Why is Tennessee called volunteers? Exploring the origin behind Josh Heupel's team's nickname

The University of Tennessee has a proud sports history of excelling in football, baseball and other notable American sports. The school's sports teams are nicknamed the Volunteers, and the name happens to be one of the most iconic in American sports.

Let's take a look at the backstory behind Tennessee's famous nickname.

The origin behind Tennessee's Volunteers nickname

The nickname originated from the 1,500 troops from Tennessee that fought in the War of 1812 under General Andrew Jackson against the British at the Battle of New Orleans. The "Volunteer" spirit was further emphasized when the War of Texas Independence began in 1835.

During the Texas War, people from Tennessee took up arms to help the Texans in their revolution against the Mexican Army. One of the most notable of these individuals was David "Davy" Crockett, a congressman and soldier from Greene County in East Tennessee.

Crockett was the inspiration behind the Tennessee athletics logo adopted in 1983.

The University of Tennessee started its football program in 1891. However, after they triumphed over Georgia Tech in 1902, a columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution called the program the Volunteers for the first time. The University officially adopted the name in 1905.

The University of Tennessee has a proud history with the Volunteers nickname.

Josh Heupel's Volunteers will aim for a successful 2024 season

The Tennessee Volunteers had an 8-4 record in the 2023 regular season before beating Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The Volunteers will be aiming for more of the same in 2024.

The Volunteers have a new full-time starting quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, running back Dylan Sampson, a few new receivers, an almost-new starting secondary, and an elite defense led by James Pearce Jr., Keenan Pili and Omari Thomas. It's going to be an interesting time for the Josh Heupel-led Volunteers.