Tennessee football’s 2025 schedule is complete: See the full list of opponents, dates

Tennessee football is set to kick off its 2025 SEC schedule with a marquee matchup against Georgia, a clash between two recent College Football Playoff contenders. The game, which will take place on September 13 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, promises to be a thrilling start to the Vols’ conference campaign. This highly anticipated showdown was confirmed as part of the SEC’s schedule release on Wednesday, unveiling an exciting slate of games for Tennessee fans.

The 2025 SEC schedule follows a unique structure, mirroring the opponents from the 2024 season but flipping the home-and-away designations. This arrangement ensures continuity while offering fresh dynamics as teams face familiar foes in new settings.

A Challenging Start with Georgia

Opening the SEC schedule with Georgia is no small task for Tennessee. The Bulldogs, a dominant force in college football, have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning the last eight games in the series. Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has consistently fielded one of the nation’s top programs, making this matchup a litmus test for Tennessee’s aspirations in the 2025 season. The game’s setting at Neyland Stadium, with its raucous home crowd, could provide the Vols with a critical edge in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

Road Challenges Await Later in the Season

While the Vols begin their SEC schedule at home, significant road tests loom later in the season. Tennessee will face Alabama on October 18 in the storied Third Saturday in October rivalry, continuing one of college football’s most celebrated traditions. This game at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be another opportunity for the Vols to prove their mettle against an elite SEC powerhouse.

The schedule also includes a visit to Florida on November 22. Facing the Gators in The Swamp has always been a formidable challenge for Tennessee, and the 2025 matchup will be no exception. The Vols’ rivalry games against Alabama and Florida underscore the toughness of their road schedule, demanding both mental and physical resilience from the team.

Full 2025 Schedule for Tennessee Football

Here is the complete 2025 schedule for Tennessee football:

• Aug. 30: vs. Syracuse (Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta)
• Sept. 6: vs. ETSU
• Sept. 13: vs. Georgia*
• Sept. 20: vs. UAB
• Sept. 27: at Mississippi State*
• Oct. 11: vs. Arkansas*
• Oct. 18: at Alabama*
• Oct. 25: at Kentucky*
• Nov. 1: vs. Oklahoma*
• Nov. 15: vs. New Mexico State
• Nov. 22: at Florida*
• Nov. 29: vs. Vanderbilt*

(*SEC game)

Key Observations: Rivals Remain — For Now

The 2025 season retains Tennessee’s traditional rivalries for at least one more year under the current eight-game SEC schedule format. Games against Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt remain intact, offering fans the continuity of these storied matchups. However, the long-term future of these rivalries is uncertain.

The SEC is actively debating its scheduling format beyond 2025, especially as the league expands to 16 teams. Two prominent models are under consideration: the 3-6 model and the 1-7 model.

The 3-6 Model

In the 3-6 model, each team would play three permanent rivals every year and rotate the other six opponents. For Tennessee, this would likely preserve annual matchups with Vanderbilt, Alabama, and either South Carolina or Kentucky. This format, however, would mean the Florida rivalry might only occur in alternating years, significantly altering a fixture that has defined SEC football for decades.

The 1-7 Model

The alternative 1-7 model would reduce the number of permanent rivalries to just one per team, with the other seven conference opponents rotating annually. In this scenario, Tennessee’s lone permanent rival would almost certainly be Vanderbilt. While this model increases scheduling variety, it risks diluting the intensity and tradition of rivalries like those with Florida and Alabama.

With the SEC’s expansion and the arrival of Texas and Oklahoma, the debate over these scheduling formats has taken on heightened urgency. The league’s decision will shape the future of Tennessee’s football schedule and its rivalries for years to come.

Nonconference Matchups Highlight the Schedule

Tennessee’s 2025 season begins with a high-profile nonconference game against Syracuse on August 30. The Vols and Orange will face off in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Syracuse, boasting a 9-3 record and a No. 21 College Football Playoff ranking this season, is no pushover. The Orange secured a notable victory over Miami and will cap their season with an appearance in the Holiday Bowl against Washington State. This opener offers Tennessee a chance to make a strong statement against a respected opponent.

The Vols’ nonconference slate also includes home games against ETSU on September 6, UAB on September 20, and New Mexico State on November 15. Historically, Tennessee has dominated these programs, holding a combined 9-0 record against them. The Vols are 3-0 against Syracuse, 1-0 against ETSU, and 5-0 against UAB, while the matchup with New Mexico State will mark the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

The Third Saturday in October remains true to its name. Tennessee will head to Tuscaloosa eyeing its first road win over the Crimson Tide since Oct. 25, 2003.

The Vols will host Oklahoma in an SEC game for the first time on Nov. 1.

Tennessee’s penultimate SEC game is against Florida. The Vols will try to snag its first win in Gainesville since 2003.

UT will conclude its regular season on Nov. 29 against Vanderbilt. Tennessee hasn’t lost to Vanderbilt in Neyland since 2017.

The Road Ahead: Building Momentum and Meeting Expectations

The 2025 season offers Tennessee a mix of challenges and opportunities. With key matchups against Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Oklahoma, the Vols will need to perform at their best to navigate a demanding SEC schedule. The inclusion of high-profile nonconference games like the opener against Syracuse adds another layer of intrigue and tests the team’s readiness early in the season.

Head coach Josh Heupel and his staff will undoubtedly view this schedule as an opportunity to solidify Tennessee’s resurgence on the national stage. The Vols have shown significant progress in recent years, but the road to consistent contention in the SEC remains steep. The 2025 schedule, with its blend of traditional rivalries and fresh challenges, provides the stage for Tennessee to take another step forward in its journey back to prominence.

Fan Expectations and Neyland’s Atmosphere

For Tennessee fans, the 2025 season offers an enticing mix of home games and road trips. Neyland Stadium will play host to marquee matchups against Georgia, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, providing fans with plenty of opportunities to witness high-stakes football. The electric atmosphere at Neyland, known for its passionate fan base and storied traditions, will be a critical factor in the Vols’ home-field advantage.

On the road, trips to Alabama, Florida, and Kentucky will test the Vols’ resolve in hostile environments. Each of these games carries significant implications, both for the SEC standings and for Tennessee’s aspirations to compete at the highest level.