Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel held his final press conference before the Vols face Ohio State in the College Football Playoffs, addressing the media via Zoom on Wednesday. Heupel discussed a variety of topics, including the team’s resilience throughout the season, the challenge of balancing the playoff preparations with the transfer portal, and much more. Here’s a summary of his statements.
Heupel began the press conference with an opening statement expressing his excitement for the upcoming game. He acknowledged the high caliber of the opponent, Ohio State, and emphasized the electric atmosphere expected during the game. Heupel conveyed that everyone in the program is enthusiastic and prepared for the challenge ahead.
He was then asked about a stretch of games earlier in the season when the team did not perform at its best offensively but still managed to secure victories. Heupel reflected on a period in the early conference schedule where the offense, both as players and coaches, did not operate at its full potential during the first halves of games. Despite this, Heupel stressed the importance of finishing games strong and coming out on top on the scoreboard. He pointed out the maturity and competitiveness of his players, highlighting their ability to focus on the next play and to play for each other. Heupel noted that, when facing top-tier teams with strong coaching, schemes, and players, it’s inevitable that there will be ups and downs during the game. Nevertheless, the team’s resilience, mindset, and determination to compete have been key factors in their success.
Moving on to the topic of defense, Heupel was asked about the work done by defensive coordinator Tim Banks and the consistent improvement of the defense. Heupel emphasized the progress the team has made each year, mentioning that when he first arrived, the program had only 55 scholarship players. Heupel credited the ongoing rebuilding of the roster and the steps taken to improve both offensively and defensively. He praised Banks for his leadership and ability to implement strong defensive schemes while developing the team’s personnel. Heupel also noted that the trust between players and coaches has played a crucial role in this success, as players are confident in the guidance they receive from their coaches. The improvement in depth has been significant, particularly this season, as it has allowed Tennessee to rotate more players and keep the defense fresh throughout games and the season.
Heupel was then asked about the challenges of maintaining depth in the current landscape of college football, where the transfer portal has added complexity to roster management. He admitted that managing rosters in today’s environment is far from easy, given the constant changes and challenges faced by college football programs. However, he credited the program’s personnel department for their outstanding work in evaluating talent, recruiting, and retaining players. Heupel acknowledged that a major factor in the program’s success is the strong culture that has been established within the team. This culture not only helps recruit new talent but also contributes to retaining current players, making the program more competitive and sustainable in the long term.
Throughout the press conference, Heupel demonstrated confidence in his team, the preparation they’ve put in, and the culture they’ve developed. He acknowledged the challenges and complexities of the current college football landscape, but he also expressed optimism and excitement as Tennessee heads into their matchup with Ohio State. The focus was on maintaining a strong mindset, improving both individually and as a team, and continuing to build on the progress made over the past few years. As the Vols prepare for the College Football Playoff, Heupel’s message was clear: the team is ready for the challenge and determined to compete at the highest level.
