As the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) draws closer, the Tennessee Volunteers (Tennessee Vols) are a team to watch. Historically, Tennessee has been a powerhouse in college football, though the program has had its ups and downs in recent years. Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols have experienced significant improvements, making them a contender for the national stage in upcoming seasons.
Here, we’ll break down a potential prediction for the 2025 College Football Playoffs, focusing on the Vols’ chances, key factors for success, and a broader view of the landscape of college football as it stands in 2025.
Tennessee Volunteers’ Road to the 2025 College Football Playoff
The Volunteers’ prospects for reaching the 2025 CFP are intertwined with several key factors: player development, recruiting, and the strength of their schedule. Since Heupel took over in 2021, Tennessee has shown offensive explosiveness, led by Heupel’s high-tempo, pass-heavy system. The Vols will need to sustain and build upon this offensive strength while bolstering their defense and depth for a run at the national title.
Quarterback Play: The Key to Tennessee’s Success
One of the most significant factors in Tennessee’s potential 2025 success is the performance of their quarterback. Heupel’s system demands a dynamic signal-caller who can manage the fast-paced offense while executing deep passes efficiently. As of now, Tennessee’s quarterback room is expected to remain strong, with rising talent possibly entering the fold for the 2025 season.
In 2023, Tennessee had a standout quarterback in Hendon Hooker, who led the Vols to a 10-2 season. By 2025, Tennessee’s quarterback, whether it’s a young emerging star or a transfer, will be expected to match or exceed Hooker’s leadership and production.
This player’s ability to thrive in big games, particularly in the SEC, will be critical in Tennessee’s bid for a playoff spot. Heupel’s offense is quarterback-friendly, but a game-changer at the position is essential for a true title run.
Recruiting: Building a Championship Contender
Tennessee’s recruiting efforts are another cornerstone for their 2025 ambitions. While Tennessee has made significant strides in securing top-tier recruits under Heupel, the 2025 season will likely be defined by the players recruited in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 cycles.
The Vols’ offense has attracted several highly-rated prospects, especially at wide receiver and offensive line. The continued development of these players, especially those on the offensive line who can create space for a quick-passing game, will help Tennessee improve their consistency against the toughest defenses.
Defensively, Tennessee has faced criticism for lacking the depth to compete at the highest level, especially in SEC matchups. If the Vols can shore up their defensive front, increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and improve their secondary, they could become a more complete team capable of contending for the playoff.
SEC Dominance and Strength of Schedule
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has long been considered the most competitive and challenging conference in college football. For Tennessee to make the CFP, they will need to not only navigate a difficult SEC schedule but also perform well against other elite teams across the nation.
In 2025, the Vols will face teams like Georgia, Alabama, and other strong SEC programs. A perfect regular-season record will likely be necessary to guarantee a CFP spot. However, if Tennessee can remain competitive with teams like Alabama and Georgia, even with one or two losses, they could still have a chance to earn a spot in the playoffs, provided their other metrics—such as strength of schedule and wins in critical games—are solid.
The Impact of NIL and Transfers
The landscape of college football in 2025 will be vastly different from previous years, with the growing influence of the Transfer Portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules. Tennessee has embraced these changes, using the portal to bring in immediate contributors who could make an impact for the 2025 season.
While the Vols have been good at developing talent, the ability to recruit proven players via the portal can provide an immediate boost to the team’s overall talent level. Tennessee’s ability to secure high-profile transfers and sign lucrative NIL deals could also help them build the depth necessary to compete in the SEC and on the national stage.
National Media’s 2025 College Football Playoff Predictions
As of now, national media outlets will likely have different takes on the contenders for the 2025 College Football Playoff. While the media often looks at top programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Michigan, a dark horse team such as Tennessee could emerge as a major contender. Here are some of the key factors that media analysts will likely weigh when considering Tennessee’s playoff chances:
Powerful Offense
Tennessee’s offensive system, particularly under Josh Heupel, is designed to break through defenses with speed and efficiency. This high-flying offense is one of the most exciting in college football, and the 2025 version could be even better with the development of young players and continued recruitment.
SEC Rivalry
Tennessee’s season hinges largely on how they perform in their SEC matchups. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU are perennially tough opponents. A victory over one or more of these teams would make Tennessee a CFP contender, while any significant losses might be an obstacle. Media experts will examine Tennessee’s ability to contend with these programs, particularly when the games matter most.
Defensive Improvement
Tennessee’s defense has often been the team’s Achilles’ heel. For the Vols to make the 2025 CFP, they must show considerable improvement on the defensive side of the ball. Media predictions for Tennessee’s playoff chances will look closely at this unit’s ability to defend the run, pressure the quarterback, and avoid big plays in the secondary. If Tennessee can turn their defense into a more consistent and reliable unit, their offense will have a much better chance to carry them to the promised land.
The CFP Format
In 2025, the College Football Playoff will expand from four to twelve teams. This expansion could play into Tennessee’s favor. A larger playoff field allows more room for one-loss or even two-loss teams from Power Five conferences like the SEC to earn a spot in the postseason. With this new format, Tennessee could potentially enter the CFP even with one or two hiccups during the regular season, especially if they win a high-profile game in the SEC Championship or against a non-conference opponent.
Tennessee’s National Outlook in 2025
Despite a tough conference schedule, Tennessee’s trajectory points toward a potential playoff berth in 2025. Their offense is one of the most dynamic in the country, and with improvements on defense and continued player development, the Vols could very well be a team to reckon with in the upcoming years.
In conclusion, the 2025 College Football Playoff picture will be heavily shaped by teams like Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and Michigan, but Tennessee, with its growing talent and potential under Josh Heupel, could emerge as a dark horse contender. Whether or not the Vols make the 2025 CFP will depend on their ability to continue evolving into a well-rounded team, maximizing their explosive offense, and improving on defense. Keep an eye on Tennessee as they aim to return to the national spotlight and compete for the sport’s ultimate prize.
