"It doesn't matter if you yell Go Dawgs, War Eagle, Hook 'Em, Go Irish, or Roll Tide...
No matter the colors you wear or the stadium you call home, every college football fan should be standing with Josh Heupel today.
Because this weekend, he didn't just make a coaching decision — he made a stand.
A stand for what college football used to be, and what it still could be if enough of us care.
He stood up for crisp Saturday mornings in Knoxville, when you're walking into a tailgate with your kids — full of pride, tradition, and orange everywhere you look.
He stood up for late Saturday nights under the lights in Neyland, with your best friends beside you, watching a game that feels bigger than life.
He stood up for the culture this sport has created — one built on loyalty, legacy, and love for something deeper than money.
Guys like Peyton Manning didn't wear the Power T for a paycheck. Hendon Hooker didn't stick around for a bidding war. They played for Tennessee — for what it meant.
And this isn't a criticism of the player, but the system that allows & promotes this behavior. You were warned this was coming. That NIL would tilt the balance. That the game we love would start to lose its soul. And here we are — where the highest bidder can win, and jumping ship is just part of the process.
But this weekend, Josh Heupel said enough.
He drew the line. He chose Tennessee over transactions. Culture over contracts.
So whether you love Tennessee or love to beat them — respect the man who stood up for every fan who's ever poured their heart into this game.
Thank you, Coach Heupel.
For standing tall.
For reminding us why we fell in love with this sport in the first place.
Roll Tide. Go Vols. Go College Football."
