Jeremy Pruitt looks to continue the rebuild at Tennessee this season. In year one, Pruitt won five games, but only two in the SEC. However, that was two more than his predecessor, Butch Jones, won in 2017. Pruitt believes the people and the pieces are in place for the Vols to return to their once lofty status as an SEC and national power, from the new president to athletics director Phillip Fulmer, the longtime Vols’ coach who won a national championship in 1998. Pruitt also is high on his coaching staff which has new coordinators in Jim Chaney (offense) and Derrick Ansley (defense). The Vols lost at USC last season 27-24 and will host the Gamecocks October 26th. They will open their season at home August 31st against Georgia State.
Jeremy Pruitt at SEC Media Days
Tennessee at a glance (compiled by Menachem Muller)
Overall Conference
Tennessee Volunteers 5-7 2-6
Jeremy Pruitt 2nd season 5-7 2-6
| Offense | 2018 | SEC Rank | NCAA Rank |
| Points Per game | 22.8 | 13 | 110 |
| Rushing Yards per game | 130 | 14 | 111 |
| Passing yards per game | 196.4 | 11 | 97 |
| Total yards per game | 326.4 | 14 | 122 |
| Defense | |||
| Points allowed per game | 27.9 | 12 | 77 |
| Rushing yards allowed per game | 155.2 | 9 | 54 |
| Passing yards allowed per game | 222.9 | 8 | 60 |
| Total yards allowed per game | 378.1 | 9 | 49 |
The Volunteers return 16 starters; 7 on offense, 7 on defense, and the Kicker and Punter.
Statistical Leaders Returning
| QB | Yards | TDS | INT | PCT |
| Jarrett Guarantano | 1907 | 12 | 3 | 62.2 |
| RB | Games | Yards | TD | AVG |
| Ty Chandler | 11 | 813 | 7 | 6.1 |
| Tim Jordan | 12 | 638 | 3 | 4.4 |
| WR | Games | Yards | TD | REC |
| Marquez Callaway | 11 | 592 | 2 | 37 |
| Josh Palmer | 12 | 511 | 3 | 23 |
| Defense | Tackles | TFL | INT | Sacks |
| Daniel Bituli | 79 | 7.0 | 0 | 1.0 |
| Darrin Kirkland Jr. | 51 | 5.0 | 1 | 1.0 |
| Darrell Taylor | 36 | 11.0 | 0 | 8.0 |
| Bryce Thompson | 32 | 4.0 | 3 | 1.0 |
| Nigel Warrior | 64 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 |
Returning Starters Offense
QB Jarrett Guarantano
RB Ty Chandler
WR Marquez Callaway
WR Josh Palmer
TE Dominick Wood-Anderson
LG Jahmir Johnson
C Ryan Johnson
Returning Starters Defense
LB Daniel Bituli
LB Darrin Kirkland Jr.
LB Darrell Taylor
CB Baylen Buchanan
CB Alontae Taylor
CB Bryce Thompson
S Nigel Warrior
Special Teams
K Brent Cimaglia
P Joe Doyle
Key Losses
RT Drew Richmond
DE Kyle Phillips
DT Shy Tuttle
DT Alexis Johnson
S Micah Abernathy
