The FWAA-NFF Super 16 Poll, established in 2013, ranked teams after Week 1 of the 2026 college football season. Tennessee received 25 votes, placing them just outside the top 16. Three College Football Hall of Fame inductees included the Volunteers in their individual top 16 ballots.
The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and the National Football Foundation (NFF) jointly conduct the FWAA-NFF Super 16 Poll. Voters, comprised of FWAA writers and College Football Hall of Fame inductees, aim to provide a geographically balanced perspective. A computer program designed by TicketManager and Kellner Ratings compiles the rankings.
Toby Gerhart, a 2024 College Football Hall of Fame inductee and former Stanford running back, ranked Tennessee at No. 16. Don McPherson, a 2008 inductee and former Syracuse quarterback, placed the Vols at No. 13, while Mark Messner, a 2022 inductee and former Michigan defensive tackle, ranked them at No. 15. SMU received 53 votes, 17 behind No. 16 Penn State.
Other teams receiving votes included Washington (20), Louisville (17), Virginia (13), Missouri (10), Boise State (9), Utah (7), Florida (5), Virginia Tech (4), Michigan (3), Auburn (3), South Carolina (2), Western Michigan (1), Arizona State (1), TCU (1), and Pittsburgh (1).
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