Vol Nation’s Worst Nightmare? Why the Thought of Josh Heupel Replacing Brent Venables at Oklahoma Has Tennessee Fans on Edge
It’s only May, but one speculative coaching scenario is already rattling the college football world—and especially Tennessee Volunteers fans.
A recent podcast appearance by longtime journalist Berry Tramel of the Tulsa World ignited a firestorm of conversation when he floated the idea of Josh Heupel potentially returning to Oklahoma if Brent Venables is let go after the 2025 season. For Vol Nation, the mere thought of losing their beloved head coach—especially to a fellow blue blood like Oklahoma—is enough to induce collective nausea.
Why This Matters Now
The Tennessee Volunteers are coming off a historic season that saw them make a run to the College Football Playoff, reinvigorating a fanbase that had long suffered under the weight of unmet expectations. Josh Heupel has been at the center of the program’s resurgence, bringing an explosive offensive identity, consistent recruiting momentum, and a culture of belief back to Rocky Top.
Despite the departure of quarterback Nico Iamaleava to UCLA, optimism remains sky-high in Knoxville. Heupel’s system has proven it can reload, not just rebuild. That’s precisely why whispers of a potential return to Norman are so unsettling.
The Oklahoma Connection
Josh Heupel is more than just an alumnus of Oklahoma—he’s a legend. As a quarterback, he led the Sooners to a national championship in 2000 and remains a revered figure in the program’s history. His ties to Norman are deep, both professionally and personally. His family still lives in the area, and his legacy is etched into the fabric of Oklahoma football.
Tramel speculated on the Saturday Down South podcast:
“He’d be the first call (if Venables is fired), I assume… I have no idea if Josh would entertain the notion or accept—I have no idea. I do know he’s still got a lot of ties [to Oklahoma].”
That’s all it took. In an age of coaching carousel chaos, even the hint of a possibility can spiral into a full-fledged narrative.
The Brent Venables Situation
While Heupel’s star is rising in the SEC, Brent Venables is under immense pressure in Norman. His tenure has been rocky, and with the Sooners struggling to regain their footing in the post-Lincoln Riley era, some fans and insiders are already eyeing the exit door.
A buyout of nearly $35 million might be a massive obstacle for Oklahoma to overcome, but if the results don’t match expectations in 2025, boosters may be willing to open their wallets. And if that happens, the call to Heupel—regardless of how uncomfortable it may be for Tennessee—seems like a logical first move.
Why Tennessee Fans Are on Edge
Josh Heupel isn’t just a coach; he’s a symbol of Tennessee’s return to national relevance. Losing him wouldn’t just be a football setback—it would be an emotional gut punch.
Heupel has done more than win games—he’s built trust. He’s brought the fans back to Neyland Stadium in droves, reinvigorated recruiting, and crafted an offensive juggernaut capable of competing with the SEC’s elite. In short, he’s made Tennessee matter again.
To imagine him walking away from that—especially to lead a program that once let him go as offensive coordinator under Bob Stoops in 2014—feels unthinkable. Yet, college football is unpredictable. Loyalty often loses to legacy.
The Reality Check
Despite the media buzz, most analysts and insiders believe that Heupel is firmly committed to Tennessee. He’s under contract through 2029, enjoys strong administrative support, and has a fanbase that’s all-in on his vision. Not to mention, Tennessee is arguably a better long-term landing spot than Oklahoma as the Sooners adjust to life in the SEC.
That said, Vols fans have every reason to remain alert. The combination of coaching success, alma mater ties, and Oklahoma’s potential coaching vacancy creates a perfect storm of speculation.
For now, Josh Heupel remains firmly planted in Knoxville, preparing to lead the Volunteers into another season filled with promise and high stakes. But the hypothetical scenario—however unlikely—has reminded Tennessee fans just how quickly the winds can shift in college football.
Because sometimes, even the scariest “what ifs” can sneak up when you least expect them.
