Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel received a meaningful game ball from quarterback Nico Iamaleava following the Vols’ 25-15 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners. The win was especially significant for Heupel, as it marked his first time returning to Norman as a competitor since being fired by the program nearly a decade ago.
Despite the personal history with Oklahoma, Heupel downplayed the narrative surrounding his return. “This game was never about me coming back here,” Heupel said when asked about the game ball gesture. “Not for this football team. And I say all that, they also understood that this one was a little bit different for me personally, too. But that’s not what it was about. But I do appreciate their recognition of that and wanting that for me.”
Though Heupel emphasized that the game was about the team’s performance and not his own return to Norman, he did admit the game ball holds sentimental value. When asked where he would keep it, Heupel replied, “It’ll go in the office for sure.”
The victory improves Tennessee’s record to 4-0 on the season, maintaining their momentum as they prepare for a bye week before hitting the road to face the Arkansas Razorbacks. Heupel’s ability to lead the Vols to a major win in such a personally significant environment has further solidified his growing legacy at Tennessee. With the team’s undefeated start, Heupel and the Vols are gaining confidence heading into a challenging SEC stretch.
