The 2024 Volunteers finished strong at 10–3, earning their first College Football Playoff berth under head coach Josh Heupel before bowing out to Ohio State. Heupel’s leadership returns for Year 5, retaining offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and defensive coordinator Tim Banks.
Quarterback battle
With Nico Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA following NIL negotiations, Tennessee enters a heated QB competition. Portal transfer Joey Aguilar (formerly Appalachian State) leads the group alongside redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre.
Aguilar brings valuable experience—6,760 career yards—but the staff seeks offensive consistency. SEC analysts rank Tennessee’s QB room as a notable question mark.
Offensive Weapons
Despite Iamaleava’s exit, the offense retains dynamic talent. Freshman OT David Sanders Jr. bolsters the offensive line. Dylan Sampson (Cleveland-bound) is joined by sophomore Peyton Lewis and dynamic freshmen. Young WR Mike Matthews, a former portal entrant, returns to stabilize the receiving corps.
Defense & key matchups
The defense, a strength in 2024, remains anchored by leaders like Dom Bailey and Jermod McCoy. However, depth concerns and NFL departures could limit its national standing—suggested by former Vol David Pollack’s skepticism around playoff prospects . Tennessee opens at Mercedes-Benz Stadium vs. Syracuse on August 30, with an expected résumé-builder in front of a sold‑out crowd.
Predictions & projections
Projections vary—Athlon’s preview suggests Tennessee as a title dark‑horse.
On3’s portal indicates solid return on investment in high-upside positions. But Lindy’s peg them at 11th in the SEC, citing instability at QB. Sportsbook win totals hover slightly above last year’s win total. If Aguilar (or another QB) steps up and the defense maintains its edge, Tennessee could win 8–10 games, challenge rival Florida in The Swamp, and potentially return to postseason contention.
But the key remains quarterback stability and depth on defense. Vol fans have high expectations—but execution will define whether 2025 becomes another banner year or a missed opportunity.
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