The Tennessee Volunteers kick off their 2025 campaign with high expectations and a chance to make a national statement as they face Syracuse in a marquee neutral-site opener in Atlanta. Coming off a 9–4 season in 2024, Tennessee looks to take another step forward under head coach Josh Heupel, who has revitalized the program with his high-octane offensive system and aggressive game management. A big storyline entering this season is the quarterback transition following the departure of Joe Milton III. All signs point to five-star recruit and redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava taking full control of the offense after a year of grooming and scattered in-game experience last fall. Iamaleava’s mobility, deep-ball touch, and poise have created immense optimism among Volunteers fans, and with a full offseason of first-team reps under his belt, he’s expected to lead one of the most explosive units in the SEC. He’ll have a talented group of receivers at his disposal, including Bru McCoy and squirrelly playmaker Squirrel White, both of whom bring speed and vertical threat capabilities that can stretch any defense. The run game remains in good hands with Jaylen Wright returning, whose bruising style and improved pass-blocking offer the kind of balance Heupel’s system thrives on. Tennessee’s offensive line will need to step up early in the season as they replace two starters, but the coaching staff is confident in the depth and development in the trenches.

Defensively, the Vols continue to make strides under coordinator Tim Banks, particularly with their front seven, which features edge rusher James Pearce Jr., one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the conference. The secondary remains the biggest question mark after an inconsistent 2024 campaign, but transfers and highly rated freshmen have added depth and versatility to the unit. Tennessee’s special teams are once again a strength, anchored by veteran kicker Charles Campbell and an aggressive return unit that ranked near the top of the SEC in yards per return. The Volunteers were strong against the spread last season, going 8–5 ATS and covering in several underdog situations, including an upset win over Georgia that highlighted their ability to rise in big moments. However, they did struggle in a few high-expectation games where offensive execution faltered, a trend they’ll aim to reverse in 2025. Playing in Atlanta gives Tennessee a regional edge in fan support, and the energy inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium should feel close to a home-field atmosphere. The key for Tennessee will be to get Iamaleava comfortable early, avoid costly turnovers, and set the tone with their tempo to wear down Syracuse’s lighter defensive front. If the Vols can control the pace, win the line of scrimmage, and keep Syracuse’s offense off the field, they have all the tools to notch a decisive victory and begin their season with national momentum. For a team on the verge of contending for a New Year’s Six bowl or more, this opener is more than just a game—it’s a proving ground for Tennessee’s emerging star quarterback and a statement opportunity for a program hungry to return to national prominence.