With the 2025 college football season drawing closer, fall camp has officially kicked off in Knoxville, bringing a wave of energy, expectation, and preparation. At the center of it all stands Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, now entering another pivotal year leading the Volunteers. As the team begins its on-field work under the intense summer heat, Heupel has made it clear what he’s looking for over the course of fall camp. His vision is focused, his expectations are high, and he’s made no secret about the elements he believes are essential for Tennessee to meet its goals this season.

As the Vols returned to the practice field, Heupel met with the media to outline what he hopes to see from his players during camp. Rather than emphasizing flashy plays or immediate perfection, he zeroed in on foundational principles—effort, discipline, consistency, and leadership. To Heupel, these core values are the building blocks of a championship-caliber team. And while fans and media might be drawn to depth charts, highlight-reel throws, or explosive runs, the head coach is far more interested in the day-to-day process that allows teams to win when it matters most.

Heupel stressed the importance of setting the tone early. For him, the first few practices are not just about physical performance—they’re about creating habits. He wants to see his players practice with intent, approach meetings with maturity, and take every rep seriously. Whether it’s a starting veteran or a freshman seeing their first collegiate action, Heupel believes that every player must carry themselves with the same standard. The pace, the mental sharpness, the willingness to be coached—these are the traits he looks for in every session. If Tennessee is to continue climbing within the Southeastern Conference, Heupel knows it begins with discipline and attention to detail in August.

Communication was another key area he emphasized. Heupel wants to hear his players talking on the field, whether it’s calling out adjustments on defense, making checks at the line, or encouraging a teammate after a tough rep. For him, vocal leadership is a critical sign that the team is becoming player-led rather than coach-driven. He believes that great teams are built not just on talent, but on trust, and that trust is cultivated through constant communication. On both sides of the ball, Heupel is watching closely to see which players are stepping into leadership roles—not just the guys who make big plays, but the ones who hold themselves and their teammates accountable on every snap.

Another major focus for Heupel is physical conditioning and competitive stamina. Tennessee’s fast-paced offense puts a heavy burden on players to maintain a high level of performance throughout long, high-tempo drives. For that reason, fall camp isn’t just about learning schemes; it’s about getting the body and mind ready for the rigors of game day. Heupel is observing how his players finish drills, how they respond to fatigue, and whether they maintain focus deep into practice. Conditioning, in his eyes, is more than running—it’s about mental toughness, the ability to stay locked in when tired, and the refusal to take plays off. He believes that how players practice when exhausted says more about their potential than anything they do when fresh.

While evaluating effort and consistency, Heupel is also keeping a close watch on how the younger players are adapting. Fall camp is often the first real test for freshmen and new transfers, and the learning curve is steep. He’s interested in seeing which newcomers show a willingness to learn quickly, absorb coaching, and apply feedback. For Tennessee to maintain its depth and remain competitive through a long season, it will need meaningful contributions from more than just the returning stars. Heupel’s eyes are trained on the young players who might not start right away but will be counted on to deliver when called upon.

Mistakes are inevitable during camp, especially early on, but what matters most to Heupel is how players respond to them. Do they shake it off and correct the issue, or do they let it affect the next play? Heupel has built his program on the idea of relentless forward progress—correct, adjust, and move on. He wants to see players approach mistakes as learning moments and show the resilience required to play at a high level week after week. He often says that practice is where you make your mistakes, but only if you learn from them. His expectation is that players will leave each day better than they started, not just physically, but mentally.

Heupel has also made it clear that competition is at the heart of fall camp. Every spot on the field must be earned, and he wants to see players battle for every role. Whether it’s the starting quarterback job, the rotation at linebacker, or the depth in the secondary, no one is promised anything. He believes that competition brings out the best in athletes, and he’s looking for the guys who embrace that mindset. Those who back down or settle for second place won’t last long in his system. Heupel is carefully observing who rises in those competitive moments, who maintains intensity during long stretches, and who separates themselves through consistent performance.

Off the field, Heupel is paying attention to how his team connects. Chemistry, culture, and camaraderie are often overlooked during the early weeks of camp, but he considers them vital. The best teams, in his experience, are the ones that build real relationships in the locker room and genuinely care for one another. He wants to see players lifting each other up, staying engaged in meetings, and holding each other to a high standard. Fall camp is where the team’s identity is forged, and Heupel is intent on making sure that identity is one of unity, trust, and shared purpose.

Special teams also remain a priority for Heupel during fall camp. He knows that games are often decided by field position, execution in the kicking game, and avoiding mental errors on special teams. As such, he’s looking for consistency from the specialists and discipline from the coverage and return units. He wants players to take special teams reps as seriously as they take offensive or defensive drills, understanding the importance of those often-overlooked moments. In Heupel’s mind, excellence in special teams reflects overall team focus and maturity.

Throughout camp, Heupel remains a constant presence on the field, not just overseeing practice but actively engaging with players. Whether it’s offering quick coaching points, encouraging effort, or challenging someone to dig deeper, he’s hands-on and vocal. His leadership style has always blended structure with enthusiasm, and that energy sets the tone for the rest of the staff. Heupel believes that players feed off the mindset of their coaches, and he works hard to bring a consistent message of intensity, improvement, and accountability every day.

As the 2025 season looms, Tennessee finds itself in a position of both opportunity and pressure. Expectations have grown, and the margin for error in the SEC is always slim. But Heupel isn’t shying away from that reality. Instead, he’s focused on the daily process that will prepare his team to meet those expectations. For him, fall camp is not just about finalizing a depth chart—it’s about shaping a team’s identity, building habits that lead to success, and preparing every player to contribute to a collective goal.

There will be position battles, surprise standouts, and hard decisions in the coming weeks, but Heupel is staying rooted in his philosophy. He wants effort. He wants consistency. He wants competition. And above all, he wants a team that holds itself to the highest standard, one rep at a time. Fall camp is underway, and for Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers, the message is clear—the work begins now.