The Tennessee Volunteers posted a 9-4 record last season and closed strong after losing a few close games early. With plenty of talent returning next year, the Vols have high expectations. Here's how the Volunteers rank in the way-too-early top 25 polls published by major publications:
Chat Sports
Ranking: 22
Breakdown: "The Vols are just oozing with potential - now they just have to deliver on all that promise. Tennessee went 9-4 in 2015, falling short of lofty preseason expectations, but almost every key player is returning for the 2016. Their young talent now has experience, making them a real dark horse to make the College Football Playoff."
USA Today
Ranking: 12
Breakdown: "Butch Jones has steadily built the Volunteers into SEC contenders. Whether Tennessee can win more than the league’s East Division may depend on the continued growth of a younger core that still defines the roster. It stands to reason that a move into double-digit wins would mark the next step forward for this program."
ESPN
Ranking: 11
Breakdown: "After winning nine games this past season, the mortar finally seems dry on UT coach Butch Jones' three-year rebuilding job. With nine starters expected back on offense and as many as eight on defense, the Vols might be the favorites in the SEC East this coming season. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs needs to continue to improve as a passer, but he'll have a lot of talented skill players returning with him. UT must replace two starters in the secondary, and cornerback Cameron Sutton is reportedly considering leaving for the NFL draft as well. Tennessee's defensive coaching has received a face-lift: Coordinator John Jancek was fired and replaced by former Penn State DC Bob Shoop. The Vols will play a nonconference game against Virginia Tech at Bristol Motor Speedway, and they'll also play home games against Florida and Alabama."
CBS
Ranking: 11
Breakdown: "Butch Jones' turnaround is official. The Vols won nine games in his third season and should have won a couple of more (Oklahoma, Florida). Tennessee will be favored to win the SEC East with a dynamic offense and improving defense. As many as 18 starters return."
Sports Illustrated
Ranking: N/A
Breakdown: SI only published a Top 5 list. Tennessee didn't make the cut.
FOX
Ranking: 11
Breakdown: "After a rough start, the Vols won seven of their last eight, the lone setback a 19-14 loss to Alabama. As many as 18 starters could return, including veteran QB Josh Dobbs and standout defenders like DE Derek Barnett, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin and CB Cam Sutton and standout return man Evan Berry. Renowned former Penn State DC Bob Shoop could be a huge addition for head coach Butch Jones."
Bleacher Report
Ranking: 7
Breakdown: "Perhaps no 8-4 team has ever been closer to contending for a championship than Tennessee was in 2015. The Vols held fourth-quarter leads in three of their four losses, including crushing defeats against Oklahoma and Alabama.
"While those losses were devastating for Tennessee and its fans, the Vols may be better off in 2016 having learned from those experiences. The stars of the offense, quarterback Joshua Dobbs and running back Jalen Hurd, return for the Vols and should both be considered early Heisman dark horses.
"Tennessee also made a significant coaching move, hiring defensive coordinator Bob Shoop away from Penn State."
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