Could Tennessee football return to the College Football Playoffs in 2026? According to SEC writer Chris Marler for LouisianaSports.net, the answer is yes.
Marler took a stab at predicting which SEC teams will make the CFP and what bowl games the other eligible teams will go to now that the transfer portal has settled. He slotted the Vols as the 11-seed in the playoffs, likely indicating they’d be the final at-large bid.
This would mean Tennessee would play at the 5-seed in the opening round of the bracket. In this projection, that’s Texas, which the Vols are also hosting in Neyland Stadium next season. The winner of that game would get the 4-seed at a neutral site.
MARLER: Way-too-early 2026-27 SEC bowl projections 🏆👀
How many SEC teams will make the postseason next season… 🏈🔥
READ: https://t.co/4blH9KQ4g9 pic.twitter.com/FHk6MkoY0u
— Chris Marler (@Vern_Funquist) February 17, 2026
More From RTI: Joey Aguilar Reportedly Attending NFL Scouting Combine Without Jeopardizing Potential Eligibility
Marler is particularly confident in Tennessee if quarterback Joey Aguilar is able to return. However, even if he is not granted the injunction and able to come back, Marler is sticking with his prediction.
“I think Joey Aguilar will be back and even if he’s not I love the combination of Josh Heupel’s offense with Jim Knowles as a defensive coordinator,” Marler wrote.
In Aguilar’s lone season with Tennessee, the team finished 8-5 (4-4 SEC). However, the offense was much improved from the year prior. Aguilar posted an SEC-high in passing yards at 3,565 with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
His lawsuit against the NCAA, which has not yet had a ruling come down, protests rules that count seasons played at the junior college level against a player’s NCAA eligibility. Aguilar’s side also claims he would be losing out on significant compensation if he were not granted the injunction.
