The CFP committee’s terrible new rankings have just sucked Josh Heupel and Tennessee.

The CFP committee’s terrible new rankings have just sucked Josh Heupel and Tennessee.

As the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings continue to shape the postseason picture, many fans and analysts are voicing frustration over the latest rankings, particularly with how they impact **Tennessee** and head coach **Josh Heupel**. For Tennessee, a team that has made significant strides under Heupel, the CFP committee’s decision to rank them lower than expected has led to accusations of unfair treatment and an undermining of their progress.

### Tennessee’s Strong Season Under Heupel

Tennessee entered the 2024 season with high expectations, following a breakout year in 2023 where the Vols finished with a strong record and came close to making the College Football Playoff. Under Heupel, the program’s offense has been among the most potent in the country, and they’ve consistently competed with the SEC’s elite programs. With standout performances from players like quarterback **Joe Milton**, the Vols looked poised to be a serious contender for a top playoff spot in 2024.

However, the latest CFP rankings have been seen by many as a slap in the face to Heupel and his players. Despite impressive victories and an offense that remains one of the best in the country, Tennessee finds itself ranked lower than expected, which raises questions about how the committee is assessing their performance. This ranking could have major implications for their playoff chances, especially considering the new 12-team CFP format starting in 2024. A higher seed would not only provide a better path to a championship but could also reward the Vols for their hard work and improvement.

### The CFP Committee’s Criteria and Controversy

The primary issue with the latest rankings revolves around the CFP committee’s criteria for evaluating teams. While the committee has emphasized strength of schedule, quality wins, and overall balance, many believe that Tennessee has been penalized for playing in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). In past years, the SEC’s strength has often been used as a justification for placing teams from the conference in higher positions, but it seems as though Tennessee’s standing has been underappreciated this season.

One of the biggest criticisms of the committee’s ranking is its failure to recognize **Tennessee’s competitive nature**. Despite playing close games against top-tier teams, including formidable SEC opponents, Tennessee’s ranking doesn’t seem to reflect the actual strength of their roster. Instead, teams from other conferences—perhaps with weaker schedules—are ranked above them, despite having comparable or even inferior records. Fans and analysts point to **Ohio State**, **Georgia**, and other programs that have been ranked higher despite facing less challenging competition.

This disparity in rankings could undermine the hard work and program-building efforts that **Josh Heupel** has invested in Tennessee. Since arriving in Knoxville, Heupel has revitalized the program, bringing an up-tempo offense and a winning mentality that has resonated with recruits and fans alike. For Heupel, this ranking feels like a setback, as it fails to acknowledge his team’s growth and progress since he took the helm.

### The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake?

For Tennessee, the consequences of the latest rankings are significant. While the expansion to a 12-team CFP format in 2024 gives the Vols a greater chance of reaching the postseason, being ranked lower still affects their seeding, matchups, and potential for an easier path to a national championship. Furthermore, it may impact their recruiting efforts, as a higher ranking could have translated into more attention from top prospects.

From a broader perspective, the rankings raise questions about the CFP committee’s consistency and fairness in evaluating teams. The committee has a reputation for being inconsistent in how it weighs different factors, leading to perceptions of bias, especially toward certain conferences. As Tennessee continues to improve, it’s important that the committee gives due credit to programs that are building and evolving, especially when they are playing at a high level within a competitive conference like the SEC.

### Heupel’s Response and the Road Ahead

Despite the frustrations surrounding the rankings, Heupel and the Tennessee program will likely use this as motivation moving forward. The Vols know that they have the talent and coaching to compete with anyone in the country, and they’ll be determined to prove the committee wrong by continuing to perform at a high level. The road to a College Football Playoff spot is never easy, and for Tennessee, this ranking is just another hurdle in what has been a promising resurgence.

In the end, while the CFP committee’s rankings may have dealt a blow to Tennessee’s playoff aspirations, the Vols’ destiny is still in their hands. With the right mindset and continued success on the field, they can still prove they belong among the nation’s elite. For now, though, the frustration remains palpable among Tennessee fans and analysts who feel the Vols have been wronged by the committee’s latest decisions.