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ESPN has identified a make-or-break game on Tennessee’s schedule for the 2025 season.
The World Wide Leader released a new story on Tuesday morning outlining a “season-defining” game for each team in its way-too-early top 25. That of course includes the Vols, who check in at No. 19 on ESPN’s initial preseason ranking.
For Tennessee, that game is the Third Saturday in October. The Vols have won 2 of the last 3 games in this series against Alabama, but will face the Tide in Tuscaloosa in 2025. Here’s some analysis from Harry Lyles Jr.:
The Third Saturday in October is officially back. After Alabama ripped off 15 consecutive wins over Tennessee from 2007 to 2021, the streak was snapped in 2022. In 2025, the Volunteers will make the trip to Tuscaloosa in what could be the toughest game on their schedule all season. (A strong argument could also be made for the
home contest vs. Georgia, but we’re giving weight to this game being on the road.) Nico Iamaleava has some of the greatest potential of any player in the country, and showing a leap in his second year as the starting quarterback is important for the success of coach Josh Heupel’s team. Iamaleava and the Volunteers could make a huge statement with a second straight win, and third in four years, over Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Tennessee will be looking to make more progress under Josh Heupel in 2025. The Vols made the College Football Playoff for the first time this past fall, but were ousted by eventual-champion Ohio State in the first round.
Tennessee’s 2025 SEC schedule also includes Georgia, Oklahoma and Florida. The Vols will open the 2025 season against Syracuse on Aug. 30.
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Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
