What We Hear: NFL Sources Are Excited About Tennessee Football Under Heupel

The Tennessee Volunteers football program has been through a tumultuous period over the last decade. From NCAA sanctions to coaching changes and underperformance on the field, the storied program has been searching for a way back to prominence. Enter Josh Heupel, the man tasked with revitalizing the Vols’ football program. Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Heupel has begun to turn things around, drawing praise from various corners, including NFL sources.

The NFL is often a great barometer for evaluating college coaching talent, as many players and coaches eventually make their way to the professional ranks. When NFL scouts, general managers, and other personnel start paying attention to a college program, it often signals that something special is happening. That’s exactly the case with Tennessee football under Josh Heupel. In this article, we’ll explore why NFL sources are excited about the future of Tennessee football, breaking down Heupel’s coaching style, his impact on recruiting, and how he’s shaping the program’s future in the eyes of professional football.

1. Heupel’s High-Tempo, High-Scoring Offense

Josh Heupel made his name as an offensive-minded coach, first gaining national recognition as the head coach at UCF. There, he ran a fast-paced, high-scoring offense that put up eye-popping numbers and made the Knights a perennial powerhouse in the American Athletic Conference. When Tennessee hired Heupel, it was clear that his offensive philosophy would be the cornerstone of his rebuild.

Heupel’s offense is rooted in a fast tempo, making it difficult for opposing defenses to catch their breath. His system emphasizes spreading the field, creating mismatches, and using tempo to tire out defenses. In just a couple of years at Tennessee, Heupel has already shown that he can bring a dynamic and exciting style of football to Knoxville. The Vols finished 2022 with a top 10 offense in college football, and their ability to score quickly and efficiently has turned heads.

NFL scouts, who are always looking for players capable of thriving in a pro-style offense, have been impressed with Heupel’s offensive philosophy. The ability to prepare players for the speed of the NFL game is one of the most important qualities a college coach can possess, and Heupel has done just that. His system develops quarterbacks who can make quick decisions, receivers who run precise routes, and running backs who understand how to find holes in a fast-paced attack.

The success of Heupel’s offense at Tennessee is particularly exciting for NFL scouts who are eager to see college players transition smoothly to the professional ranks. Players who thrive in a high-tempo system like Heupel’s are often well-equipped to handle the demands of the NFL, where tempo is increasingly becoming a key part of the game.

2. Quarterback Development: A Key to NFL Success

One of the most crucial areas of any successful football program is quarterback development. In the NFL, success often hinges on the play of the quarterback, so the ability to develop and prepare quarterbacks for the next level is of paramount importance. Josh Heupel’s track record with quarterbacks is already beginning to generate buzz among NFL scouts.

At UCF, Heupel helped develop quarterback Dylan Gabriel, who showed impressive ability in Heupel’s system before transferring to Oklahoma. At Tennessee, Heupel inherited a talented but inconsistent quarterback in Hendon Hooker. Under Heupel’s guidance, Hooker blossomed into one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. By the end of the 2022 season, Hooker had thrown for over 3,100 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just two interceptions, and he was a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate.

The development of Hendon Hooker under Heupel is a clear signal to NFL scouts that Heupel can nurture quarterbacks and help them reach their full potential. Hooker’s rise from a transfer quarterback with potential to one of the top quarterbacks in college football highlights Heupel’s ability to maximize talent and develop his players to succeed at the next level. NFL scouts are particularly excited about Heupel’s ability to develop quarterbacks in a system that emphasizes quick decisions, mobility, and the ability to read defenses, all of which are crucial skills in the NFL.

Heupel’s offensive system is quarterback-friendly, with an emphasis on spacing, timing, and efficiency. These traits are vital for NFL quarterbacks who need to operate in a fast-paced, complex environment. Players who have thrived under Heupel’s tutelage are being looked at more favorably by NFL scouts because they are seen as more pro-ready than players from other systems.

3. Recruiting Success and the NFL Pipeline

One of the most significant challenges for any college football coach is the ability to recruit top-tier talent. Heupel has been able to build a competitive recruiting pipeline at Tennessee, and this has caught the attention of NFL scouts. The Volunteers have secured commitments from several high-profile recruits in recent years, and many of them are expected to make an immediate impact on the field.

Heupel’s success on the recruiting trail has been particularly evident in his ability to land high-level skill position players, including quarterbacks, wide receivers, and defensive backs. NFL scouts are always keeping an eye on college players who possess the physical tools to succeed at the next level, and Tennessee is producing more and more of these types of prospects under Heupel’s leadership.

In 2023, Tennessee signed a highly ranked recruiting class, which included several future NFL prospects. Players like wide receiver Kaleb Webb and quarterback Nico Iamaleava, one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 class, are expected to make a significant impact in the coming years. The ability to attract high-level recruits like Iamaleava, who possess both the athleticism and potential to succeed in the NFL, is a key indicator that Tennessee is on the rise under Heupel.

NFL scouts are particularly intrigued by Heupel’s ability to recruit players who fit his high-tempo offensive scheme. In addition to attracting skill position players, Heupel has also been able to recruit offensive linemen who are capable of executing his fast-paced system. NFL teams are always looking for offensive linemen who can move quickly and handle a high-tempo offense, and Heupel’s success in recruiting these players adds another layer of excitement to Tennessee’s future.

4. NFL Talent at Wide Receiver and Defensive Back

Another area where Tennessee is generating buzz among NFL sources is at wide receiver and defensive back. Over the past few years, the Vols have consistently produced players who have the tools to succeed at the next level. Under Heupel, Tennessee’s offense has relied heavily on the passing game, which has allowed talented wide receivers to flourish.

In 2022, Tennessee’s wide receivers, led by Jalin Hyatt, enjoyed one of the most productive seasons in recent program history. Hyatt, a key contributor to the Vols’ high-powered offense, finished the year with over 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, earning All-American honors. His success under Heupel’s system has drawn the attention of NFL scouts, who are always looking for wide receivers who can create separation, run precise routes, and make plays at the next level.

In addition to wide receivers, Tennessee has also produced talented defensive backs who are attracting NFL attention. The Vols have a reputation for developing cornerbacks and safeties who can cover the field and compete at the highest level. This is a crucial area of focus for NFL teams, who value defensive backs who can match up with elite wide receivers in the passing game.

As Heupel continues to build his program, NFL scouts are excited about the potential for Tennessee to produce more high-caliber players at these positions. The combination of Heupel’s offensive system and his ability to develop talent on both sides of the ball makes Tennessee an exciting program to watch in the years to come.

5. The Future is Bright: NFL Scouts Are Watching

As Josh Heupel continues to build his program, NFL sources are watching closely. The development of Tennessee’s offense, the emergence of standout quarterbacks, and the ability to recruit elite talent all point to a program on the rise. Heupel has already proven that he can compete at the highest level, and the future looks bright for Tennessee football.

NFL scouts are particularly excited about Heupel’s ability to develop players who are ready to make an immediate impact in the professional ranks. From quarterbacks to wide receivers and defensive backs, Tennessee is producing talent that is garnering attention from NFL teams. The high-tempo offense, the development of quarterbacks, and the ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent all make Tennessee a program to watch in the coming years.

With a proven track record of success, Heupel is quickly becoming one of the most respected young coaches in college football. As NFL scouts continue to monitor Tennessee’s progress, it’s clear that the Volunteers are on the path to success, and NFL teams are excited to see how Heupel’s program continues to develop in the coming years.