Josh Heupel makes strong statement about Tennessee's win against Syracuse that has the rest of the SEC nervous about the Vols

Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel made a comment about his team's season-opening win against Syracuse that almost certainly has the rest of the SEC taking notice of UT football.

The Volunteers entered the 2025 season with low expectations. But after a dominant Week 1 win against Syracuse, some folks in the national media -- such as ESPN's Greg McElroy -- have altered their outlook for Tennessee this fall.

And that's probably wise based on the way Heupel talked about Tennessee's win against Syracuse on Wednesday on the Vol Network.

Heupel called UT's win against Syracuse the best game one he's had since he's been the head coach at Tennessee.

"I really like what we did on special teams in the flow of the game," said Heupel. "Some substitutions that may have to happen from your first group -- a two (second teamer) has got to step up with somebody being injured or whatever might happen. I thought the communication and substitutions were elite. Our special teams staff did an elite job.

"But also in game one, just fundamentals, technique, recognizing what's going on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Our players did a great job. It's the best game one that I've had since I've been here."

Tennessee cruised in its previous four season-openers under Heupel (Bowling Green in 2021, Ball State in 2022, Virginia in 2023, Chattanooga in 2024). And the Vols had some pretty good teams in those seasons (specifically in 2022 and 2024).

Week 1 is never perfect. But the fact that Heupel feels this good about the win against Syracuse should definitely have the rest of the SEC paying attention to what's happening on Rocky Top.

Everyone in the SEC knows the Vols have talent. And they know that Tennessee's competitive makeup under Heupel is elite.

The Vols' defense is going to be good again under Tim Banks -- that unit has some high-level athletes. The biggest questions about Tennessee heading into this season centered around the quarterback position, the offensive line, the running backs, and the wide receivers.

All of those questions were seemingly erased with the way the game went against Syracuse. Starting quarterback Joey Aguilar operated the offense at a pace we haven't seen since 2022 (there was considerably less confusion at the line of scrimmage with Aguilar under center), the wide receivers made some big plays, the running backs were productive, and the offensive line didn't allow a single sack.

It'll be interesting to see how this season goes for the Volunteers. But based on Heupel's excitement for the Week 1 win against Syracuse, I think it's safe to say that Tennessee has the attention of the rest of the SEC.

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