Jordan Rodgers Identifies SEC Team As Potential College Football Playoff Contender

Jordan Rodgers, the brother of NFL star Aaron Rodgers, played the same position as the former Green Bay Packers great. Jordan played quarterback for the Vanderbilt Commodores from 2011-12.

One team that Vanderbilt fans can not stand is the Tennessee Volunteers. However, Rodgers put in-state rivalries aside on "SEC Nation" and said that the Volunteers could make a run to the College Football Playoff.

"No better way to start a college football Saturday, the first with Clemson and Georgia," Rodgers said. "Nope, how about Chattanooga and Tennessee? Nico Iamaleava, one of the most talented quarterbacks and young quarterbacks in the country in this Josh Heupel offense looks to make a statement. With a 12-team playoff, they could make a run and be a playoff team this year."

The Volunteers have never made the playoff since it began in 2014. For the first time, the playoff is moving to the 12-team format.

Tennessee is coming off a 9-4 season after beating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Citrus Bowl. Nico Iamaleava started that game and finished with 151 passing yards, 27 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns.

The program returns top talent, such as edge rusher James Pearce Jr., receiver Squirrel White, receiver Bru McCoy, running back Dylan Sampson, and offensive lineman Cooper Mays.

In 2022, Josh Heupel led Tennessee to its first 11-win season since 2001. Former head coach Phillip Fulmer was in charge of the program then.

The Volunteers open the 2024 season against the Chattanooga Mocs at Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is at 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

Related: Kirk Herbstreit Reveals Pick For Best Stadium Entrance In All Of College Football