Josh Heupel gives perfect response to reporter saying Hendon Hooker should have been a Heisman finalist

Josh Heupel has been lobbying for Hendon Hooker to make the trip to New York for some time now.

Hooker was a frontrunner for the award before Tennessee’s penultimate game of the regular season, a lopsided and shocking loss to South Carolina. Perhaps the worst outcome from that game was Hooker tearing his ACL, causing him to miss the final game of the year against Vanderbilt.

Hooker was off in that game, but still threw for 250 yards and 3 touchdowns. Indeed, it was the defense that ultimately lost the Vols the day. Because of that, and because there was only one game remaining, many though Hooker still deserved to be a Heisman finalist.

Including Heupel. The 2nd year head coach was meeting with media ahead of Tennessee’s Orange Bowl game against Clemson when he reaffirmed that point.

Miami reporter: Your quarterback was a Heisman finalist in my mind.#Vols coach Josh Heupel: “Mine, too.”

— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) December 7, 2022

Ultimately, it’s in the past. The Heisman Trophy will be awarded to one of Stetson Bennett IV, Caleb Williams, Max Duggan or CJ Stroud next Saturday evening.

And still, what a season from Hendon Hooker.