Schedule Outlook for Tennessee Football in 2025: Important Games on the Vols’ Schedule

As the 2025 college football season rapidly approaches, all eyes are on the Tennessee Volunteers. Coming off a promising 2024 campaign under head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols are poised to continue their ascent within the SEC and make a push for a College Football Playoff berth. However, with a demanding and competitive schedule on the horizon, Tennessee will face challenges that could determine whether the program can reach its ultimate goals.

Tennessee’s success in 2025 will hinge on its ability to navigate a schedule that includes high-profile matchups with perennial SEC powerhouses and key games that could have significant postseason implications. This article will break down the most important games on Tennessee’s 2025 football schedule, why they matter, and how they will shape the Vols’ chances at making a run for a national title.

1. Season Opener: Tennessee vs. West Virginia (Neutral Site)

The 2025 season opener will set the tone for Tennessee’s campaign as they take on West Virginia in a neutral-site matchup at a yet-to-be-determined location. Although the Mountaineers are not traditionally considered a powerhouse, this game provides a potential trap game for Tennessee. West Virginia may not be as talented as other opponents on Tennessee’s schedule, but they have the potential to spoil the Vols’ early-season momentum if Tennessee is not careful.

The season opener offers a chance for Heupel’s offense to establish its rhythm and for quarterback Joe Milton (if he’s starting) to build chemistry with the wide receivers and running backs. While Tennessee should come into this game as the favorite, the early-season jitters can be a factor, especially for a team that will need to gel in the opening games. Tennessee’s defense must also step up to ensure the game doesn’t become a shootout.

A fast start will be critical for the Vols, and the outcome of this game could play a big role in their confidence heading into tougher SEC battles.

2. Tennessee at Florida (September 20, 2025)

Tennessee’s SEC opener against Florida is always a highly anticipated game. Despite Florida’s recent struggles, this rivalry has a long history, and it never fails to bring out the best in both teams. The Gators will have had a chance to regroup under head coach Billy Napier, and they will be eager to knock off a top contender like Tennessee, especially at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.

For Josh Heupel’s offense, this will be a true test. The Gators have a talented defense that could challenge Tennessee’s high-powered attack, especially with their secondary, which has become stronger in recent seasons. Tennessee will need to come in prepared to face Florida’s unique defensive schemes, while also taking advantage of potential weaknesses in Florida’s run defense.

Florida’s offense is another challenge, particularly if quarterback Graham Mertz has found consistency in the pocket by this point in the season. The Vols’ defense must prove they can handle a balanced offensive attack while managing the high emotions of a rivalry game.

With Tennessee eyeing an SEC East title and College Football Playoff contention, this matchup will be crucial for their success in the early portion of the season.

3. Tennessee vs. Alabama (October 4, 2025)

It’s hard to overstate the significance of the Tennessee-Alabama rivalry, and the 2025 edition will be no exception. The Crimson Tide, led by Nick Saban, remain one of the most formidable teams in college football, and Alabama always brings its A-game when facing SEC rivals, especially Tennessee.

Tennessee’s offensive line will face its biggest test yet against an Alabama defensive front that is among the best in the country. Whether Joe Milton or another quarterback is under center, the offensive line must protect the quarterback and open up lanes for the running backs to make plays. Alabama has one of the deepest defensive line rotations, and it will be crucial for Tennessee to counter their pass rush with quick passes and timely runs.

On defense, Tennessee will have to contend with Alabama’s dynamic offense, led by the always-dangerous Jalen Milroe (if he’s still the starter). Milroe’s ability to extend plays with his legs and make big throws downfield is something Tennessee’s defense will need to manage carefully. Tennessee’s secondary—which has been solid in recent years—will be tasked with shutting down Alabama’s receivers, particularly Jermaine Burton and others who can stretch the field vertically.

The importance of this game cannot be overstated. An early loss to Alabama could complicate Tennessee’s hopes for a SEC Championship and playoff berth, while a win would bolster their confidence heading into the back half of the season.

4. Tennessee at Georgia (October 18, 2025)

Another massive SEC showdown awaits Tennessee when they travel to Athens to face Georgia, the defending national champions. The Bulldogs have established themselves as the gold standard in college football under Kirby Smart, and 2025 figures to be another year where Georgia is among the top teams in the country. With their loaded roster, including Heisman Trophy contender Carson Beck at quarterback and a defense full of future NFL talent, Georgia will be a formidable opponent for the Vols.

This game will be particularly difficult for Tennessee given the hostile environment at Sanford Stadium. Georgia’s defense is known for its physicality and ability to stifle even the best offenses in the nation. For Tennessee, it will be essential to maintain a fast tempo and keep Georgia’s defense on its heels. Joe Milton will need to be sharp, making accurate throws on the run and exploiting any gaps in Georgia’s secondary.

On the other side of the ball, Tennessee’s defense will have to find ways to slow down Beck and Brock Bowers, Georgia’s talented tight end. Bowers is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and the Vols will have to come up with creative ways to limit his impact. If Tennessee can keep Georgia from running away with the game, they may have a chance to pull off the upset.

The outcome of this game will likely play a pivotal role in the SEC East standings and Tennessee’s overall chances of winning the conference title.

5. Tennessee vs. LSU (November 8, 2025)

The matchup with LSU in Knoxville is another key contest for Tennessee, as Brian Kelly’s Tigers have become one of the top teams in the SEC. With a dynamic quarterback like Jayden Daniels leading the offense, LSU presents a significant challenge for Tennessee’s defense. Daniels has the ability to both throw the ball effectively and make plays with his legs, and Tennessee will need to keep him contained in the pocket to prevent big plays.

Offensively, Tennessee will face a tough challenge from LSU’s defense, which has steadily improved since Kelly took over. LSU is known for its physical secondary and strong front seven, making it difficult for teams to move the ball consistently. This could be a low-scoring affair, and Tennessee will need to be efficient in both the passing game and the running game to create scoring opportunities.

The outcome of this game could have significant ramifications for both teams’ playoff hopes. LSU, like Tennessee, will be gunning for a high seed in the SEC Championship Game, and a win for either team would be a crucial step toward achieving that goal.

6. Tennessee vs. Kentucky (November 22, 2025)

A home game against Kentucky rounds out the regular-season schedule for Tennessee. While Kentucky isn’t traditionally viewed as a top-tier SEC contender, the Wildcats have proven to be a tough out under Mark Stoops, and they’ve consistently played spoiler to many higher-ranked teams in the SEC. This game will be critical for Tennessee as they aim to secure their place in the SEC Championship Game and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Kentucky’s tough, physical defense could present a challenge for Tennessee’s offense, but the Vols should have the talent to get the job done in front of their home crowd. Tennessee’s offensive line will need to control the line of scrimmage and open up running lanes for their backfield to keep Kentucky’s defense on its heels.

A Crucial 2025 Schedule

The 2025 Tennessee football season is one filled with high expectations, but also plenty of tough challenges. From road games at Florida and Georgia to the annual battles against Alabama and LSU, the Vols will need to be at their best every week to remain in the hunt for an SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff berth.

Tennessee’s success will ultimately depend on the development of key players like Joe Milton, the improvement of their defense, and the leadership of Josh Heupel as they aim to navigate through one of the most competitive conferences in college football. If they can win the important games against their toughest rivals, the Vols will not only have a shot at a major bowl game but may also be in contention for a spot in the national championship race.