Tennessee finished the 2023 college football season with a 9-4 record and secured the No. 17 spot in the final AP Top 25 poll after a 35-0 victory over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. The game showcased standout performances by freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava and sophomore running back Dylan Sampson, elevating optimism for the Vols' 2024 season.

Why It Matters

The significant rise in the final rankings and the stellar performances of young players set a positive tone for Tennessee's upcoming season, demonstrating a promising trajectory under head coach Josh Heupel.

By the Numbers
  • Tennessee finished the season with a 9-4 record.
  • The team moved up eight spots to No. 17 in the final AP Top 25 poll.
  • Freshman QB Nico Iamaleava had 151 passing yards and a touchdown, along with three rushing touchdowns in the bowl game.
  • Sophomore RB Dylan Sampson rushed for 133 yards and had an average of 6.7 yards per carry against Iowa.
State of Play
  • Tennessee's 2023 season concluded with a positive outcome, positioning the team for an optimistic start to the 2024 season.
  • The team faces a challenging schedule in 2024, with four opponents from the final AP Top 25 poll.
  • The College Football Playoff expansion to 12 teams in the next season presents an opportunity for Tennessee to compete at a higher level.
What's Next

With impressive young talent and a challenging schedule ahead, Tennessee's performance in the upcoming 2024 season will be closely watched, especially in the context of the expanded playoff format.

Bottom Line

Tennessee's strong finish and the emergence of young stars set a foundation of promise for the team's growth and potential success in the 2024 season, representing a significant step forward under head coach Josh Heupel's leadership.