Josh Heupel’s Greatest Triumphs: Ranking the Top Five Signature Wins That Have Defined the Tennessee Volunteers Football Resurgence
Since taking the reins of Tennessee football in 2021, Josh Heupel has transformed a program once mired in mediocrity into a dynamic, nationally respected contender. His fast-paced offensive scheme, player-first culture, and relentless recruiting have reinvigorated the fanbase and restored pride to one of the SEC’s most storied programs. But perhaps more important than any talking point or schematic innovation are the moments — the games — that have come to define his tenure. Under Heupel, Tennessee hasn’t just improved statistically; it has claimed monumental victories that shifted perceptions, rewrote narratives, and sent shockwaves through college football.
When analyzing the top five games of the Josh Heupel era, it’s not just about scorelines or box scores. It’s about significance — how each game shaped the trajectory of the program, how it influenced recruiting, and how it proved that Tennessee football was no longer a relic of the past but a force in the present. Each of these matchups stands as a symbol of the Volunteers’ rise, illustrating Heupel’s impact not only in Neyland Stadium but across the college football landscape.
The first and most obvious entry on the list is Tennessee’s unforgettable 52-49 victory over Alabama on October 15, 2022. This game was more than just a win over a rival. It was a seismic cultural moment, one of the most iconic wins in modern Tennessee history, and the Vols’ first victory over Alabama since 2006. With over 100,000 fans in attendance, the game delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in SEC lore: a last-second, knuckleball field goal by Chase McGrath that sailed through the uprights as time expired. Fans stormed the field, tore down the goalposts, and sent them floating down the Tennessee River — a celebration that captured the raw emotion and significance of the night.
This game marked Tennessee’s arrival on the national stage and showcased the full power of Heupel’s offense. Hendon Hooker threw for 385 yards and five touchdowns, four of them to Jalin Hyatt, who torched Alabama’s secondary in a breakout performance. The victory validated the program’s resurgence and vaulted the Vols into the College Football Playoff conversation. For many, this game alone justified the hiring of Heupel, as Tennessee outdueled the gold standard of college football in a way few thought possible just a year prior.
Coming in close behind is Tennessee’s 27-13 win over Clemson in the 2022 Orange Bowl. Entering the game, there were questions about Tennessee’s motivation after narrowly missing the Playoff and losing key offensive weapons to injury and the NFL Draft. But Heupel’s squad responded with a dominant, disciplined performance that silenced doubters and cemented Tennessee’s place as one of the top programs in the country. Backup quarterback Joe Milton, filling in for the injured Hooker, delivered a masterful game, throwing for 251 yards and three touchdowns. The defense stifled Clemson’s high-powered attack, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting explosive plays.
The win was symbolic of Tennessee’s depth, coaching acumen, and long-term viability. It marked the program’s first New Year’s Six bowl victory since the BCS era and sent a message to recruits that Tennessee wasn’t a flash in the pan — it was here to stay. It also gave Heupel his 11th win of the season, tying the school’s best mark since 2001, and served as a springboard into a highly anticipated 2023 campaign.
Third on the list is the 2022 season-opening win over the Pittsburgh Panthers, a gritty 34-27 overtime victory on the road against a ranked opponent. While not as nationally visible as the Alabama or Clemson games, this early-season showdown tested Tennessee’s resolve and showcased its ability to win ugly — a trait essential for any championship-caliber team. The game saw Hooker connect with Cedric Tillman for a game-winning touchdown in overtime, capping off a performance that emphasized toughness, resilience, and belief.
More than anything, this win was critical in shaping the narrative of the 2022 season. It was a revenge game — the previous year, Tennessee had lost to Pitt in Neyland — and served as an early litmus test for Heupel’s second team. Pulling off a road win against a defending ACC champion built momentum and belief, setting the tone for the magical run that would follow. It proved that Tennessee could win in hostile environments, against physical teams, and without relying solely on a shootout.
At number four is Tennessee’s 45-20 rout of LSU in Baton Rouge in 2022 — a game that doubled as both a coming-out party and a warning shot to the rest of the SEC. Facing a hostile crowd in Death Valley for an early kickoff, the Vols didn’t just win — they dominated. They jumped out to a 20-0 lead and never looked back, outgaining LSU by over 200 yards and completely neutralizing Brian Kelly’s squad. This was the moment when national analysts began to seriously consider Tennessee as more than just a top-15 team.
The win was notable for how complete it was. The offense rolled up over 500 yards, and the defense forced key turnovers, including a fumble on the opening kickoff that immediately tilted the field. Heupel’s team displayed precision, aggression, and poise, and the game served as a blueprint for how to dismantle a ranked SEC opponent on the road. It was a statement game that affirmed Tennessee’s elite status and pushed them into the top 10 in national polls.
Rounding out the top five is the 2021 win over Kentucky in Lexington — a wild 45-42 shootout that served as Heupel’s first major SEC road victory and a defining moment of his inaugural season. Coming off several years of inconsistency, Tennessee entered the game as an underdog but stunned the Wildcats with big plays, efficient offense, and timely defense. Hooker was nearly flawless, throwing for 316 yards and four touchdowns on just 15 completions. Velus Jones Jr. and JaVonta Payton made huge plays, and the defense came up with critical stops late in the fourth quarter.
Why does this game make the list? Because it was the clearest early indicator that Heupel’s system could work — and thrive — in the SEC. It showed that Tennessee could go toe-to-toe with a top-20 team on the road and win a shootout. It was a massive boost to the program’s confidence, especially after some early-season growing pains. More than just a win, it was a signal to the fanbase and the nation that Tennessee football had found its footing again.
These five games collectively tell the story of Josh Heupel’s rise at Tennessee — a journey marked by explosive offense, culture change, and resilience. In just a few seasons, Heupel has reestablished Tennessee as a legitimate SEC power, brought the Vols back to national prominence, and reenergized one of college football’s most passionate fanbases.
But perhaps what’s most exciting for Tennessee fans is the feeling that the best may still be ahead. With elite recruiting classes on the way, a roster filled with talent, and Heupel’s innovative approach continuing to evolve, the Vols are poised to not just compete but contend for titles. If the first five signature wins of the Heupel era are any indication, Tennessee’s future is as bright as any program in the country. And with each big game, each stormed field, and each fired-up postgame speech, the legend of Josh Heupel in Knoxville only grows stronger.
