Tennessee Moves Up Two Spots To No. 22 In AP Poll

Image: Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

The Vols are on the rise.

In the first AP Top 25 college football poll of the regular season, Josh Heupel’s squad jumped two spots to No. 22 following a commanding Week 1 win over Syracuse. 

Tennessee’s offense looked SHARP in Atlanta, as QB Joey Aguilar directed a balanced attack, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 34 rushing yards at 5.7 YPC. 

The Vols defense delivered in pivotal moments, forcing two turnovers highlighted by Colton Hood’s 22-yard fumble return for a touchdown. 

Alabama comes in the polls at No. 21, just one spot ahead of the Volunteers, marking its lowest AP Poll position in 17 years. 

Ohio State jumped to No. 1 after defeating Texas, LSU landed at No. 3 after their win at Clemson, and South Carolina cracked the top 10 for the first time in eleven years after beating Virginia Tech in Atlanta. 

Following their rise to No. 22, the Tennessee Volunteers return to Neyland Stadium this Saturday for their home opener against East Tennessee State. 

The game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.