The hype will be at a new level for the 2016 season for the Vols, but there are a decent amount of different opinions on exactly how high Tennessee will be ranked when the 2016 polls come out.
ESPN took a moderate approach in its latest new way-too-early Top 25 poll, ranking the Vols No. 12 nationally – certainly higher than some, but lower than some others. This poll, released Tuesday morning, takes into consideration the newest signing classes.
Here’s what ESPN had to say about the Vols.
“After slowly improving under coach Butch Jones, the Volunteers seem ready to take the next step in his brick-by-brick rebuilding job. With nine starters coming back on offense and eight on defense, the Volunteers might be the favorites in the SEC East. Tennessee added two JUCO defensive linemen — end Jonathan Kongbo and Alexis Johnson — who might be able to help new coordinator Bob Shoop’s defense immediately.
