The illustrious history of Tennessee Vols national championship seasons in football is highlighted by six exceptional seasons: 1938, 1940, 1950, 1951, 1967, and the latest in 1998. These championships were secured through the leadership of incredible coaches and performance of players that generated many Rocky Top moments forever forged in the hearts and minds of the Vols nation.
Detailed Look at Each National Championship Win
Each triumph in the national championship by Tennessee Volunteers marks a defining moment in their distinguished history. Spanning from the defensive prowess that marked the 1930s to the explosive offense of the 1990s, these championship campaigns reflect Tennessee football’s progression and highlight how both coaches and players have adeptly evolved with it. An exploration into each championship reveals pivotal instances, extraordinary player contributions, and significant historical settings that rendered these victories memorable.
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Undefeated 1998 Championship Season
The 1998 campaign stands as a defining moment for the Volunteers, marking their sixth and most recent triumph in securing the national championship title. Under Coach Phillip Fulmer’s guidance, Tennessee’s football team engineered an unblemished record of 13 wins with no losses over that season. This streak illustrated their unparalleled dominance and consistency on the field throughout that year and was punctuated by a dramatic victory against Florida State in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl—clinching Tennessee’s esteemed status atop college football.
- UT Preseason Ranking – No. 10
- BCS Championship Game Score – Tenn. 23 – FSU 16
- BCS Championship Game MVP’s – Peerless Price WR, Dewayne Goodrich CB
- Head Coach – Phillip Fulmer
- 6 – Number of ranked teams defeated
UT’s 1967 Championship Season
During the 1967 season, the Volunteers of Tennessee football staked their claim as national champions for the fifth time in school history. A new era marked by innovative coaching staff led to a harmonious mix of attacking strength and stalwart defense on the team. With an impressive 9-2 record at season’s end, they proved themselves formidable contenders within the elite ranks of college conflict between football teams across America, earning them recognition as national champions from both Litkenhous and Sagarin rankings.
- 1967 Preseason Ranking – No. 9
- Head Coach – Doug Dickey
- SEC Champs with 9-1 Regular Season Record, 6-0 in SEC
- Center Bob Johnson was the No. 2 overall selection in the 1968 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
UT’s 1951 Championship Season
Under the sustained leadership of the legendary Coach Robert Neyland, the 1951 season witnessed the Tennessee Volunteers scaling new summits of success. The team compiled an impressive 10-1 record, dominating their opponents throughout the regular season. This outstanding performance caught the attention of both the Associated Press (AP) and the United Press International (UPI), leading to Tennessee being crowned national champions in both polls – a rare and prestigious achievement that underscored their undisputed supremacy in college football that year.
The Volunteers’ claim to the 1951 national title was solidified before their appearance in the Sugar Bowl, where they were ranked No. 1 in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll. However, the season concluded with an unexpected twist as Tennessee faced a tough 28-13 loss to Maryland in the Sugar Bowl. Despite this setback, the team’s overall body of work throughout the season was so impressive that their national championship status remained intact. This 1951 title serves as a testament to the Volunteers’ resilience and the high regard in which they were held by football experts and pollsters of the time.
- Head Coach Robert Neyland
- Preseason national ranking – No. 1
- Defensive Force – UT shut out five opponents
- Halfback Hank Lauricella was a unanimous All-American and finished 2nd in the 1951 Heisman Trophy voting.
UT’s 1950 Championship Season
During the 1950 season, Tennessee’s football team reached a significant high point in its storied history. Under the expert leadership of Coach Robert Neyland, the Volunteers amassed an impressive 11-1 record. The squad displayed sheer dominance throughout their faultless regular season run with ten victories and no losses, which underscored their legitimacy as contenders for national accolades. They were ultimately recognized as national champions by multiple selectors including Billingsley Report, Dunkel Index, and DeVold System – solidifying their status among college football’s elite.
Hank Lauricella emerged as a pivotal force within this championship-caliber Volunteer team. His outstanding performance and on-field prowess played a crucial role in leading Tennessee to consistent wins throughout the season
- Head Coach Robert Neyland
- Preseason National Ranking No. 4
- Defensive force – The Vols shutout six opponents
- National Champs Selectors – Billingsley Report, Dunkel Index
- Final AP Ranking – No. 4
UT’s 1940 Championship Season
During the 1940 season, the Tennessee Volunteers reaffirmed their commanding presence in college football, climaxing with another claim to the national championship. Under the continued leadership of Coach Robert Neyland, the team showcased a remarkable blend of offensive prowess and defensive might. The Volunteers finished the regular season with an impressive 10-0 record, a testament to their consistency and skill on both sides of the ball.
Key players like Bob Foxx and Warren ‘Rearwin’ Ariail delivered memorable performances throughout the season, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Their efforts, combined with the strategic genius of Coach Neyland, propelled Tennessee to the forefront of college football. However, the season ended on a bittersweet note as the Volunteers suffered their only loss in the Sugar Bowl against Boston College.
- Head Coach Robert Neyland
- National Champ Selector: Dunkel System
- Defensive Force – Shut out 8 opponents
- Final AP Ranking – No. 4
1938 National Title Following Perfection
The 1938 season is a monument to the absolute supremacy of Tennessee football, guided by the legendary coach Robert Neyland. The Volunteers achieved perfection in every sense of the word, compiling an unblemished 11-0 record that left no doubt about their claim to the national title. What made this season truly remarkable was not just the wins, but the manner in which they were achieved – the Vols outscored their opponents by an astounding margin of 283-16, showcasing an offense that was as prolific as their defense was impenetrable.
The crowning jewel of this perfect season came in the form of a resounding 17-0 victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. This win not only capped off an undefeated campaign but also solidified Tennessee’s status as the best team in the nation. Key to this success were standout players like Bowden Wyatt and George Cafego, whose performances on the field were instrumental in securing Tennessee’s first claimed national championship. The 1938 title, recognized by several selectors including Dunkel, Williamson, and Litkenhous, marked the beginning of Tennessee’s ascent to the upper echelons of college football and their pursuit of national titles
- Head Coach Robert Neyland
- National Championship Selectors: Berryman, Billingsley, Boand, Dunkel, College Football Researchers Association, Houlgate, Litkenhous, Poling, Sagarin,
- Final AP Ranking – No. 2
- Defensive Force – Shut out 8 opponents.
Discover More Amazing Tennessee Football Facts
FAQ Regarding Tennessee National Titles
How many national championships has the Tennessee Volunteers football team won?
The football team known as the Tennessee Volunteers asserts that it has secured six national championships during the following years: 1938, 1940, 1951, 1967 and 1998.
Who was the coach that led Tennessee to the most national championships?
General Neyland, the coach responsible for guiding Tennessee to their greatest number of national championships, successfully steered the team towards securing four out of the six national titles they hold.
What was significant about Tennessee’s 1998 national championship victory?
The Volunteers clinched the 1998 national championship in a milestone game, as they triumphed over Florida State at the Fiesta Bowl, marking the inaugural National Championship under the auspices of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS).
How many SEC championships has Tennessee won?
The Volunteers, representing Tennessee in football within the Southeastern Conference, have secured a total of 13 SEC championships between the years 1938 and 1998.
Who were some key players in Tennessee’s 1998 national championship season?
During the 1998 season, which culminated in a national championship for Tennessee, critical roles were played by quarterback Tee Martin, running back Travis Henry, wide receiver Peerless Price and linebacker Al Wilson. Their pivotal performances were particularly evident in the title match against Florida State.
Did Tennessee win a national championship while Peyton Manning was quarterback?
With Peyton Manning as the Volunteers’ quarterback, Tennessee did not win a national title. UT won one SEC championship and three top 10 finishes in the Associated Press poll.