Can Tennessee be an elite program again?

You hit a really good point. In the 90s on their strong run, UGA, Clemson, Bama to some extent were all down. Tennessee was pulling the top recruits from all over. That is not happening anymore. They need to make a slow steady comeback. They are not well run.

It’s possible just not likely to be sustained for a while

VOLS are always a good hire away from being back. Problem is this administration has been poorly run for nearly two decades now

There’s enough talent within a 200 mile radius of Knoxville that it doesn’t matter if Bama/Georgia/Auburn/Clemson are good, VOLS with the right coach could reach their potential again imho

I have always thought UT could be elite again but now I wonder if they haven't slipped too far into the abyss. Much like Nebraska.

No they are below Mississippi state.

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Their last run, UGA/AU/Bama/Clemson was terrible. That was their recruiting hotbed. I dont see all four sucking at the same time again.

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Auburn hired a HC with little to no recruiting in the SEC region. Now You need to hope Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, and some of the others flopped so Auburn can compete at that time again. Missouri is in the same situation. Needed Tennessee, UGA, South Carolina, Florida, and Kentucky to flopped so that Missouri can compete for the East Division. It happened for 2 straight years. Missouri did hired a much better HC and he is a much better recruiter. So time will tell if Missouri will compete for the East in two years. Maybe next year? Who knows.

The Vols can come back, but they may have to hire Mike Shula first if you catch my drift.

The comeback isn't happening any time soon. They're first going to have to clean up the mess they've made. The administration is a dumpster fire.

I think so. They have to start with getting someone who can build their program and can get complete control. The SEC East is about to be run by UGA again so it's not like they have much competition in that division.

It's a good thing they have such a level-headed and patient fanbase.

I don't think they will be back for a good long while. While there is a great bit of talent within a 200 mile radius, those, for the most part, will be taken by the bigger schools, and Tennessee high school football can't sustain them in big boy football. They are fricked.