Tennessee football finds itself in that awkward stage of the season when the College Football Playoff is slightly out of reach but there are still worthwhile games to play.
The Vols said they’re doing their best to navigate that during an off week.
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“I think that whole ‘College Football Playoff or bust’ thing is kind of misleading,” cornerback Colton Hood said on Nov. 5. “Of course, you want to make the playoff. Of course, that’s the goal you set before the season.
“But each week you just want to go out there and play your best regardless of whether you’re going to make the playoff or not or just play in a bowl game.”
UT is out of the CFP picture after losing 33-27 to Oklahoma. That was made clear when it was put at No. 25 in the first playoff rankings.
But the Vols have three games remaining to finish strong at 9-3, teeter to 8-4 or trigger an alarm at 7-5 – that is, assuming they win their homecoming game against New Mexico State on Nov. 15.
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Coach Josh Heupel said players have practiced in a manner that reflects a motivated team.
“I don’t question the practice, the preparation. (I am) disappointed in the result (of the game) and the results of some plays, but that’s where we’ve got to keep growing,” Heupel said. “Don’t expect this team to do anything other than compete as we continue to finish this one out.”
No. 22 Tennessee (6-3, 3-3 SEC) plays New Mexico State (3-5) on Nov. 15 (4:15 p.m. ET, SEC Network) at Neyland Stadium. The Vols will finish the regular season at Florida (Nov. 22) and at home against No. 16 Vanderbilt (Nov. 29) before getting a bowl bid.
In the not-too-distant past, a season like this would feel more alive. Two rivals are still on the schedule. And good bowl trips are on the table.
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But in this playoff-or-bust era, seeing the season in that way feels more like a willful decision than a given. Here’s how the Vols are handling it during the off week.
Josh Heupel juggles 2025 season with building 2026 roster
Heupel said he’d rather have a game to play than an off week. But coaches will be on the road recruiting late in the week, and players are mending injuries for the stretch run of the season.
There are also key dates approaching to build the 2026 roster. UT will sign its recruiting class during the early signing period Dec. 3-5. The staff must strategize how much to pay players as part of its revenue sharing budget for next season. And the transfer portal opens Jan. 2-16.
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“Wherever your feet are and what’s important at that moment is what you’ve got to be doing,” Heupel said. “So the development of our current players and preparation for the opponent that we’re playing (is important). For me, at times, the projection of the following year in all departments is what you’re looking at. It’s a combination of all those things.”
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Will George MacIntyre and other freshmen play?
The immediate question is whether the Vols have enough in the tank to play their best in the remainder of the 2025 season. Team leaders said that’s not a concern.
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“We’re blessed to be able to come out here every day and take advantage of the opportunity to play for Tennessee,” nickelback Jalen McMurray said. “As a group, I think that’s the vibe. We’re definitely anxious to get back on that field.”
The stakes aren’t high for the New Mexico State game, when UT will be a heavy favorite.
But it should be a prime opportunity to see backup quarterbacks Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre, who could compete for the 2026 starting job. Five-star freshman Faizon Brandon, a UT commitment, is slated to join the mix after he signs in December.
Other young players could see increased playing time in all three remaining games. But Heupel said they must earn it.
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“Guys that have proven they’re ready to play (and) will play at a really high level, a championship level, they earn the right to play and compete,” Heupel said. “And that’s ongoing throughout the course of the season.”
Aside from individual success, UT can still accomplish some things as a team.
The Florida game will give UT the chance to snap a 22-year losing streak at The Swamp. The Vols haven’t beaten Florida in Gainesville since 2003.
The Vanderbilt game could give UT the opportunity to play spoiler to the Commodores’ CFP bid. If Vandy wins home games against Auburn and Kentucky, it could get in the playoffs by beating UT in Neyland Stadium.
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As uncomfortable as that task would seem, the Vols would need to play their best to keep that from happening on their home field. That’s not the type of goal UT had in mind for the 2025 season, but it’s what is left after fading from the playoff picture.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football navigates playoff or bust climate when its eliminated
