The Tennessee Volunteers have a rich history and one of the most passionate fanbases in college football. They are now poised to feature prominently in the College Football Playoff, continuing their celebrated legacy into a new era.
Tennessee Playoff Appearances and Results by Year
- 2024
vs. Ohio State, TBD
Tennessee opens its playoff history against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the opening round of the 2024 expanded field. The Volunteers are among the winningest teams in college football history, but the 2024 season marks the first in program history that the team made the CFP.
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It ends a long wait for Tennessee fans who have overseen 16 conference titles and six divisional titles and have been a sleeping giant among college football aficionados for some time. Josh Heupel appears to be waking the beast as the Vols head to Colombus to try and secure their first-ever playoff victory.
Tennessee Playoff History FAQ
What’s Tennessee’s Playoff Win/Loss Record?
Tennessee has never competed in the College Football Playoff. However, as one of the great college football programs, they have played in numerous bowl games. The Volunteers are 31-25 all-time in bowl appearances, including victories in 2022 and 2023 under Heupel.
How Many Times Has Tennessee Been to the College Football Playoff?
The 2024 season is the first time the Volunteers have made the College Football Playoff. The evolution of the postseason event to include 12 teams has benefited teams like Tennessee, who have been outside looking in for several seasons. They make their debut in 2024, ranked seventh by the selection committee.
How Many National Championship Appearances Does Tennessee Have?
Tennessee has yet to appear in a national championship game during the CFP era. Since 2014, SEC teams have dominated the playoff field, but the Volunteers have not been able to break into the top four. Now, with the expansion to a 12-team playoff format, Rocky Top has finally secured a spot and is ready to make an impact.
How Many National Championships Have Tennessee Won?
The Volunteers have won six national championships in their 133-year history. Tennessee claims championships from the years 1938, 1940, 1950, 1951, 1967, and 1998.
Additionally, there are six national championships that Rocky Top does not claim: 1914, 1931, 1939, 1956, 1985, and 1989.
When Was the Last Time Tennessee Made the National Championship Game?
The last time the Tennessee Volunteers won a national championship was in 1988. That season, they ended with a perfect 13-0 record under head coach Phillip Fulmer. However, since the CFP was introduced in 2014, the Volunteers did not receive an invitation until 2024. As a result, they have not played in the National Championship game during that period.
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