Analyst Joel Klatt issues warning to Tennessee's Josh Heupel ahead of "pressure game" against SEC giants

Analyst Joel Klatt called Tennessee’s Nov. 1 home game against Oklahoma the “pressure game” for coach Josh Heupel. Speaking on "The Joel Klatt Show" on Tuesday, Klatt said Heupel wasn’t originally on his pressure index, but the fallout with quarterback Nico Iamaleava changed that.

“They took a stand—which most of the fanbase enjoyed—with Nico and his family. But it all came apart. And now you’ve got to deliver without him, against a schedule that’s pretty difficult,” Klatt said. “I think that pressure comes to a head against Oklahoma on November 1."

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Now without Nico Iamaleava, @joelklatt identifies the pressure games for Tennessee and Josh Heupel.

Klatt noted that Iamaleava and his family shared responsibility for the breakdown, but added, “It wasn’t all that happened.” Klatt ruled out Tennessee’s Oct. 18 trip to Alabama as the key moment, saying fans don’t realistically expect a win in Tuscaloosa.

“Look at Tennessee at Alabama, October 18,” Klatt added. “You could say, ‘Oh no, that’s the pressure game’… After losing Nico, Tennessee fans—do you really think you’re just going to roll into Tuscaloosa and win? Then I thought to myself—no, Kentucky’s the one. Kentucky’s the pressure game. Because that’s the one you just can’t lose.”

CFB analyst also pointed to the Oct. 25 road game at Kentucky as one Heupel and company “just can’t lose,” but said Oklahoma is where “the pressure truly comes to fruition.”

He projected the Vols to be 5-1 heading into the second half of the season, with a likely loss to Georgia. A loss to Alabama would make them 5-2 entering the Oklahoma matchup.

Klatt said a third home loss to a team like Oklahoma could lead fans to question the program’s direction.

Josh Heupel is strengthening Tennessee's offensive line

Josh Heupel on the field - Source: Imagn

Josh Heupel is focused on strengthening Tennessee's offensive line in the 2026 class after landing five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon. Five-star offensive lineman Darius Gray recently made his third visit to Tennessee. He attended the UTEP game and a spring practice earlier this year.

Gray said Tennessee is “at the top” of his list. LSU, South Carolina, Clemson, Michigan, and Ohio State are also in pursuit, but Gray pointed to Tennessee’s coaching staff and environment as deciding factors.

Tennessee has commitments from Brandon, five-star offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda, and six others in the 2026 class. More visits are scheduled through June and beyond.