Tennessee Volunteers Announce Josh Heupel News After Win Over Alabama Crimson Tide

Tennessee Volunteers football head coach Josh Heupel received another recognition this week after the Volunteers strengthened their position with a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide and ahead of their matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Tennessee announced on Thursday that Heupel has been nominated for a coaching award as the No. 11 Volunteers prepare to travel to South Carolina on Saturday.

The recognition comes with Tennessee sitting at 6-1 overall and 3-1 in SEC play following last weekend’s victory over then-No. 6 Alabama in Knoxville.

“Coach Heupel has been named to the Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year watch list,” the Tennessee Football account posted on X.

Coach Heupel has been named to the Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year watch list.@bryantawards | #GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/xKYFBsQSui

— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) October 22, 2026

The Volunteers and Heupel have relied heavily on the ground game and running back DeSean Bishop this season. Tennessee enters Saturday averaging 217 rushing yards per game, with Bishop averaging 119 himself.

All that said, the Vols’ next challenge will be tougher than most they faced before, as the South Carolina defense allows only 103 rushing yards per game.

“(South Carolina) has been really good against the run, not giving up many yards, not giving up many yards per carry,” Heupel said earlier this week. “It’ll be another big test for us up front.”

The Volunteers will try to avoid repeating their previous trip to South Carolina, when a late-season loss ended their playoff hopes.

Heupel said Tennessee still has areas to improve despite beating Alabama 26-10 last weekend, pointing to smarter offensive play and special teams execution as the keys to extend the winning streak.

No. 11 Tennessee visits South Carolina on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Related: Georgia Bulldogs Announce Gunner Stockton News After Auburn Tigers Loss

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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.