By: Jeff Doke

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Tennessee Volunteers enter the 2025 college football season with high expectations following a strong 2024 campaign that saw them reach the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Josh Heupel, now in his fifth year, the Vols aim to build on their recent success and contend for an SEC Championship and another playoff berth.

However, significant changes on offense and a challenging schedule present both opportunities and hurdles for a program striving to return to elite status.

The biggest storyline for Tennessee in 2025 is the transition at quarterback following the surprising transfer of former starter Nico Iamaleava to UCLA.

Stepping into the spotlight is Joey Aguilar, a senior transfer from Appalachian State, who brings notable experience with 6,760 passing yards and 56 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Aguilar’s dual-threat ability aligns with Heupel’s high-octane “Veer and Shoot” offense, but his adjustment to the SEC’s competitive landscape will be critical.

His interception issues at Appalachian State are a concern, and how quickly he masters Tennessee’s system will determine the offense’s ceiling.

The offense faces additional challenges with the departure of star running back Dylan Sampson to the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and a largely rebuilt offensive line.

Tennessee’s running game, a key component of their 8-0 record when rushing for 185 yards or more in 2024, must find new contributors.

The wide receiver room is young and thin, with sophomore Mike Matthews (seven receptions, two TDs in 2024) expected to emerge as a primary target. Transfer Chris Brazzell II, a deep threat with 29 catches for 333 yards last season, adds potential firepower. Developing chemistry among these pieces will be crucial for offensive coordinator Joey Halzle.

Tennessee’s defense, which was one of the best in the nation in 2024, remains the team’s backbone.

Coordinated by Tim Banks, the unit is poised to dominate again, led by senior edge rusher Joshua Josephs, who anchors a defensive front that recorded 100 tackles for loss in 2024.

Interior linemen Bryson Eason and Jaxson Moi provide depth, while Junior Linebacker Arion Carter is expected to lead the second level.

The secondary features talented cornerbacks Rickey Gibson III and Jermod McCoy, though McCoy’s recovery from an ACL injury is a key variable. Sophomore Boo Carter, a dynamic playmaker at the STAR position, could shine across all three phases, including special teams. This defense is capable of keeping Tennessee competitive in every game.

Special teams should be a strength, with kicker Max Gilbert and punter Jackson Ross returning as multi-year starters. Boo Carter’s explosiveness as a returner adds another dimension.

The 2025 schedule is manageable but includes critical tests.

The season opens against Syracuse in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta on August 30, followed by non-conference games against ETSU, UAB, and New Mexico State—games Tennessee is favored to win.

The SEC slate begins with a marquee home matchup against Georgia on September 13, a chance to snap an eight-game losing streak to the Bulldogs.

Tough road games at Alabama (October 18) and Florida (November 22) will challenge the Vols’ mettle, while home games against Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt offer better opportunities for a W.

Vegas projects Tennessee’s win total at 8.5, meaning the uncertainty on offense is more than compensated by the strength on defense.

A favorable schedule means that a record of  9-3 or 10-2 is achievable, but reaching the College Football Playoff again may hinge on upsetting Georgia at Neyland, or Alabama/Florida on the road. With a young roster—49% freshmen or redshirt freshmen—Tennessee is building for the future while remaining competitive in 2025.

If Aguilar adapts quickly and the offense finds rhythm, the Vols could exceed expectations and solidify their place among the SEC’s elite.