KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee football’s on-field success under head coach Josh Heupel continues to correlate with the Volunteers’ academic achievements. The football team produced a 3.17 GPA for the spring semester, representing the highest in program history.

A total of 76 football student-athletes generated a 3.0 semester GPA or better with 25 of those earning Dean’s List distinction. In addition, three 2023 players earned degrees this semester—senior linebacker Aaron Beasley (communication studies), senior offensive lineman Dayne Davis (supply chain management) and senior tight end Hunter Salmon (nuclear engineering).

The record GPA eclipses the Vols’ previous best set last semester, a fall in which UT reached 11 victories and won the Orange Bowl. On the field, the Vols ascended to No. 1 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings and finished No. 6 in the Associated Press and Coaches polls.

“We always stress to our student-athletes that how you do anything is how you do everything and that’s no different in the classroom and our community,” Heupel said. “I am really proud of the commitment of our players academically for the entire athletic year. To produce a record GPA last fall and surpass that mark this semester illustrates their drive to continuously raise the standard. It’s a credit to our players and our Thornton Academic Center team.” 

A total of 36 football student-athletes were named to the Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll, pushing the Vols’ total to 70 in two seasons under Heupel. Punter Paxton Brooks was named an Academic All-American by the College Sports Communicators (CSC) for the second straight year.

Heupel and the Vols participated in their annual summer day of service in the Knoxville community last weekend.

Tennessee begins its third season under Heupel on Sept. 2 vs. Virginia in Nashville. Kickoff in Nissan Stadium is noon ET/11 a.m. CT live on ABC. Tickets for the contest are on sale through the Nashville Sports Council and Nissan Stadium via Ticketmaster.com.

-UT Athletics