Predictions for 2025 Tennessee football games are far too early.

2025 Tennessee Football: A Way-Too-Early Look Ahead to the Vols’ Season Under Josh Heupel

As we approach the 2025 football season, Tennessee Volunteers fans are filled with anticipation. The upcoming campaign will mark the fifth season under head coach Josh Heupel, and expectations are high following another successful season in 2024, which saw Tennessee make its first appearance in the College Football Playoff. With a 37-15 record (20-12 in SEC play) since Heupel’s arrival in 2021, the Vols are on the rise, and 2025 promises to be another exciting chapter in their pursuit of an SEC title and potential national championship.

Tennessee’s performance in 2025 will be critical not only for their playoff aspirations but also for their continued success in the SEC, where Heupel has proven that his up-tempo offense can compete with the league’s elite. The 2025 schedule will bring both familiar challenges and fresh opportunities for Tennessee, as the Vols are set to face a mix of high-profile SEC opponents and nonconference matchups. Here’s an early look at what we can expect from the Vols in 2025, including key games, opponents, and a way-too-early prediction for their season.

2025 Schedule Breakdown

The 2025 season for Tennessee will begin with a neutral-site clash against Syracuse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 30. This matchup will be the first of a challenging nonconference slate, followed by games against East Tennessee State, UAB, and New Mexico State. These matchups should give Tennessee a chance to fine-tune its game and work out any kinks before the intensity of SEC play begins.

The Vols will then dive headfirst into their SEC schedule, which will be highlighted by some key matchups against rivals and championship contenders. Here’s a look at the full 2025 schedule:

1. Syracuse (Aug. 30, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia) The season opener against Syracuse will be a neutral-site game, providing Tennessee with a chance to start the season with a statement victory. While Syracuse may not be as formidable as some of Tennessee’s SEC opponents, the Vols cannot afford to overlook the Orange, especially in a neutral environment.
2. East Tennessee State (Sept. 6, Neyland Stadium) This nonconference game will be a chance for the Vols to work on their depth and make sure they are ready for the challenges of SEC play.
3. UAB (Sept. 13, Neyland Stadium) Like East Tennessee State, UAB presents a winnable game for the Vols. Tennessee will aim to dominate this contest and maintain momentum as they approach the heart of their SEC schedule.
4. New Mexico State (Sept. 20, Neyland Stadium) Another nonconference game at Neyland Stadium, Tennessee will use this matchup to prepare for their crucial SEC matchups in the following weeks.
5. Arkansas (Sept. 27, Neyland Stadium) The first SEC showdown of the season will see Arkansas travel to Neyland Stadium. Arkansas is a team that has historically been tough for the Vols, but with the explosive offense Tennessee has built under Heupel, this game will likely be one where the Vols look to assert their dominance in front of their home crowd.
6. Oklahoma (Oct. 4, Neyland Stadium) A marquee matchup between two programs with a rich football history, Oklahoma’s visit to Knoxville will be one of the biggest games of the 2025 season. Tennessee will need to play near-perfect football to overcome the Sooners, who will bring a dynamic offense of their own.
7. Vanderbilt (Oct. 11, Neyland Stadium) Vanderbilt has historically been a team Tennessee can handle, but this rivalry game is always unpredictable. The Vols will be looking to secure another victory at home and continue their strong start to the SEC season.
8. Mississippi State (Oct. 18, Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Mississippi) Mississippi State is always a tough opponent in Starkville. The Vols will need to be at their best on the road to come away with a win, as the Bulldogs’ defense can be difficult to crack.
9. Kentucky (Oct. 25, Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky) Kentucky’s defense has been stout in recent years, and this road game will test Tennessee’s offensive line and ability to execute under pressure. Heupel’s offense should have a clear advantage, but Kentucky will still present a tough challenge.
10. Georgia (Nov. 1, Neyland Stadium) Tennessee’s 2025 season will feature a critical home game against the defending national champions, Georgia. The Vols are 0-4 against Georgia under Heupel, and this game presents a massive opportunity to finally break through and assert themselves as a legitimate contender in the SEC East.
11. Florida (Nov. 8, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida) Tennessee has split the rivalry with Florida 2-2 under Heupel, and with the Gators always being a strong SEC East opponent, this game will be crucial for the Vols’ playoff hopes. Heading into Gainesville will be a tough test, but Tennessee’s offense has the firepower to compete with Florida’s defense.
12. Alabama (Nov. 15, Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama) Another major test for Tennessee will come in Tuscaloosa, where they will face off against Alabama in a highly anticipated SEC West showdown. Heupel has had mixed results against Alabama, with a 2-2 record against them, but this game could have massive playoff implications, especially if both teams are in contention for a postseason berth.

Key Games to Watch in 2025

The 2025 season will feature several critical matchups that could have significant ramifications for Tennessee’s playoff hopes and SEC title aspirations. Here are some games to circle on the calendar:

Georgia (Nov. 1) – The Vols have been unable to beat Georgia under Heupel, but the 2025 season presents a great opportunity to turn that around. A win here could propel Tennessee to the SEC Championship and the playoff.

Florida (Nov. 8) – With Florida always being a tough SEC East rival, Tennessee will need to come prepared in this road game. This matchup could play a major role in determining who claims the SEC East crown.

Alabama (Nov. 15) – This will be one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Tennessee has shown it can compete with Alabama, but this game will require the Vols to be at their best, especially in a hostile environment in Tuscaloosa.

Way-Too-Early Predictions for Tennessee in 2025

Record Prediction: 10-2 (6-2 SEC)
With the schedule set and considering Tennessee’s recent trajectory, the Vols should expect to finish with a 10-2 record in 2025. They will face tough competition in the SEC, but their high-powered offense and improved defense should help them win most of their matchups. The losses will likely come against Georgia and Alabama, but a potential SEC Championship berth and a playoff appearance remain within reach.

Key Player Predictions:
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava will be the focal point of the offense, and his development under Heupel will be crucial for Tennessee’s success. On defense, Jordan Ross, the four-star defensive end from Alabama, will make an immediate impact and help bolster the pass rush.

Conclusion

Tennessee’s 2025 football season has the potential to be a memorable one. With Josh Heupel at the helm and an offense that continues to put up points at a high clip, the Vols will be in contention for a top spot in the SEC. Their ability to defeat rivals Georgia, Alabama, and Florida will ultimately determine whether they can make a run at an SEC title and, potentially, a College Football Playoff berth.

While predicting a season that starts more than a year in advance is always a challenge, the Vols are poised for another strong season. With the continued development of key players and a favorable home schedule, 2025 could be the year that Tennessee takes the next step toward national prominence under Josh Heupel. Fans in Knoxville and beyond will be eagerly watching as the Vols look to build on their momentum and solidify their place among the elite teams in college football.