Tennessee’s 2025 Schedule: Way-Too-Early Top 25 Matchups

Tennessee’s 2025 Schedule: Way-Too-Early Top 25 Matchups

January 26, 2025 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Sports

Tennessee Eyes Top 25 in 2025: Way-Too-Early Rankings and Key Matchups

As the dust settles on Ohio State’s triumph over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff, the college football world is already looking ahead to 2025. Tennessee finds themselves in the mix, with several outlets placing them among their Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings.

On3 has the Volunteers at No. 13, with a season full of intriguing matchups against ranked opponents. Tennessee faces Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Oklahoma, each of whom are also ranked in various early top 25 lists.

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava will be under the spotlight in 2025, and Tennessee fans are hoping sophomore wide receiver Mike Matthews can emerge as a dynamic target to help him. Elsewhere, the Vols’ ranking varied from a high of No. 7 (Yahoo) to a low of No. 19 (ESPN), with Tennessee landing at No. 9 in the rankings of Pro Football Focus, USA Today, and CBS.

Georgia grains ground in Tennessee’s backyard

The SEC Eastern Division rivals face off on September 13, with Georgia earning a top-five ranking from most outlets. The Bulldogs return a plethora of talent, including quarterback Gunner Stockton, running back Nate Frazier, and receivers Dillon Bell and Oscar Delp. Georgia’s defense, always a powerhouse, should once again be nasty.

Gators prowling in the Sunshine State

Florida comes in as the fourth-ranked team in the SEC, with several outlets placing them in the top 20. The Gators boast one of the nation’s most exciting quarterbacks in Anthony Richardson, who will be looking to build on a 2024 campaign that saw him finish second in the nation in yards per pass attempt. Florida’s offensive and defensive lines return intact, making them a formidable foe when Tennessee travels to Gainesville on November 22.

Crimson Tide still a force to be reckoned with

Alabama, despite losing several key players to the NFL, still finds itself in the top 15 of most early rankings. Quarterback Ty Simpson, receivers Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard, and offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor are among the significant pieces returning to Tuscaloosa, where the Vols visit on October 18. The Tide should once again be in the mix for SEC and national glory.

Sooners ready for a shootout in Knoxville

Oklahoma rounds out Tennessee’s schedule of ranked opponents, with the Sooners tabbed as high as No. 18 (On3) and No. 25 (The Athletic). Oklahoma brings back a number of key players from a 2024 squad that showed promise, setting the stage for an exciting November 1 showdown in Knoxville.

As the college football world awaits the 2025 season, one thing is certain: Tennessee will face a challenging schedule filled with ranked opponents. With a talented quarterback and a group of receivers looking to make a name for themselves, the Volunteers will have ample opportunity to prove they belong among the nation’s elite. The countdown to kickoff is on, and the excitement is palpable.

While these early rankings and matchups offer a glimpse of the exciting possibilities ahead, it’s crucial to remember that college football is inherently unpredictable. The lessons learned, the injuries sustained, and the breakout stars of the coming seasons will all shape the story of tennessee’s 2025 campaign. Yet, with a promising young quarterback and a schedule littered with intriguing challenges, the Volunteers have the ingredients to not only maintain their position in the national conversation but to possibly make a serious run at a championship. The journey begins now, and Tennessee fans eagerly await the unfolding of this next chapter.

While 2025 feels a lifetime away, the early buzz surrounding Tennessee football is undeniable. With key pieces returning, the arrival of a heralded quarterback in Nico Iamaleava, and a schedule loaded with ranked opponents, the Vols have the potential for a historic season.

However, achieving those lofty expectations will require navigating a treacherous path. Showdowns with SEC East powerhouse Georgia and blue-blood rivals like Alabama and Oklahoma will test Tennessee’s mettle. Success hinges on the development of young talent, the consistency of the offensive line, and the ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition.

One thing is certain: the 2025 season promises to be a thrilling ride for Tennessee football fans. As the season approaches, the question won’t be if tennessee can compete, but if they can claim the top spot and solidify their place among college football’s elite.