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Gainesville Today
By the People, for the People
SEC Writer Projects Tennessee to Make College Football Playoffs in 2026
Tennessee could return to the postseason after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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According to SEC writer Chris Marler, the Tennessee Volunteers are projected to make the College Football Playoffs in 2026 as an at-large bid. This would mean Tennessee would face off against the 5-seed, likely Texas, in the opening round. Marler is particularly confident in Tennessee's chances if quarterback Joey Aguilar is able to return, though he believes the Vols will make the playoffs even without Aguilar.
Why it matters
Tennessee's potential return to the College Football Playoffs would be a significant turnaround after a disappointing 8-5 (4-4 SEC) season in 2025. The Vols' offense was much improved under quarterback Joey Aguilar, who is currently involved in a lawsuit against the NCAA over rules regarding junior college eligibility. If Aguilar is granted an injunction, it could boost Tennessee's chances even further.
The details
In his way-too-early 2026-27 SEC bowl projections, Marler slotted Tennessee as the 11-seed in the College Football Playoffs, likely indicating they would be the final at-large bid. This would mean the Vols would face the 5-seed, which Marler projects to be Texas, in the opening round. The winner of that game would then get the 4-seed at a neutral site.
- Tennessee finished the 2025 season with an 8-5 (4-4 SEC) record.
- Quarterback Joey Aguilar is currently involved in a lawsuit against the NCAA over rules regarding junior college eligibility.
The players
Joey Aguilar
The Tennessee Volunteers' starting quarterback in 2025 who is currently involved in a lawsuit against the NCAA over rules regarding junior college eligibility.
Josh Heupel
The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers football team.
Jim Knowles
The defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers football team.
Chris Marler
An SEC writer for LouisianaSports.net who projected Tennessee to make the College Football Playoffs in 2026.
What they’re saying
“I think Joey Aguilar will be back and even if he's not I love the combination of Josh Heupel's offense with Jim Knowles as a defensive coordinator.”
— Chris Marler, SEC Writer (LouisianaSports.net)
What’s next
The judge in Joey Aguilar's lawsuit against the NCAA has not yet ruled on whether to grant him an injunction that would allow him to play in 2026 without the season counting against his NCAA eligibility.
The takeaway
Tennessee's potential return to the College Football Playoffs in 2026 would be a remarkable turnaround after a disappointing 2025 campaign. The key will be whether star quarterback Joey Aguilar is able to gain an injunction and play in 2026 without the season counting against his eligibility, which could significantly boost the Vols' chances.
