Tennessee has had some trials and tribulations the last decade or so.

The Volunteers have always had the talent, but have struggled to compete in the SEC consistently. They have gone through a few coaches and even the current coach Butch Jones faced some questions as his Volunteers failed to take that next step up.

Expectations are and should be high for the program after going 9-4 this year and winning the Outback Bowl 45-6 over highly ranked Northwestern. It has been a while at least since Tennessee could whisper “SEC East favorite” before the season.

Graduating Tennessee linebacker Curt Maggitt, in thanking Vols nation, also declared Tennessee is back:

It is too bad Maggitt will not be a part of it. The redshirt senior played in only two games this season after facing a hip injury suffered in the game against Oklahoma.

He had a good, if not injury-riddled career, but he was obviously a talented player for the Volunteers.

Whether Tennessee finally gets over the hump and wins the SEC East and makes good on the early season promise, we will find out in August.