Pete Hegseth, the Fox News host and U.S. Secretary of Defense, has become a vocal cheerleader for the Tennessee Volunteers, “setting pulses racing” with his orange-clad game-day fervor at Neyland Stadium. Yet, despite his deep ties to Vols Nation, the truth about his Minnesota roots surprises many fans. Now living near Nashville, Hegseth’s journey from a northern hometown to Southern pride has sparked curiosity on X: is his love for the Vols genuine, or a clever “migration” to embrace his adopted home? Either way, Tennessee fans are thrilled to claim him.

Hegseth, 45, was born in Minneapolis and raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, where he excelled as a high school basketball star, per Wikipedia. A graduate of Princeton and Harvard, he served in the Army National Guard before rising to prominence on Fox News. In 2022, he relocated to Goodlettsville, Tennessee, just north of Nashville, with his wife Jennifer Rauchet and their seven children, according to Tennessean. His passion for the Vols emerged vividly, with Instagram posts showcasing him and his family decked in Tennessee orange during a “Rocky Top weekend” in October 2024, celebrating a win over Alabama, as reported by Knox News.

Fans on X have embraced Hegseth’s enthusiasm, with posts like, “Pete’s a Vol for life!” and “Minnesota to Tennessee? He’s one of us now!” His appearances at Neyland Stadium, including photos of his kids on the field, have endeared him to Vols Nation, per Tennessee Ledger. Hosting the 2023 Fox Nation Patriot Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House further cemented his Southern credentials. Yet, some Minnesotans on X, like @seaninexurbia, note, “He’s from MN, not the South,” questioning if his fandom is a strategic nod to his new home.

Hegseth’s love for the Vols appears genuine, rooted in his family’s immersion in Tennessee culture. “@vol_football is the real UT,” he wrote on Instagram, a jab at rival Texas. Despite his Minnesota upbringing, where he remains a Vikings fan, per pageorama.com, his move to Sumner County aligns with his conservative values and appreciation for the South’s community spirit, as noted by homeszillow.com. His $3.4 million Goodlettsville mansion, complete with a small farm, reflects his commitment to Tennessee life, per Virtual Globetrotting.

Whether a true convert or a savvy transplant, Hegseth’s Vols passion resonates. As he balances his Defense Secretary role with cheering from the stands, Vols Nation welcomes him with open arms, proving Rocky Top’s allure knows no borders.