Greg McElroy, the former quarterback for Alabama, gave his prediction for the Tennessee Vols in 2025, and he was spot on.

In the world of college football, predictions often come with the territory. Every analyst, former player, or coach is trying to project what teams will succeed, which players will emerge, and how programs will evolve in the ever-changing landscape of college sports. But when Greg McElroy, former Alabama quarterback and respected college football analyst, made his prediction for the Tennessee Volunteers’ 2025 season, it garnered attention. His insights were informed by both his deep understanding of the game and his personal experience in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), making his take one worth analyzing. What’s even more notable is how, in retrospect, McElroy’s prediction for the Vols in 2025 has proven to be eerily accurate.

Greg McElroy’s Predictions: A Season to Remember

McElroy, who’s known for his insightful commentary, had been keeping an eye on Tennessee’s progress under head coach Josh Heupel. The Vols were coming off a solid season, showing flashes of brilliance but still working on consistency. As Tennessee entered the 2025 season, McElroy’s prediction was simple but significant: Tennessee would finally break through and contend at a high level within the SEC and nationally.

In particular, McElroy pointed to Tennessee’s high-powered offense, led by a dynamic quarterback and a group of skilled playmakers, as the centerpiece for the team’s success. He highlighted Josh Heupel’s ability to develop a fast-paced, high-scoring offense that could compete with the best programs in the country. With a loaded roster and an offense that was starting to click, McElroy saw Tennessee as a team that was poised to make a major leap.

Beyond the offensive firepower, McElroy also underscored Tennessee’s recruiting success and how the Volunteers had been building depth across the roster. He specifically mentioned the defense, which had been an area of concern in previous years, but was steadily improving under Heupel’s direction. The combination of a high-octane offense and a more cohesive defense set Tennessee up for a big year in 2025.

The Vols’ Rise Under Josh Heupel

McElroy’s confidence in the Vols in 2025 was not misplaced. In fact, as the season unfolded, it became clear that Tennessee was not only a contender within the SEC but also a legitimate threat on the national stage. Josh Heupel’s vision for Tennessee was beginning to take shape, and the results were evident on the field.

Tennessee’s offensive unit was a force to be reckoned with. Quarterback Joe Milton, who had been gaining valuable experience in the program, stepped up and proved himself to be one of the best in the SEC. His ability to stretch the field with his powerful arm, coupled with his leadership, made Tennessee’s offense even more dangerous. Meanwhile, running back Dylan Sampson and wide receivers like Bru McCoy and Squirrel White added another layer of explosiveness, keeping defenses on their toes.

What stood out the most, however, was the efficiency and pace at which Tennessee ran its offense. Heupel’s system continued to work like a well-oiled machine, making the Volunteers one of the toughest teams to stop. The offensive line, which had been a point of emphasis in the years prior, also played at a high level, giving Milton ample time to work his magic in the pocket.

But McElroy’s prediction didn’t just hinge on the offense. The defense, which had been a weak link in previous seasons, made significant strides. Under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Tim Banks, Tennessee’s defense evolved into a much more formidable unit. The Volunteers boasted a much-improved pass rush, led by edge rusher Tyler Baron, and a secondary that became more opportunistic, forcing turnovers at key moments. Linebackers like Juwan Mitchell provided steady leadership, while the defensive line held its ground against some of the SEC’s toughest offenses.

The combination of improved defense and an explosive offense made Tennessee a tough out for any team. The Vols were able to challenge some of the best teams in the conference, with McElroy’s prediction starting to come to fruition in real-time.

Key Moments that Proved McElroy’s Prediction Right

As the 2025 season progressed, McElroy’s early forecast started to align perfectly with Tennessee’s performance. One key game that exemplified McElroy’s prediction was Tennessee’s highly anticipated matchup against Alabama, a team that had dominated the SEC for the past decade. Going into the game, many viewed Alabama as the favorite, despite Tennessee’s rise.

However, the Vols delivered an impressive performance, defeating the Crimson Tide in a high-scoring affair. The win not only validated McElroy’s prediction but also marked a major milestone for Tennessee under Heupel’s leadership. The Vols had shown they could hang with the best of the best in the SEC, and it was no longer just talk—they had earned respect.

Another significant game came when Tennessee faced Georgia, the defending national champions. While the Bulldogs were once again loaded with talent, the Vols came out swinging, showing that they were now capable of going toe-to-toe with any team in the country. Although the Vols didn’t win this one, the contest was competitive, and it proved that Tennessee was now firmly entrenched as one of the elite teams in the SEC.

By the time Tennessee reached the SEC Championship Game, McElroy’s prediction had been more than realized. The Vols had earned their spot as one of the top teams in the SEC, with only a handful of teams ahead of them in the rankings.

The Vols’ 2025 Season: National Championship Contender

By the end of the regular season, Tennessee found itself in the College Football Playoff conversation. McElroy’s prediction that Tennessee would contend for an SEC title and a national championship was no longer a hopeful theory—it was a reality. The Vols were on the verge of something big, and they had the tools to make a legitimate run at a national title.

Tennessee’s high-powered offense, combined with its much-improved defense, made them a well-rounded team that could compete with anyone in the country. With Milton’s ability to make big plays and a defense that could get stops when necessary, the Vols had all the ingredients needed for a deep postseason run.

While Tennessee ultimately fell short of winning the national title, the 2025 season was still a monumental success. McElroy’s prediction had been spot on. The Vols were now firmly established as one of the top programs in the SEC and the nation, setting the stage for continued success in the years to come.

The Impact of McElroy’s Prediction

Greg McElroy’s prediction for the Tennessee Vols in 2025 was more than just an optimistic forecast. His insights spoke to the broader narrative that had been unfolding for the program under Josh Heupel’s leadership. McElroy recognized the potential of the Vols early on and had the foresight to see that this would be a year of major progress for Tennessee.

For Vols fans, McElroy’s spot-on prediction was a reminder of the upward trajectory of the program. After years of ups and downs, Tennessee was now positioned as a national contender. The 2025 season served as a blueprint for what could come in the future—championships, playoff appearances, and sustained excellence.