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Tennessee football fans ask about Jim Knowles raise, playoff projection after beating Alabama

Tennessee football’s recent 26–10 upset victory over Alabama has sparked discussions among fans about defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ performance and the team’s playoff chances. Knowles delivered a standout game, showcasing tactical brilliance that kept Alabama’s offense in check, while the Vols’ defense has now held every SEC opponent to 20 points or fewer.

With Knowles’ contract already structured for raises—hitting $2 million this season, $2.2 million in 2027, and $2.4 million in 2028—offseason conversations about adjustments may still arise, though his current deal accounts for future increases. The defense’s consistency, bolstered by veteran leadership and early-season matchups against elite offenses, suggests Tennessee could sustain its dominance, though any slip-up in the parity-heavy SEC could derail momentum ahead of the Nov.

3 playoff rankings release. If the Vols defeat South Carolina next, they’re likely to secure a spot in the 12-team bracket, with even a loss leaving them a realistic shot at a 10–2 record and playoff berth—though SEC unpredictability means every game remains critical.

Running back DeSean Bishop has quietly become Tennessee’s offensive cornerstone, amassing 837 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns this season while nearing a historic back-to-back 1,000-yard campaign. His 1,076 yards in 2025 put him on track to become just the second Vols player ever to achieve the feat, with a path to 1,491 yards—Dylan Sampson’s single-season record—if he stays healthy and gains 654 more yards in the final five regular-season games and postseason.

Strength coach Derek Owings has also played a key role, with Tennessee outscoring SEC opponents 66–34 in the second half, underscoring a shift in late-game execution under his leadership.

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