Tennessee football has some of the richest history of any college football program in the country. As a result, when Andy Staples of On3 listed his ‘blue bloods’ across the sport, the Vols were included.
He picked UT along with Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas and USC. Just shy of the cut were Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Nebraska and Penn State.
On3 noted the criteria to be on the list as such. First, schools had to be a top 15 in program win percentage (minimum 750 games). Second, at least one national title in two of three eras (AP or Coaches poll in the two poll eras, winner of the final game in the Bowl Championship Series/College Football Playoff era) was required.
NEW: College Football Blueblood Programs via @Andy_Staples👀https://t.co/HRh4oSW6C3 pic.twitter.com/pOGJDo9fEq
— On3 (@On3sports) August 11, 2025
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All-time, Tennessee owns a 870–415–53 (.670) record. This puts UT in 14th place in NCAA history and 10th among FBS Division I schools. In bowl games alone, the Vols are 30–25 (.545).
Tennessee claims six national titles in 1938, 1940, 1950, 1951, 1967 and 1998. It also has an unclaimed championship in 1956. In the new playoff format, the Vols made the cut once, this past 2024 season.
This was year four under current head coach Josh Heupel. He owns a 37–15 (.712) mark, including an Orange Bowl victory and an appearance in the College Football Playoffs.
UT also claims 16 conference titles. This includes 13 in the SEC, which it has been a founding member of since 1932. It also boasts two SoCon and one SIAA conference titles.
Throughout school history, Tennessee has had 41 consensus All-Americans. This includes the likes of Eric Berry, John Henderson, Chip Kell, Steve Kiner, Larry Seivers, Derek Barnett, Jalin Hyatt, Johnny Majors, Peyton Manning, Reggie White, Al Wilson and other notable names.
UT has had 369 pro players come out of the program and 382 players drafted, according to Pro Football Reference.
