What Is 2015 Tennessee Vols football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with an 9-4 record under head coach Butch Jones. They played their home games at Neyland Stadium and earned a victory in the TaxSlayer Bowl against Northwestern.

Key Facts

Finished the 2015 season with a 9-4 overall record
Played in the TaxSlayer Bowl on January 2, 2016
Defeated Northwestern 45-6 in the TaxSlayer Bowl
Ranked as high as No. 7 in the AP Poll during the season
Home games were played at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville

Overview

The 2015 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee during the 2015 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Led by head coach Butch Jones in his third year, the team showed significant improvement from previous seasons and generated renewed excitement among fans.

Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Eastern Division, the Volunteers achieved a winning record and earned a postseason bowl berth. Their performance marked a turning point in the program’s rebuilding effort after several years of subpar results.

Record: The team finished the season with a 9-4 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in SEC conference play, reflecting strong progress under Butch Jones.
Ranking: Tennessee reached as high as No. 7 in the AP Poll during the season, their highest ranking since 2007, highlighting national recognition.
Bowl Game: They participated in the TaxSlayer Bowl on January 2, 2016, defeating the Northwestern Wildcats by a decisive 45-6 margin in Jacksonville, Florida.
Home Stadium: All home games were played at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, which has a seating capacity of over 100,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in college football.
Key Player: Quarterback Joshua Dobbs led the offense, throwing for 2,103 yards and 16 touchdowns while also contributing 664 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.

Season Highlights

The 2015 campaign was marked by notable victories and a resurgence in fan engagement. Tennessee played a challenging schedule that included several ranked opponents and key SEC matchups.

Opening Win: The Volunteers began the season with a 59-30 victory over Bowling Green on September 5, setting a tone of offensive aggression and high scoring.
SEC Victory: On October 10, Tennessee defeated No. 2 Georgia 34-31 in overtime, marking their first win over a top-five team since 2006.
Alabama Game: On October 24, they faced the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide, losing 19-14 in a tightly contested game that showcased their defensive resilience.
Offensive Output: The team averaged 33.5 points per game over the 13-game season, demonstrating a balanced attack between passing and rushing.
Defensive Growth: Tennessee’s defense improved significantly, allowing just 20.8 points per game, a marked improvement from previous years.
Recruiting Boost: The successful season helped elevate Tennessee’s 2016 recruiting class into the national top 15, according to major recruiting services.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2015 season with prior years illustrates the team’s upward trajectory under Butch Jones.

Season	Overall Record	SEC Record	Bowl Game	Final AP Rank
2013	5-7	2-6	No bowl	Unranked
2014	6-7	3-5	Lost 38-7 to Iowa in TaxSlayer Bowl	Unranked
2015	9-4	5-3	Won 45-6 vs. Northwestern in TaxSlayer Bowl	No. 23
2016	9-4	4-4	Lost 38-24 to Nebraska in Music City Bowl	No. 24
2017	4-8	1-7	No bowl	Unranked

The table shows a clear improvement from 2013 to 2015, with the Volunteers doubling their win total from 2013 and achieving back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2007. The 2015 season was especially notable for ending a long drought without a top-10 ranking and securing a dominant bowl win.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was a pivotal moment in Tennessee football history, symbolizing the program’s return to national relevance after years of decline. It reinvigorated the fan base and set expectations for future success.

Program Momentum: The 9-4 record was Tennessee’s best since 2007, signaling a shift toward competitiveness in the tough SEC.
Bowl Redemption: After a lopsided loss in the 2014 TaxSlayer Bowl, the 45-6 win in 2016 provided a sense of closure and progress.
Recruiting Impact: Success on the field translated to the recruiting trail, with Tennessee signing a top-15 recruiting class in 2016.
Stadium Attendance: Neyland Stadium saw average attendance exceed 100,000 per home game, reflecting heightened fan enthusiasm.
Player Development: Joshua Dobbs emerged as a dual-threat leader, while players like Jalen Hurd and Cameron Sutton gained national attention.
Coaching Legacy: Butch Jones solidified his position as head coach, though future seasons would ultimately determine his long-term success.

Ultimately, the 2015 Tennessee Volunteers season served as a benchmark for rebuilding efforts, combining competitive results with cultural and recruiting advancements that influenced the program for years to come.