KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee football will begin the third year of the Josh Heupel era ranked No. 12 in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25, it was announced on Monday.

The Vols are one of six Southeastern Conference teams in the poll, joining No. 1 Georgia, No. 4 Alabama, No. 5 LSU, No. 22 Ole Miss and No. 23 Texas A&M. Tennessee was ranked No. 10 in the USA Today AFCA Coaches Preseason poll last week.

It’s the 43rd time that the Vols will open a season ranked in the AP Top 25, which is 10th all-time among programs. The No. 12 ranking is the Vols’ highest to open a season in the AP poll since debuting at No. 9 in 2016.

The Vols are now ranked in 16 consecutive AP polls dating back to Sept. 6 last season.

Tennessee will face three opponents in the AP Preseason Top 25, including No. 1 Georgia, No. 4 Alabama and No. 23 Texas A&M. Four additional foes are receiving votes in the poll, including South Carolina, UTSA, Kentucky and Florida.  

The Vols begin their 127th season on Sept. 2 against Virginia at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on ABC.

Tickets for the season opener in Nashville are on sale now through the Nashville Sports Council and Nissan Stadium via Ticketmaster.com.

Associated Press Preseason Top 25
1. Georgia (60)
2. Michigan (2)
3. Ohio State (1)
4. Alabama
5. LSU
6. USC
7. Penn State
8. Florida State
9. Clemson
10. Washington
11. Texas
12. Tennessee
13. Notre Dame
14. Utah
15. Oregon
16. Kansas State
17. TCU
18. Oregon State
19. Wisconsin
20. Oklahoma
21. North Carolina
22. Ole Miss
23. Texas A&M
24. Tulane
25. Iowa

Vols In AP Preseason Top 25 All-Time
2023: 12
2020: 25
2017: 25
2016: 9
2015: 25
2008: 18
2007: 15
2006: 23
2005: 3
2004: 14
2003: 12
2002: 5
2001: 8
2000: 12
1999: 2
1998: 10
1997: 5
1996: 2
1995: 8
1994: 13
1993: 10
1992: 21
1991: 11
1990: 8
1988: 17
1987: 17
1986: 10
1975: 18
1974: 16
1973: 9
1972: 15
1971: 8
1969: 15
1968: 9
1967: 9
1966: 10
1960: 18
1957: 5
1956: 12
1953: 17
1952: 6

-UT Athletics