10 Surprising Reasons CBS Snubbed Josh Heupel — Why Tennessee Fans Should Still Be Celebrating
When CBS announced its coverage plans for the upcoming college football season, many Tennessee fans were left scratching their heads. Despite Josh Heupel’s impressive turnaround of the Volunteers program, he was notably absent from the network’s highlighted coaching features and promotional material. While this may seem like a snub on the surface, a deeper dive reveals some surprising reasons behind CBS’s decision — and why Tennessee fans shouldn’t be discouraged.
1. CBS’s SEC Contract Is Ending — Focus Is Shifting
CBS is in its final year of broadcasting SEC football before ESPN takes over exclusive rights. The network may be focusing its attention on traditional SEC bluebloods like Alabama and Georgia, with whom it has built longstanding television relationships. Newer powerhouses like Tennessee under Heupel might not fit into their “farewell tour” narrative.
2. Media Still Underestimates Heupel’s Offense
Heupel’s up-tempo offense has been one of the most exciting in the country, but it doesn’t always get the respect it deserves from traditional media. Analysts often associate “flashy” systems with short-term success rather than long-term dominance — a perception that might have influenced CBS’s editorial choices.
3. Tennessee’s Market Size Isn’t a Ratings Magnet (Yet)
CBS tends to prioritize matchups and personalities that draw national ratings. While Tennessee has a passionate fan base, it’s still rebuilding its brand to a national audience after years of inconsistency. Heupel’s success may not yet have translated into the kind of ratings pull that networks prioritize.
4. Heupel’s Quiet Demeanor Is Less Media-Friendly
Compared to other SEC coaches like Lane Kiffin or Jimbo Fisher, Heupel maintains a low-key public persona. He’s not one for bold sound bites or headline-grabbing antics, which might make him less appealing to networks looking for compelling on-camera personalities.
5. Focus on Narrative Over Performance
Networks like CBS often prefer storylines that sell — revenge arcs, coaching drama, dynastic power struggles. Tennessee’s resurgence under Heupel, while impressive, lacks the controversy or dramatic conflict that makes for easy storytelling. This may have led CBS to spotlight more “media-friendly” narratives.
6. Alabama and Georgia Still Hog the Spotlight
With Nick Saban and Kirby Smart dominating the SEC in recent years, it’s no surprise that CBS continues to center its coverage around them. Even with Tennessee’s resurgence, Heupel is still viewed as an outsider to this ongoing power struggle, making him an easy overlook for a network with limited airtime.
7. Tennessee’s Losses Last Season Gave CBS Ammunition
Despite a strong season, Tennessee’s late-season losses to Missouri and Georgia may have dampened the national media’s perception of their momentum. CBS may have interpreted these losses as regression, justifying their omission of Heupel in their coverage plans.
8. The National Media Is Playing Catch-Up
While Vols fans have watched Heupel turn around the program in record time, national media outlets can be slow to adjust their narratives. Many still associate Tennessee with the chaos of the post-Phillip Fulmer years, not recognizing that Heupel has fundamentally changed the culture and trajectory of the program.
9. CBS Wants to Push More Familiar Coaching Faces
CBS’s coverage tends to highlight names that casual fans recognize. While Josh Heupel has become a household name in Knoxville and among serious college football fans, he’s still building national name recognition. Familiarity, not merit, often drives media visibility.
10. It Could Be a Blessing in Disguise
Being overlooked could actually benefit the Vols. Less media hype means less pressure and more fuel for the team’s internal fire. Heupel has proven he doesn’t need headlines to win games — he needs buy-in from his players, smart recruiting, and a committed fan base.
Why Tennessee Fans Should Still Be Celebrating
Despite the media oversight, Tennessee football is in arguably its strongest position in two decades. Here’s why Vols fans should remain excited:
• Recruiting Momentum: Heupel has brought in top-tier talent, especially at quarterback, and has shown a keen eye for under-the-radar players who fit his system.
• Offensive Innovation: Tennessee’s offense is one of the most explosive in the country. It’s not just effective — it’s changing how SEC defenses prepare.
• Culture Reboot: The energy around the program has shifted dramatically. Neyland Stadium is rocking again, and the team ha
s a clear identity.
• National Relevance Is Returning: Tennessee is back in playoff conversations, back in top-10 rankings, and back in bowl contention — and that momentum is still building.
• Underdog Advantage: With less media pressure, the Vols can continue developing without the weight of constant national scrutiny — much like how Heupel built success at UCF.
In the end, media recognition is nice — but it’s not what wins games. Josh Heupel has proven he can build a winning program without the spotlight. And if history is any guide, staying focused while others overlook you is often the formula for a truly memorable season.
So while CBS may have left Josh Heupel out of its promo packages, Tennessee fans should take that as a sign to double down — not check out. The real recognition comes on Saturdays, not during commercial breaks.
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