# ESPN Rates Tennessee Vols as SEC Power

> Tennessee Volunteers rise to No. 15 in ESPN power rankings after dominant early-season performance.
- Title: ESPN Rates Tennessee Vols as SEC Power | Shortify
- Summary: Tennessee Volunteers rise to No. 15 in ESPN power rankings after dominant early-season performance. Tennessee Volunteers moved up to No. 15 in ESPN power…
- Keywords: tennessee volunteers, espn, power rankings, sec, football, running game, tennessee football, georgia tech, kennesaw state, texas longhorns, sports, Rates
- Source: Tennessee Volunteers On SI — https://si.com/college/tennessee/football/espn-shares-their-thoughts-on-tennessee-football-following-early-season-dominance-01m2ncabrrxs
- Published: 2026-09-16T15:43:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tennessee volunteers, espn, power rankings, sec, football, running game, tennessee football, georgia tech, kennesaw state, texas longhorns, sports
## ESPN Power Rankings Update
Tennessee Volunteers moved up to No. 15 in ESPN power rankings after being No. 18 just a week ago.
## Vols' SEC Positioning
Tennessee quietly positioning themselves to make noise in the SEC despite low expectations and quiet offseason.
## Georgia Tech Victory
Tennessee defeated Georgia Tech on the road by three touchdowns with freshman quarterback Faiozn Brandon throwing for 148 yards and two touchdowns.
## Rushing Game Dominance
Tennessee ran for 299 yards and three touchdowns on 45 carries including 147 yards from DeSean Bishop.
## Next Game Against Kennesaw
Tennessee has a chance to be 3-0 when Texas comes to town on Sept. 26 after playing Kennesaw State next week.
## Rushing Yards Total
Tennessee already has over 600 rushing yards in first two games with seven rushing touchdowns this season.
## Defensive Sacks
Tennessee has 11 sacks, averaging 5.5 sacks per game on defense.
## Upcoming Schedule
Tennessee wraps non-conference slate with Kennesaw State before conference play against Texas Longhorns.
## Key takeaway

Tennessee Volunteers moved up to No. 15 in ESPN power rankings after winning three touchdowns against Georgia Tech and showcasing strong rushing game.