What Is 1938 Tennessee Vols football team

Overview

The 1938 Tennessee Volunteers football team is remembered as one of the most dominant squads in college football history. Under the leadership of head coach Robert Neyland, the team completed an undefeated 11-0 season and claimed its first national championship. Their disciplined defense and methodical offense defined the team's identity and set a standard for future programs.

Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Volunteers showcased consistency and resilience across all games. They outscored their opponents by a significant margin and capped the season with a victory in the Orange Bowl. The 1938 season marked a turning point for Tennessee football, establishing it as a national powerhouse.

• Finished the season with an 11-0 record, the first undefeated and untied season in program history, setting a benchmark for excellence.
• Won the 1938 SEC championship by going 6-0 in conference play, outperforming rivals like Alabama and Vanderbilt.
• Coached by Robert Neyland, who returned after a military deployment, bringing his strategic defensive philosophy to full effect.
• Outscored opponents 289 to 62 over the season, averaging over 26 points per game while allowing under six.
• Defeated Oklahoma 17-0 in the 1939 Orange Bowl on January 1, 1939, cementing their national title claim.

Season Performance & Key Games

The 1938 campaign featured a challenging schedule that tested the Vols' depth and discipline. They opened with a 17-0 win over rivals Mississippi and never looked back, maintaining a top-five national ranking throughout.

• September 24: Defeated Mississippi 17-0 in the season opener, setting the tone with a shutout performance.
• October 8: Beat Duke 13-0 in a hard-fought road game, showcasing strength against a ranked opponent.
• October 22: Shut out Alabama 17-0 in a pivotal SEC matchup, asserting dominance in the conference.
• November 19: Defeated Vanderbilt 20-0, securing the SEC title with a decisive victory over a long-time rival.
• November 26: Won 26-0 at Kentucky, finishing the regular season undefeated and ranked #2 nationally.
• January 1, 1939: Won Orange Bowl 17-0 over Oklahoma, finishing #1 in the AP Poll released after the bowl game.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1938 Tennessee Vols stacked up against other top teams of the era:

The table highlights Tennessee’s superiority in the final rankings, as they were the only undefeated team among the top contenders. Their defense allowed the fewest points of any ranked team, and their Orange Bowl win over Oklahoma provided a decisive conclusion. While Tulane also claimed a national title via the Houlgate System, the AP Poll — introduced that year — crowned Tennessee as the consensus choice.

Why It Matters

The 1938 season was a landmark moment for the University of Tennessee and college football as a whole. It marked the arrival of the Vols as a national force and validated Robert Neyland’s coaching philosophy centered on defense and field position.

• First national championship in school history, laying the foundation for Tennessee’s football legacy.
• Robert Neyland’s tactical discipline emphasized kicking, defense, and ball control, influencing generations of coaches.
• Introduced the AP Poll in 1936, but 1938 was the first year it crowned an undisputed #1 after bowl games.
• Orange Bowl victory helped elevate the status of postseason games in determining national titles.
• Produced All-Americans like end Bowden Wyatt and tackle Herman Hickman, both later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
• Set a standard for excellence that inspired future undefeated seasons, including the 1940 team that also went 10-1.

The 1938 Tennessee Vols remain a symbol of consistency, toughness, and strategic mastery. Their undefeated run and national recognition helped shape the modern era of college football and solidified Tennessee’s place among the sport’s elite programs.