Josh Heupel reacts to NCAA ruling on Tennessee infractions, avoiding bowl ban

Tennessee and head coach Josh Heupel picked up the first big win of the 2023 college football season on Friday. While the Volunteers aren’t to play a game for weeks still, they won big on Friday when the NCAA didn’t hand Tennessee a postseason ban as a result of the infractions case stemming from former head coach Jeremy Pruitt’s tenure.

After the dust settled and it was clear the current Tennessee football team was cleared of any punitive punishment, Heupel was relieved and “super excited.” He discussed the emotions of the day and knowing that Tennessee is in the clear in a story for ESPN.

“You don’t know until today what it’s actually going to be,” Heupel said to ESPN. “It’s hugely important that our players were protected and the future players were protected as well. I’m really excited about the outcome.”

Heupel, like his bosses in the Tennessee administration, kept honing in on the idea that the NCAA shouldn’t punish players and coaches who weren’t involved with the infractions of a prior regime and team.

“The logical thought is, how are you going to punish innocent people and innocent kids,” Heupel said. “I’m certainly pleased with the outcome. For people, it’s the right decision.”

The investigation and infractions process, which lasted more than two years, hindered Tennessee on the recruiting trail, Heupel said, fair or not. The specter of a potential postseason ban might’ve caused hesitation among recruits and was likely brought up by opposing coaches with frequency.

Now, Heupel looks forward to getting in front of recruits and his current players with this weight off his shoulders. It’s full steam ahead on Rocky Top now.

“You are able to step forward and talk to your team, staff and recruits and say here, ‘This is what it is. This is impact and how we’re going to be able to move forward,'” Heupel said.

And some of the penalties, like a 28 scholarship reduction, are already covered by a number of self-imposed penalties. Tennessee self-imposed an 18 scholarship reduction and, Heupel explained to ESPN, the additional 10 — to make it 28 — will come over a five-year period. In essence, two more scholarships a year that Tennessee will be without.

But by self-imposing and front loading certain penalties, Heupel and Co. feel they can power ahead through the trappings of justice brought down by a previous coach. They’ve already gotten to a place where players they’ve brought in haven’t notice the impact.

And that’s going to lessen by the day now.

“For the kids being recruited, I don’t think it will change the way they have an opportunity to experience Rocky Top,” Heupel said.