Brace yourself, Tennessee football faithful, for an exhilarating 2025 season that promises to be filled with high-octane matchups and unforgettable moments. The Volunteers embark on a challenging schedule that will test their mettle and push them to new heights. With a blend of familiar foes and intriguing new adversaries, Tennessee’s quest for gridiron glory begins in earnest.
The season opens with a highly anticipated clash at home against the rivals from Alabama. The Crimson Tide, led by their formidable head coach Nick Saban, have been a constant thorn in Tennessee’s side, but the Vols will be eager to break their losing streak and make a statement in their own backyard. Following this marquee matchup, Tennessee faces a formidable opponent from the Big 12 Conference, the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Cowboys, known for their high-scoring offense and tenacious defense, will provide a stern test for the Volunteers’ aspirations.
As the season progresses, Tennessee will navigate a gauntlet of tough road games, including a trip to College Station to face the Texas A&M Aggies. The Aggies, led by their dynamic quarterback, are always a force to be reckoned with in their own stadium. Tennessee will also travel to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks, a rising SEC power that has given the Vols fits in recent years. The Volunteers must summon all their grit and determination if they want to emerge victorious from these challenging away contests.
Tennessee’s Quest for Redemption in 2025
Tennessee’s Rocky Road to Recovery
After a disappointing 2022 season, the Tennessee Volunteers are looking to turn things around in 2025. The team finished with a 5-7 record last year, their worst mark since 2017. The Volunteers have a talented roster, but they need to find some consistency in their play.
Tennessee’s schedule in 2025 is challenging. The Vols open the season at home against Virginia, but they quickly face a gauntlet of tough opponents. They host Alabama in Week 2, travel to Florida in Week 4, and host LSU in Week 6. Tennessee also has road games against Kentucky, Missouri, and Vanderbilt.
The Vols will need to play their best football in the tough games on their schedule. If they can do that, they have the potential to make a run at the SEC East title.
| Week | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia | Knoxville, TN |
| 2 | Alabama | Knoxville, TN |
| 3 | UT Martin | Knoxville, TN |
| 4 | Florida | Gainesville, FL |
| 5 | Ball State | Knoxville, TN |
| 6 | LSU | Knoxville, TN |
| 7 | Kentucky | Lexington, KY |
| 8 | Open | |
| 9 | Missouri | Columbia, MO |
| 10 | Vanderbilt | Nashville, TN |
| 11 | South Carolina | Knoxville, TN |
| 12 | Georgia | Athens, GA |
Key Matchups
Tennessee’s 2025 football schedule features several crucial matchups that could shape their season. One of the most significant games is their home contest against Alabama on October 4th. The Crimson Tide has been a dominant force in college football in recent years, and Tennessee will need to play their best to come away with a victory. Another key matchup is their road game against Georgia on November 8th. The Bulldogs are another perennial powerhouse, and Tennessee will have to be at their best to have a chance to win in Athens.
Season Pivots
Tennessee’s 2025 football schedule has several pivotal games that could determine their success or failure. One of the most important games is their season opener against Virginia Tech on August 30th. A win over the Hokies would give Tennessee a major confidence boost heading into the rest of their schedule. Another pivotal game is their home game against Florida on September 27th. The Gators are a longtime rival of Tennessee, and a win over them would be a huge statement for the Vols. Finally, Tennessee’s regular season finale against Vanderbilt on November 29th could be a potential trap game. The Commodores are not a strong team, but they have a history of playing Tennessee tough. Tennessee will need to be focused and prepared to avoid an upset in their final game of the season.
Key Matchups
| Matchup | Date |
|—|—|
| Tennessee vs. Alabama | October 4th |
| Tennessee vs. Georgia | November 8th |
| Tennessee vs. Florida | September 27th |
Home Field Advantage in Knoxville
Tennessee’s home field advantage is one of the best in the country. Neyland Stadium, also known as “The Big Orange,” is the fifth-largest stadium in the nation with a capacity of 102,455. It is known for its deafening crowd noise and intimidating atmosphere.
The Vols have a strong home-field record, having won over 70% of their games in Neyland Stadium since it opened in 1921. Some of the most memorable moments in Tennessee football history have occurred in front of the home crowd, including the 1998 National Championship victory over Florida State.
Neyland Stadium
Here are some additional details about Neyland Stadium:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 102,455 |
| Surface | FieldTurf |
| End zones | Orange |
| Nicknames | The Big Orange, The House That Peyton Built |
Scouting the Southeastern Conference East
Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky is coming off a 10-3 season and a Citrus Bowl victory. The Wildcats have a solid foundation in place, led by quarterback Will Levis, running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., and linebacker Jacquez Jones. However, they lost some key pieces on defense, including Josh Paschal and Yusuf Corker. Kentucky will need to find replacements for those players if they want to compete for an SEC East title.
Missouri Tigers
Missouri had a disappointing 6-7 season in 2021. The Tigers have a lot of talent on their roster, but they need to find a more consistent quarterback. Brady Cook is the likely starter, but he has yet to prove that he can be a reliable passer. Missouri also has some question marks on defense, particularly in the secondary.
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina is entering its second season under Shane Beamer. The Gamecocks showed some progress in 2021, but they still have a long way to go. Quarterback Spencer Rattler is a big upgrade for South Carolina, but he will need to adjust to a new system. The Gamecocks also need to improve their defense, which was one of the worst in the SEC last season.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Vanderbilt is coming off an 0-8 season, and things are not likely to get much better in 2022. The Commodores have a lot of holes on their roster, and they are still trying to find their identity under first-year head coach Clark Lea. Vanderbilt will be a big underdog in every game they play this season.
Florida Gators
The Florida Gators are coming off a disappointing 6-7 season, but they have a lot of talent on their roster. Quarterback Anthony Richardson is one of the most exciting players in the country, and he is surrounded by a wealth of weapons on offense. The Gators also have a strong defense, led by linebacker Amari Burney and cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. Florida should be considered a contender for the SEC East title in 2022.
Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs are the defending national champions, and they are the clear favorites to win the SEC East in 2022. Georgia has a loaded roster, led by quarterback Stetson Bennett IV, running back Kendall Milton, and wide receiver Brock Bowers. The Bulldogs also have one of the best defenses in the country, led by linebacker Nolan Smith and defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Georgia is the team to beat in the SEC East, and they should be considered a contender for the national championship.
| Team | 2021 Record | 2022 Outlook |
| ——- | ————- | ————- |
| Kentucky | 10-3 | Contender |
| Missouri | 6-7 | Questionable |
| South Carolina | 7-6 | On the rise |
| Vanderbilt | 0-8 | Underdog |
| Florida | 6-7 | Contender |
| Georgia | 14-1 | National Champion |
Potential Breakout Players to Watch
The 2025 Tennessee football schedule will be packed with talented players, but here are a few who could break out and become stars:
Quarterback: Nico Iamaleava
The top-ranked quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, Iamaleava has the potential to be an elite playmaker in Josh Heupel’s up-tempo offense.
Running Back: Gi’Bran Payne
A dynamic and versatile running back, Payne could thrive in Tennessee’s rotation alongside All-SEC caliber back Jabari Small.
Wide Receiver: Kyle Kasper
A 5-star wide receiver from Missouri, Kasper possesses exceptional speed and athleticism that could make him a dangerous downfield threat.
Defensive End: Joshua Josephs
A highly touted pass rusher, Josephs has the size, speed, and strength to disrupt opposing offenses and create pressure on quarterbacks.
Cornerback: Jack Luttrell
Luttrell, a 4-star recruit from Ohio, has great ball skills and instincts. He has the potential to be a lockdown corner for Tennessee’s talented secondary.
Offseason Acquisitions and Roster Adjustments
Coaching Staff Additions and Departures
The Volunteers made several key coaching staff additions and departures following the 2022 season. Offensive coordinator Tim Banks and assistant head coach Brian Niedermeyer departed for Penn State, while former Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis and Alabama defensive coordinator Freddie Roach joined the staff.
Transfer Portal Additions
Tennessee was active in the transfer portal, bringing in several talented players to fill key roster needs. Notable additions include wide receiver Jalin Hyatt from Indiana, quarterback Joe Milton from Michigan, and defensive end LaTrell Bumphus from Kentucky.
NFL Draft Declarations
Several key players declared for the NFL Draft, including wide receiver Cedric Tillman, linebacker Jeremy Banks, and defensive end Tyler Baron. These departures created opportunities for other players to step into starting roles and contribute to the team’s success.
Roster Management
The Volunteers also made some internal roster adjustments to improve team balance and depth. Several players changed positions, including Chandler Hyatt moving from wide receiver to tight end and Martavius French transitioning from cornerback to safety.
New Commitments
Tennessee signed a strong recruiting class for 2023, adding several highly-rated prospects. The highlight of the class is 5-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who is considered one of the top players in the nation.
Spring Practice and Player Development
The Volunteers held their spring practice in March and April, which provided an opportunity for the team to evaluate the new additions and make adjustments to their schemes. Several players impressed during spring practice, including Iamaleava, Hyatt, and Milton, indicating that Tennessee could have a potent offense in 2023.
VFL Impact
The return of seven former Tennessee football players to Josh Heupel’s coaching staff has been a major factor in the program’s resurgence. These former players bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program, and they have played a vital role in developing the current team.
Coaching Continuity
Heupel has brought much-needed stability to the Tennessee football program. After years of coaching turnover, Heupel has provided a consistent presence for the players. This stability has allowed the players to develop and grow, and it has been a key factor in the team’s success.
Staff Additions
Heupel has made several key additions to his coaching staff, including former Tennessee players Kodi Burns (wide receivers), Jerry Mack (running backs), and William Pegues (cornerbacks). These additions have brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program, and they have played a vital role in the team’s development.
Staff Departures
Heupel has also made some changes to his coaching staff, including the departure of offensive coordinator Alex Golesh. Golesh was a key figure in the team’s success in 2021, but he left to take the head coaching job at South Florida. Heupel has replaced Golesh with former Tennessee player and NFL assistant coach Joey Halzle.
Georgia Southern
The Volunteers will open the 2025 season at home against Georgia Southern on August 30. The Eagles are a member of the Sun Belt Conference and went 9-3 in 2022. This will be the first meeting between the two schools.
Virginia Tech
Tennessee will host Virginia Tech on September 6. The Hokies are a member of the ACC and went 7-6 in 2022. This will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2016.
Tennessee State
The Volunteers will host Tennessee State on September 13. The Tigers are a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and went 5-6 in 2022. This will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2019.
Vanderbilt
Tennessee will travel to Vanderbilt on September 20. The Commodores are a member of the SEC and went 5-7 in 2022. This will be the 116th meeting between the two schools, with Tennessee holding a 77-33-5 record.
Missouri
The Volunteers will host Missouri on September 27. The Tigers are a member of the SEC and went 6-7 in 2022. This will be the 14th meeting between the two schools, with Tennessee holding a 10-3 record.
Indiana
Tennessee will travel to Indiana on October 4. The Hoosiers are a member of the Big Ten Conference and went 4-8 in 2022. This will be the first meeting between the two schools.
No. 8 Alabama
The Volunteers will host Alabama on October 11. The Crimson Tide are a member of the SEC and are the defending national champions. This will be the 106th meeting between the two schools, with Alabama holding a 58-37-8 record.
Alabama Preview
The Alabama Crimson Tide are one of the most storied programs in college football history. They have won 18 national championships, including six in the last 15 years. Nick Saban is the head coach of Alabama, and he is considered one of the greatest coaches of all time. Alabama has a lot of talent on its roster, including quarterback Bryce Young, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receiver Jermaine Burton. The Crimson Tide are always a contender for the national championship, and they will be a tough test for Tennessee in 2025.
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Bryce Young | Quarterback |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | Running back |
| Jermaine Burton | Wide receiver |
Kentucky
The Volunteers will travel to Kentucky on October 18. The Wildcats are a member of the SEC and went 7-6 in 2022. This will be the 115th meeting between the two schools, with Tennessee holding a 84-26-9 record.
Historical Perspective
Tennessee football has a rich history dating back to 1891. The Volunteers have won six national championships, 13 SEC championships, and have produced over 100 All-Americans. Neyland Stadium, the home of the Vols, is one of the most iconic stadiums in college football. The Vols have a passionate fan base that is known for its loyalty and enthusiasm.
2025 Milestones
The 2025 football schedule for the Tennessee Volunteers is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory. The Vols are scheduled to play nine games against Power Five opponents, including two games against top-10 teams. The schedule also features a trip to Alabama and a home game against Georgia.
Key Games
The key games on the 2025 schedule are as follows:
9. Tennessee vs. Georgia (September 20, 2025)
This game will be a rematch of the 2022 SEC Championship Game, where Georgia beat Tennessee 50-30. The Bulldogs are currently the No. 1 team in the country and are likely to be favored in this game. However, the Vols will be looking to avenge their loss and prove that they are one of the best teams in the country.
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Tennessee | 6-0 |
| Georgia | 6-0 |
Assessing the Volunteers’ Chances for Success
Tennessee faces a challenging schedule in 2025, but they have the talent and experience to make a run at the SEC Championship. They return a strong core of players, including quarterback Joe Milton, running back Jabari Small, and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. The defense will need to improve, but they have some talented young players who could make a big impact.
1. Opening Games
Tennessee opens the season with two tough road games against South Carolina and Florida. They will need to play well in these games to build momentum for the rest of the season.
2. SEC Schedule
The Volunteers have a tough SEC schedule, but they also have some favorable matchups. They will face Georgia and Alabama on the road, but they get LSU and Mississippi State at home.
3. Non-Conference Schedule
Tennessee’s non-conference schedule is not particularly challenging. They play Ball State and Western Kentucky at home, and they travel to Virginia. The Volunteers should be able to win all three of these games.
4. Quarterback Joe Milton
Milton is a talented quarterback who has shown flashes of brilliance. He will need to be more consistent in 2025 if the Volunteers want to be successful.
5. Running Back Jabari Small
Small is a dynamic running back who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He will be a key part of the Volunteers’ offense in 2025.
6. Wide Receiver Jalin Hyatt
Hyatt is a rising star who had a breakout season in 2024. He is a big-play threat who can stretch the field for the Volunteers.
7. Defensive Line
The Volunteers’ defensive line is a strength of the team. They have several talented players who can create pressure on the quarterback.
8. Linebackers
The linebackers are a question mark for the Volunteers. They will need to improve in 2025 if the defense is going to be successful.
9. Secondary
The secondary is another area where the Volunteers need to improve. They have some talented players, but they need to be more consistent.
10. Coaching Staff
The Volunteers’ coaching staff is led by Josh Heupel. Heupel is a talented coach who has a proven track record of success. He will need to get the most out of his players in 2025 if the Volunteers want to be successful.
| Opponent | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | September 6 | Away |
| Florida | September 13 | Away |
| Georgia | October 4 | Away |
| LSU | October 11 | Home |
| Alabama | October 25 | Away |
| Mississippi State | November 8 | Home |
Tennessee 2025 Football Schedule
The Tennessee Volunteers football team will play a 12-game schedule in 2025, including seven home games at Neyland Stadium. The season will begin on Thursday, August 28, with a home game against the Ball State Cardinals. The Vols will then host the Missouri Tigers on September 6, before traveling to Oklahoma State on September 13.
Tennessee will open SEC play on September 20 at home against the Florida Gators. The Vols will then travel to Starkville to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs on September 27, before hosting the Alabama Crimson Tide on October 4.
The Vols will have a bye week on October 11, before returning to action on October 18 at the Kentucky Wildcats. Tennessee will then host the South Carolina Gamecocks on October 25, before traveling to Athens to face the Georgia Bulldogs on November 1.
The Vols will wrap up the regular season with home games against the Vanderbilt Commodores on November 8 and the Ole Miss Rebels on November 15.
People Also Ask About Tennessee 2025 Football Schedule
Where can I find the Tennessee 2025 football schedule?
The Tennessee 2025 football schedule can be found on the official website of the Tennessee Volunteers.
When is the Tennessee 2025 football season?
The Tennessee 2025 football season will begin on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
How many home games will Tennessee have in 2025?
Tennessee will have seven home games at Neyland Stadium in 2025.
Who will Tennessee play in their SEC opener in 2025?
Tennessee will open SEC play in 2025 at home against the Florida Gators.
