The Neyland effect can be great if you’re a Vol fan, but terrible if you cheer for UGA or the Bucks. For Lenoir City students, the effect is a have-to experience. From small games like ETSU to the game of the season with the University of Georgia, each game is an experience of its own. One student, Demi Davidson (10), got to check off her bucket list by experiencing the Pride of the South Land blasting Rocky Top and fans singing proudly.
“It was very, very hype and I feel like everyone was involved with the game,” Davidson said.
The fan base for this season with the Volunteers has grown tremendously. After the quarterback trade with UCLA, fans were skeptical of Joey Aguilar. But after the big game win with Syracuse, the hope of a great season grew. Norah Mercer (10) had high expectations from the start, but it expanded after the game against the University of Georgia.
“I figured that the team would do really well this season and it showed when they were tied up with Georgia,” Mercer said.
While Mercer felt that the team did great against Georgia, Davidson had mixed opinions during the whole game.
“During the first two quarters of the game I felt like they were doing great. And it exceeded my expectations because I didn’t expect them to win. But the last two quarters it just went downhill because no one was throwing the ball in the right place and catching it,” Davidson said.
Not only is the Neyland effect a big aspect for the Volunteers, but so are traditions. This includes the third Saturday in October and the 3rd quarter song “The Way I Talk” by Morgan Wallen. The idea of playing his song sparked after Morgan Wallen, a huge country artist, played in Neyland Stadium, in 2024 on September 20th and 22nd. Almost every seat was filled. In total there were 156,160 fans. While some Vol football fans still have not noticed the new tradition, Merrin Boals (9) looks forward to it every game.
“My favorite moment is always the third quarter. I like the Morgan Wallen song that plays,” Boals said.
Boals loves the Tennessee inspired song that is played every third quarter. Others might have different perspectives, but Mercer just loves the ecstatic energy Neyland projects after every touchdown.
“[My favorite moment is] anytime we got a touchdown and it went wild,” Mercer said.
Lenoir City students look forward to spending their Saturdays in Neyland. From doubts with Joey Aguilar, recent wins, and the close game against Georgia has boosted excitement. Students like Davidson and Mercer cherish the fan base energy, while Boals appreciates traditions like the Morgan Wallen song, “The Way I Talk.” The Neyland Effect creates unforgettable memories, which makes it a must-experience event.
