Tennessee football is capturing the spotlight in college football circles lately, with Joey Aguilar's lawsuit against the NCAA taking center stage. The decision now rests with a Knox County Judge, who has yet to make a ruling, leaving Vols fans and Aguilar in suspense.
The big question on everyone's mind: if Aguilar gets another season, how much does that elevate Tennessee's prospects next fall? Right now, sportsbooks have the Vols at +5000 (50-to-1) for the national title, placing them around 15th to 20th in the rankings. This aligns with Tennessee's No. 24 spot in ESPN's early preseason poll.
Tennessee's offense, already formidable, could reach new heights with Aguilar in the mix. The Vols boast All-SEC tailback DeSean Bishop, a standout talent among the nation's running backs, and SEC Freshman of the Year wide receiver Braylon Staley. The offensive line remains intact, setting the stage for further growth and strength gains this offseason.
The quarterback position has been the only uncertainty in Josh Heupel's offense. While many assume Aguilar won't be under center, his presence could propel Tennessee up the rankings.
Consider this: Tennessee is already a top-25 team with a freshman quarterback, whether it's George MacIntyre or Faizon Brandon. Adding Aguilar, who led the SEC in passing yards last season, could easily push them into the top 15, especially with most of last season's offensive stars returning.
On the defensive side, Jim Knowles' arrival as the new coordinator promises improvement. While a top-10 defense might be ambitious in his first year, fans can expect noticeable progress.
If Aguilar returns, Tennessee could be poised to make significant waves next fall.