to the coaching staff, doubled down on player development, and emphasized a culture of discipline and accountability. If this team reaches its full potential, the “low ranking” storyline may not only age poorly — it may become a powerful footnote in a redemption arc.
Tennessee’s opening game against a formidable Big Ten opponent is expected to draw national attention, with many now watching to see if Heupel will answer the critics the best way he knows how — with dominant football.
—
**In Summary:** Josh Heupel’s surprisingly low ranking on a national list of college football coaches has stirred passionate responses across the sports world. While some experts call it an injustice, Vols fans and players remain firmly in his corner, confident that the results on the field will once again speak louder than numbers on a list. And if history has shown us anything, it’s this: counting out Josh Heupel is always a mistake.
Please 🙏 Share.
