2025 Tennessee Football Way-Too-Early Game-by-Game Predictions

The Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting 2025 football season, and though it’s still early, there’s plenty of potential and optimism surrounding the team. With a solid recruiting class, a deep talent pool, and a well-established coaching staff, Tennessee has the foundation to compete at the highest level in the SEC.

As with any program, however, the true measure of success is what happens on the field. With that in mind, let’s break down the 2025 season for the Tennessee Volunteers with way-too-early predictions for each game.

Week 1: Tennessee vs. Austin Peay (Home)

Prediction: Tennessee 45, Austin Peay 7

Opening the season with a non-conference game at home against FCS opponent Austin Peay is a perfect way to ease into the 2025 season. Austin Peay is a solid team at the FCS level, but Tennessee will be too much for them. Expect a dominant performance from the Volunteers, with the offense finding its rhythm early. The defense will shut down Austin Peay’s offense, limiting any hope of an upset.

Record: 1-0

Week 2: Tennessee at Oklahoma (Neutral Site in Nashville)

Prediction: Tennessee 34, Oklahoma 31

Tennessee will face a tough road challenge against a high-powered Oklahoma team, but this matchup will serve as a statement game for the Vols. While Oklahoma will undoubtedly present a potent offense under their new system, Tennessee’s defense will step up, and the offense will find a way to win in a high-scoring contest. A big performance from quarterback Nico Iamaleava, paired with an emerging running back duo, will be enough for Tennessee to pull off the win. The neutral site setting in Nashville gives Tennessee a slight home-field advantage.

Record: 2-0

Week 3: Tennessee vs. Texas A&M (Home)

Prediction: Tennessee 38, Texas A&M 24

Texas A&M will be one of the more unpredictable teams in the SEC in 2025, as they continue to develop their roster under head coach Jimbo Fisher. However, this game will be played in Knoxville, where Tennessee has a strong track record in recent years. The Vols’ offense will have a big day, as the Aggies’ defense struggles to keep pace with Tennessee’s explosive attack. With a strong crowd behind them, the Vols should take care of business and win comfortably.

Record: 3-0

Week 4: Tennessee at Florida (Road)

Prediction: Tennessee 27, Florida 20

A road game at the Swamp is always a tough challenge, and Florida will present a significant test for Tennessee in Week 4. Florida’s defense will make things difficult for Nico Iamaleava and the Vols’ offense, but Tennessee’s superior skill talent will win out. Florida will keep things close, but the Vols will make a few big plays in the second half, securing a crucial road victory in the SEC. This win will also solidify Tennessee as a contender in the SEC East.

Record: 4-0

Week 5: Tennessee vs. South Carolina (Home)

Prediction: Tennessee 41, South Carolina 17

South Carolina will be an interesting team in 2025, but they don’t have the talent to keep up with Tennessee in this game. The Volunteers will dominate both sides of the ball, with Nico Iamaleava leading the offense to a big day. South Carolina will struggle to move the ball against Tennessee’s defense, and the Vols will run away with this one early. Expect a solid all-around performance and another home win.

Record: 5-0

Week 6: Tennessee at Alabama (Road)

Prediction: Tennessee 30, Alabama 27

The game of the year for Tennessee comes in Week 6 when they travel to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama. This will be a battle between two high-powered offenses, with Tennessee’s offense led by Iamaleava and Alabama’s likely offensive coordinator in 2025 continuing to build around their top players. However, Tennessee’s balanced offensive attack and improved defense will give them the edge. A late field goal will seal the victory for the Vols in a thrilling SEC showdown.

Record: 6-0

Week 7: Tennessee vs. Arkansas (Home)

Prediction: Tennessee 38, Arkansas 14

Arkansas will come to Knoxville in Week 7, but they’ll be facing a Tennessee team that is firing on all cylinders. The Volunteers’ offense will prove too much for Arkansas’ defense, and the Razorbacks will struggle to match Tennessee’s pace. Expect a big performance from Tennessee’s skill players, and the defense will shut down Arkansas’ attack to cruise to another comfortable win.

Record: 7-0

Week 8: Tennessee at Kentucky (Road)

Prediction: Tennessee 35, Kentucky 14

While Kentucky has shown promise in recent years, especially on defense, they won’t be able to compete with Tennessee on the road. Tennessee’s offense will overwhelm the Wildcats, and their defense will have a strong showing as well. Kentucky may get a few drives going, but Tennessee will dominate for the most part and pick up another SEC win.

Record: 8-0

Week 9: Tennessee vs. Georgia (Home)

Prediction: Tennessee 31, Georgia 28

This will be another crucial matchup, and Tennessee will face their biggest test in the SEC when they host defending national champions Georgia. The Bulldogs will have a dominant defense and a powerful offense, but Tennessee’s high-scoring attack and ability to make big plays will prove to be their key to victory. In a nail-biting contest, Tennessee will find a way to beat Georgia in a packed Neyland Stadium, setting the stage for a potential SEC East championship.

Record: 9-0

Week 10: Tennessee at Missouri (Road)

Prediction: Tennessee 42, Missouri 17

Missouri will be overmatched when Tennessee visits Columbia in Week 10. The Tigers will struggle to defend against Tennessee’s offensive weapons, and their own offense will struggle to score against the Vols’ defense. Missouri will hang around for a while, but Tennessee will pull away in the second half, sealing another road victory and keeping their unbeaten season intact.

Record: 10-0

Week 11: Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt (Home)

Prediction: Tennessee 48, Vanderbilt 10

Vanderbilt has made strides under head coach Clark Lea, but they are still a long way from competing with the top teams in the SEC. Tennessee will take care of business at home in this rivalry game, overpowering Vanderbilt in all phases of the game. Expect another lopsided victory, as the Vols will go into their final stretch with a perfect record.

Record: 11-0

Week 12: Tennessee at LSU (Road)

Prediction: Tennessee 28, LSU 24

The final road test of the regular season will come at LSU, where the Tigers are always tough to beat. LSU’s defense will present challenges, but Tennessee will continue to ride their high-powered offense and will be able to move the ball efficiently. In a back-and-forth contest, Tennessee will come through in the clutch, securing a hard-fought win in Baton Rouge and ensuring that their place at the top of the SEC standings is solidified.

Record: 12-0

Week 13: SEC Championship Game (Tennessee vs. Alabama)

Prediction: Tennessee 38, Alabama 34

A rematch of the Week 6 showdown, this SEC Championship game will feature two of the SEC’s most potent offenses. However, Tennessee’s defense will make enough key stops to allow their offense to shine in a thrilling game. In a high-scoring affair, Tennessee will capture the SEC Championship, securing their place in the College Football Playoff.

Record: 13-0 (SEC Champions)