Tennessee Football Lands in Top 5 of Way-Too-Early SEC Power Rankings

Vols ranked ahead of previous playoff teams like Texas A&M and Alabama in SEC analyst's rankings

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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According to popular SEC commentator Mike Bratton, the Tennessee Volunteers football team is ranked 5th in his way-too-early SEC power rankings for the 2026 season. The Vols are ranked ahead of previous playoff teams like Texas A&M and Alabama, as well as Lane Kiffin's inaugural LSU squad. Tennessee's 4-4 conference record in 2025 has them projected to improve to a 9-3 overall record next season with key additions on defense and in strength and conditioning.

Why it matters

Tennessee's ranking in the SEC power rankings is an early indicator that the program is expected to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season. The Vols' high ranking shows they are viewed as a contender in the conference, which could boost recruiting and fan excitement heading into the new year.

The details

Bratton's SEC power rankings have Tennessee sitting behind only Georgia, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Vols' schedule next season includes home games against Texas, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky, and LSU, as well as road games at Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt. Tennessee is also set to face Georgia Tech in a key non-conference matchup early in the season. The Vols made several coaching changes on defense this offseason, including the additions of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and co-defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter, as well as upgrades to their strength and conditioning program.

  • Tennessee had a 4-4 conference record in the 2025 season.
  • Bratton posted his way-too-early SEC power rankings on February 16, 2026.

The players

Mike Bratton

A popular SEC commentator and host of the That SEC Podcast who has been closely following the happenings around the Southeastern Conference's football world.

Jim Knowles

Tennessee's new defensive coordinator, brought in to help improve the Vols' defense after a disappointing 2025 season.

Anthony Poindexter

Tennessee's new co-defensive coordinator, also brought in to help improve the Vols' defense.

Derek Owings

Tennessee's new head strength coach, previously at Indiana where he helped transform the Hoosiers' roster.

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What they’re saying

“2026 SEC Football Power Rankings 2.0”

— Mike Bratton, SEC Commentator (Twitter)

What’s next

Tennessee will look to prove its ranking in the 2026 season, with key conference matchups against the likes of Texas, Alabama, and LSU.

The takeaway

Tennessee's high ranking in the SEC power rankings suggests the program is poised for a bounce-back year after a disappointing 2025 season. The Vols' offseason coaching changes and roster upgrades have them positioned as a contender in the conference, which could generate increased excitement and expectations around the team heading into the new season.