Josh Heupel discusses how perception of Tennessee has changed on recruiting trail

It’s easy to forget now, but there were a lot of coaches who were tentative to take the Tennessee job following Jeremy Pruitt. Eventually, Danny White hired his head coach from UCF, Josh Heupel. In the two years since then, the Volunteers have completely rebranded, becoming a national power behind Heupel’s high-flying offense.

One place Heupel has noticed this distinct change is on the recruiting trail, explaining that the program has a much better perception now.

“Our first recruiting cycle here, we get here really at the beginning of February,” Josh Heupel explained. “I got named at the very end of January. You’re talking about what the culture was and you’re saying this is what it’s going to look like.”

Josh Heupel explained that recruiting is completely different now than it was when he first got there. Now, recruits know what the program is about, they can tangibly see it, and that makes it an exciting place to be.

“Now, they’ve had a chance to experience it, see it when they’re here on campus, watch it on TV, watch it live and in person, and understand that we’re going to play the most exciting brand of football in college athletics. Extremely aggressive in all three phases of the game. We’re gonna let our guys pin their ears back and go play with an aggressive nature,” Heupel said.

“So, the conversations, it’s like two worlds that are completely separated and so far apart from each other as far as where we’re at now and where we started, and people can see the momentum that we have. They understand we’re continuing to improve and when we get people here on Rocky Top, they get a chance to see the university, see the city of Knoxville, feel the energy from our fanbase, man, this is a really unique environment right now and we’re able to recruit at an elite level.”

In the 2024 cycle, Tennessee currently has the 9th ranked recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. The Volunteers have even seen a recent rise in these rankings. However, there is still a long time to go before that cycle concludes.

Josh Heupel on how the draft helped Tennessee’s brand

Tennessee had five players selected across the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. That was the second most of any team in the country. As Josh Heupel explained, this has helped to build the program’s brand.

“Huge day for those guys. The amount of work that they put in, it’s great for everybody inside of our program. You talk about players that are currently here being able to see their buddies work, compete, do the right things and how that parlays into success on the field but then success on draft day as well. From strength and conditioning to nutrition, the medical team, it takes everybody. They all take great pride and great joy in seeing those guys get their names called,” Heupel said.

“Certainly helps on the recruiting side of it too. I think top eight in the country in draft picks over the last two years. This year, second in the country in guys being called in the top three rounds. There’s a ton of positive momentum, and certainly it’s going to help us as we continue to go through this recruiting cycle.”