What Is 1998 Tennessee Vols football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1998 Tennessee Volunteers football team went a perfect 13-0, won the 1999 Fiesta Bowl to claim the school's first national championship, and finished No. 1 in both major polls under head coach Phillip Fulmer.

Key Facts

The 1998 Tennessee Vols finished with a perfect 13-0 record
They defeated Florida 24-17 in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl to win the national title
Quarterback Tee Martin led the offense, completing 63% of his passes
The team was ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches Polls at season’s end
Head coach Phillip Fulmer won the Paul 'Bear' Bryant Award in 1998

Overview

The 1998 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season. Under head coach Phillip Fulmer, the Vols achieved a perfect 13-0 record, culminating in their first national championship since 1967. The team was known for its balanced offense, tough defense, and resilience in close games.

Playing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Tennessee won the SEC Championship by defeating Mississippi State 24-14. Their national title was secured by winning the 1999 Fiesta Bowl, part of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), against the No. 2-ranked Florida Gators. This victory marked a historic milestone for the program.

13-0 record: The Vols became the first undefeated team in school history, finishing with a perfect season.
SEC Champions: Tennessee won the 1998 SEC Championship Game, defeating Mississippi State 24-14 in Atlanta.
Fiesta Bowl victory: They defeated the Florida Gators 23-16 in the 1999 BCS National Championship Game.
AP Poll No. 1: The team finished ranked No. 1 in the final Associated Press Poll.
Coaches Poll No. 1: They also topped the final USA Today/Coaches Poll, securing consensus national champion status.

How It Works

The success of the 1998 Tennessee Vols stemmed from a combination of strategic coaching, disciplined execution, and key player performances. The team’s structure emphasized balance between offense and defense, with a focus on minimizing mistakes and capitalizing on opportunities.

Offensive Scheme:Spread option principles were used to complement a strong passing game led by QB Tee Martin, who threw for 2,896 yards.
Defensive Strategy: The 4-3 defense focused on aggressive pass rushing and tight coverage, led by linebacker Leonard Little.
Coaching Leadership:Phillip Fulmer earned national Coach of the Year honors for guiding the team to perfection.
Key Players:Ricky Bryant and Peerless Price were standout receivers, combining for over 1,500 receiving yards.
Special Teams: Kicker Sam Clemons converted 19 of 22 field goals, providing reliable scoring.
BCS System: The Bowl Championship Series ranked Tennessee No. 1, earning them a spot in the national title game.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1998 Tennessee Vols compared to other top teams of that season:

Team	Record	Final Rank	Key Win	Bowl Result
Tennessee	13-0	1 (AP, Coaches)	W 24-14 vs. Mississippi State (SEC Championship)	W 23-16 vs. Florida (Fiesta Bowl)
Florida State	11-2	2 (AP)	W 31-10 vs. Virginia Tech (Sugar Bowl)	Lost Sugar Bowl
Florida	10-3	3 (AP)	W 23-17 vs. Georgia (SEC East)	L 16-23 vs. Tennessee (Fiesta Bowl)
USC	8-4	Unranked	W 35-27 vs. Texas A&M (Sun Bowl)	Won Sun Bowl
Michigan	10-3	7 (AP)	W 21-16 vs. Washington State (Rose Bowl)	Won Rose Bowl

The table highlights Tennessee’s dominance in 1998. While other teams had strong seasons, only the Vols maintained a perfect record and defeated a top-ranked opponent in the championship game. Their combination of offensive consistency and defensive resilience set them apart from contenders like Florida State and Michigan.

Why It Matters

The 1998 season remains a landmark moment in college football history, not just for Tennessee but for the evolution of the BCS system and national title contention. It validated the Vols as a national powerhouse and elevated the profile of the SEC.

First national title since 1967: This victory ended a 31-year championship drought for the program.
Boosted SEC prestige: The win reinforced the Southeastern Conference as a dominant force in college football.
Launched player careers: Several Vols, including Peerless Price, went on to play in the NFL.
Coaching accolades: Phillip Fulmer won multiple Coach of the Year awards, including the Paul 'Bear' Bryant Award.
BCS validation: The system’s first true national title game featured two unbeaten teams, adding legitimacy.
Legacy and tradition: The 1998 team is still celebrated in Knoxville, with annual commemorations and alumni events.

Ultimately, the 1998 Tennessee Volunteers football team set a standard for excellence, combining talent, strategy, and heart to achieve a rare and celebrated perfect season.