Greg McElroy is ready to declare Tennessee back on top in college football.

“Welcome back to the top of the sport, Tennessee,” McElroy said. “When we sat here after Media Days and throughout the summer, and we talked about Tennessee, much of the conversation surrounded improved play at quarterback. But this defense, guys, was every bit as good, if not better, than the significant praise that we heaped on them here in the offseason.”

The Vols were one of the biggest movers in the AP Top 25, climbing 7 spots to No. 7 after a 51-10 thumping of a then-ranked NC State team in Charlotte. It is Tennessee’s highest ranking in the AP poll since the 2022 season.

“Here’s the thing that’s amazing, when you look at NC State, NC State is not without talent. And yet, they got destroyed, completely destroyed along the line of scrimmage. (The Volunteers’) defense will win them a bunch of games this year, a bunch. Now, can. we get the offense to go alongside that defense?

“If I’m Tennessee, you’ve got a super dynamic running back. You got really good weapons. Your defense is off-the-charts good. Now the offense can just continue to pick up the slack just a little bit as they move along. I feel great about where they’re at right now. Really, really excited for Tennessee fans; they should be pumped.”

Tennessee returns home for a Week 3 tuneup before diving into SEC play. The Volunteers will look to keep rolling against Kent State on Saturday.