What We Are Hearing: Tennessee Football Under Heupel Has NFL Sources Raving

Introduction

In the world of college football, few programs have experienced a meteoric rise as impressive as the Tennessee Volunteers under head coach Josh Heupel. When Heupel took over as the Vols’ head coach in 2021, the Tennessee football program was mired in mediocrity, struggling to regain its former glory after a decade of disappointment. Fast forward to 2025, and the Volunteers are back in the national conversation, boasting an offense that is not only a juggernaut in the SEC but also turning heads at the NFL level.

What we’re hearing from NFL scouts, analysts, and insiders is that Tennessee football under Heupel has become a hotbed for NFL talent, with the program’s innovative approach and offensive prowess gaining significant attention. From a fast-paced, high-scoring offense to Heupel’s development of NFL-caliber talent, Tennessee is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and promising programs in the country—and it has NFL scouts raving.

Heupel’s Offensive Revolution

The first and most striking element of Tennessee’s resurgence under Heupel is the transformation of the offense. Prior to Heupel’s arrival, Tennessee’s offense had been bogged down by conservative play calling and a lack of consistency at the quarterback position. In just a short time, Heupel has turned the Vols’ offense into one of the most explosive and unpredictable units in all of college football.

Heupel’s offensive philosophy, often referred to as “up-tempo,” is a hallmark of his coaching style. With a no-huddle, fast-paced attack, Tennessee is one of the most difficult teams to defend in college football. The Vols rely on spreading out the defense with a variety of formations, exploiting mismatches, and running a high number of plays. This approach puts immense pressure on opposing defenses and has allowed Tennessee to average over 40 points per game in recent seasons.

From an NFL perspective, this offensive style is incredibly appealing. The fast-paced, spread-out system that Heupel runs is not only exciting for college fans but also reflects modern trends in the NFL. The proliferation of spread offenses and fast-tempo schemes in the NFL has made Heupel’s style a natural fit for producing NFL-ready talent, particularly quarterbacks and wide receivers.

Quarterback Development: A Major Selling Point

One of the biggest factors driving NFL interest in Tennessee is the development of its quarterbacks under Heupel. Heupel, a former quarterback himself, has a reputation for coaching up signal-callers and helping them reach their full potential. The most notable success story in this regard has been Hendon Hooker, who transferred to Tennessee from Virginia Tech and blossomed into one of the top quarterbacks in college football under Heupel’s guidance.

Hooker, who had an excellent senior season in 2022, showcased not only impressive arm strength but also mobility, decision-making, and leadership—traits that caught the attention of NFL scouts. Under Heupel, Hooker was able to showcase his talents on a national stage, and many analysts began to consider him a potential first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Although Hooker ultimately returned for his senior season in 2023, the buzz around his potential was undeniable. NFL scouts were already intrigued by the level of coaching and development he had received in Heupel’s system. His ability to read defenses, his poise in the pocket, and his ability to make quick decisions and throw accurately on the move were all qualities that stood out to scouts at the next level.

It’s not just Hooker, though. Other quarterbacks who have come through Heupel’s system—such as Jarrett Guarantano and Joe Milton—have also displayed the ability to develop under his coaching, with Milton’s rocket arm and raw talent offering intrigue for NFL teams looking for potential high-ceiling prospects.

Heupel’s focus on quarterback development makes Tennessee an attractive destination for high school recruits and transfers alike. And for NFL teams, it’s an indication that the Vols’ quarterbacks are well-prepared to transition to the professional level.

Wide Receivers: Producing NFL-Ready Talent

Tennessee’s offense has been electric largely due to its explosive wide receivers. With the ability to stretch the field and make big plays downfield, the Vols’ receiving corps has consistently been one of the best in the SEC, and they have gained the attention of NFL scouts who see future pros in the making.

A standout example is Jalin Hyatt, who exploded in 2022, putting up record-breaking numbers in Heupel’s system. Hyatt’s combination of speed, hands, and route-running skills made him one of the most exciting receivers in college football, and his play helped elevate the Vols to a New Year’s Six bowl game. Hyatt’s 2022 season earned him a spot in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the New York Giants, proving that Heupel’s offense can produce elite NFL-caliber wide receivers.

Tennessee has a tradition of developing NFL talent at wide receiver, but under Heupel, the program’s ability to produce top-tier receivers has only grown. Wideouts like Hyatt, Cedric Tillman, and Bru McCoy have all garnered significant interest from NFL teams, and their success in Heupel’s offense proves that the Vols are capable of producing multiple NFL-level talents in the same position group.

For NFL teams looking for top-tier wide receiver talent, Tennessee is quickly becoming a go-to program. The combination of elite coaching, a fast-paced system that maximizes opportunities for big plays, and the development of players’ skills and fundamentals has made the Vols’ wide receiver room a key point of interest for scouts.

Offensive Line Play: Protecting NFL Quarterbacks

While much of the attention surrounding Heupel’s offense has focused on the skill players, one area that has quietly developed under his tutelage is the offensive line. As with any successful offense, a dominant offensive line is crucial for a quarterback to thrive, and Heupel’s teams have made significant strides in this area.

NFL scouts have taken notice of the development of Tennessee’s offensive line, particularly in terms of pass protection and run blocking. Heupel has recruited well in the trenches and has emphasized the importance of improving footwork, technique, and leverage, all of which are essential for success at the next level. Players like Darnell Wright, who played tackle for the Vols, have gone on to become NFL draft picks, and others are poised to follow in his footsteps.

Tennessee’s offensive line has been a key component of its offensive success, and NFL scouts are keeping a close eye on the program for future prospects. With Heupel’s ability to recruit and develop talent along the line of scrimmage, Tennessee is poised to continue producing top-tier linemen who are ready to contribute at the professional level.

Defense: The Hidden Key to NFL Success

While much of the focus surrounding Tennessee has been on its high-powered offense, the defense has also shown signs of growth under Heupel. In the SEC, a team must be able to compete on both sides of the ball, and Tennessee has made significant strides in becoming more balanced. NFL scouts are looking for well-rounded players, and the Vols’ defensive talent is beginning to draw attention.

While Tennessee’s defense may not yet be at the level of its offensive juggernaut, the unit has steadily improved in recent years, and several players have the potential to make an impact in the NFL. Players like linebacker Juwan Mitchell, cornerback Kamal Hadden, and safety Trevon Flowers have all earned praise for their athleticism, skill sets, and potential to play at the next level.

As Tennessee continues to develop its defensive side of the ball, NFL teams will be watching closely for any future pro prospects. With Heupel’s success on offense, a more robust defense could make Tennessee a perennial contender in the SEC and a constant source of NFL-caliber talent.

Heupel’s Recruiting Success: Setting Up Future Success

A major factor in Tennessee’s rise under Heupel has been his recruiting prowess. Heupel has demonstrated an ability to recruit at a high level, attracting top-tier talent to Knoxville. The success of his offense has been a significant selling point for recruits, and Tennessee has seen an uptick in recruiting rankings since Heupel’s arrival.

With the rise of the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era in college sports, Heupel has managed to adapt and continue bringing in top talent. His ability to land highly-ranked recruits, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, ensures that Tennessee’s success is sustainable and that future NFL prospects will continue to come through the program.

NFL scouts are already looking at Tennessee’s recruiting classes as a sign of things to come. As more top-tier players make their way to Knoxville, the Vols will remain a key player in the SEC and a source of talent for the next generation of NFL players.

Tennessee’s NFL Future Looks Bright Under Heupel

Tennessee football under Josh Heupel has quickly become one of the most exciting and successful programs in the country. With an explosive offense, a growing list of NFL-caliber talent, and a coaching staff dedicated to developing players to their fullest potential, the Volunteers are positioned to continue their ascent in both college football and the NFL. What we’re hearing from NFL sources is clear—Tennessee’s football program is making waves, and Heupel’s offensive system is producing the type of talent that can thrive at the next level.

With the ability to develop quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive linemen, as well as a defense that is steadily improving, Tennessee is shaping up to be a perennial contender in the SEC and a key source of future NFL stars. For NFL scouts and analysts, the Vols’ rise under Heupel is more than just a trend—it’s a sign of things to come.