The Tennessee Volunteers enter the 2025 season with high expectations after a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. Head Coach Josh Heupel’s squad is trending younger but is also considered more talented, aiming to build on recent success. While there are some unknowns, particularly on offense, the defense looks poised to repeat as a dominant force. With a lot of offseason drama surrounding the shock transfer of starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, can the Vols put the drama behind them and compete for a SEC title?
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the Tennessee Volunteers in 2025:
Offense
The Volunteers will be breaking in a new quarterback and several new starters on the offensive line, which will be a key area to watch. They still run the high-octane “Veer and Shoot” offense under Offensive Coordinator Joey Halzle.
Key Players & Depth Chart (Offense):
- Quarterback: The biggest question mark. Joey Aguilar (Sr./TR), a transfer from App State via UCLA, is expected to lead the charge. He’ll be pushed by redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre, a highly touted recruit.
- Running Back: The Vols have a stable of talented backs. DeSean Bishop (R-So.) is expected to be the lead back, with Peyton Lewis (So.) and Duke transfer Star Thomas (Gr./TR) providing strong depth. Freshman Daune Morris could also see early action.
- Wide Receiver: While some key players have departed, there’s still talent here. Mike Matthews (So.) is a promising young receiver, and transfer Chris Brazzell II (R-Jr./TR) is expected to step into a larger role. Braylon Staley (R-Fr.) is projected as the starting slot receiver, with redshirt freshman Amari Jefferson (R-Fr./TR) also in the mix.
- Tight End: Miles Kitselman (Sr./TR) is the veteran presence who is coming off of offseason surgery, with Ethan Davis (R-So.) looking to make a bigger impact.
- Offensive Line: This unit lost a lot of starting experience and is undergoing significant changes, with four new starters projected. Transfer Lance Heard (Jr./TR) is expected to anchor the left tackle spot. Wendell Moe Jr. (R-Jr./TR) and Sam Pendleton (R-So./TR), both transfers, are likely to start at guard. Redshirt freshman William Satterwhite (R-Fr.) is projected at center, and true freshman David Sanders Jr. could start at right tackle. The unit’s ability to gel quickly will be crucial.
Defense
Tennessee’s defense carried the team through stretches in 2024 and is expected to be a strength again in 2025 under Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks. The defensive line, despite some departures, remains deep and talented.
Key Players & Depth Chart (Defense):
- Defensive Line (DE/NT/DT/LEO): This is the heart of the defense. Joshua Josephs (Sr.) is a returning standout at LEO (rush end) and was the highest-graded defender on the team in 2024. Dominic Bailey (R-Sr.) and Tyre West (Sr.) are expected to be key contributors at defensive end. In the interior, Bryson Eason (R-Sr.) and transfer Jaxson Moi (Sr./TR) are likely to hold down the tackle spots, with Daevin Hobbs (Jr.) seeing an increased role.
- Linebacker: Arion Carter (Jr.) and Jeremiah Telander (Jr.) are projected to lead the linebacker corps, both having significant experience.
- Defensive Backs (LCB/SS/FS/RCB/NB): The secondary features a mix of returning experience and promising young talent. Jermod McCoy (Jr./TR) and Rickey Gibson III (Jr.) are projected starting cornerbacks. Andre Turrentine (R-Sr./TR) and Edrees Farooq (So.) are expected to be key safeties. Boo Carter (So.) is a versatile player who could see time at nickelback and potentially on offense.
Special Teams
Tennessee’s special teams have been solid, with punter Jackson Ross being a particularly valuable asset in the field position battle.
Key Players & Depth Chart (Special Teams):
- Punter: Jackson Ross (R-Jr.) is an excellent punter who often pins opponents deep.
- Placekicker: Max Gilbert (R-So.) is projected as the starting kicker.
Full Schedule
Tennessee’s 2025 schedule includes some tough SEC matchups, but also several winnable non-conference games. On the whole, Tennessee’s schedule is favorable and if they can manage one or more wins against Florida, Georgia and Alabama, they will be a strong contender for the SEC Championship Game and a repeat trip to the College Football Playoff.
- Aug 30 vs. Syracuse (Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta)
- Sep 6 vs. ETSU
- Sep 13 vs. Georgia
- Sep 20 vs. UAB
- Sep 27 at Mississippi State
- Oct 11 vs. Arkansas
- Oct 18 at Alabama
- Oct 25 at Kentucky
- Nov 1 vs. Oklahoma
- Nov 15 vs. New Mexico State
- Nov 22 at Florida
- Nov 29 vs. Vanderbilt
Overall Outlook:
Tennessee’s over/under win total is currently set around 8.5 games, reflecting expectations for another strong season but with challenges due to the new offensive line and quarterback. Their odds to win the SEC are around +1300, and National Championship odds are around +3300. The Volunteers aim to compete for the SEC Championship and make another run at the College Football Playoff, relying on their strong defense and the rapid development of their new offensive pieces.
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