Why it just got simpler for Tennessee football to play Syracuse in their 2025 opener

In an era when college football scheduling is increasingly complex, with teams navigating the intricacies of conference alignments, television contracts, and the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, it has become significantly easier for Tennessee football to play Syracuse in their 2025 season opener. This development is a product of several key factors: the growing emphasis on non-conference scheduling, the strategic shift in the NCAA’s approach to inter-conference games, the changing dynamics of the Power Five conferences, and the evolving priorities of both Tennessee and Syracuse as they look to position themselves for future success.

The 2025 season opener between Tennessee and Syracuse marks a new chapter for both programs, but it also highlights the broader trends that are shaping the future of college football scheduling. Let’s break down why it has gotten simpler for these two teams to face off in what will be an exciting and meaningful game to kick off the 2025 season.

1. The Evolution of Non-Conference Scheduling

For years, non-conference scheduling in college football has been a balancing act. Programs have needed to create schedules that are both challenging and appealing to fans, while also being mindful of the larger landscape, including the strength of their respective conferences, bowl eligibility, and the ever-present need for television revenue. In the past, schools often scheduled one or two marquee non-conference games against rivals or high-profile teams, but these matchups were frequently interspersed with games against smaller programs that were easier wins, commonly referred to as “cupcakes.”

However, over time, there has been a shift in the way that college programs approach non-conference scheduling. The rising importance of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, as well as growing fan demand for more competitive matchups outside of conference play, has led to a greater focus on high-profile, out-of-conference games. This trend is reflected in Tennessee’s scheduling decisions, as they have increasingly sought to face teams with historical significance and potential playoff implications, even in non-conference play.

In this context, Syracuse presents an intriguing opponent for Tennessee. While the Orange have not traditionally been a powerhouse in college football, they have shown flashes of potential in recent seasons and offer a team that can serve as both a challenge and an exciting opponent for a season opener. For Tennessee, a game like this allows them to boost their non-conference resume without taking on a major risk in terms of playoff chances. With the stakes in non-conference games rising in light of playoff aspirations, the Tennessee-Syracuse matchup fits well into both schools’ broader scheduling strategies.

2. The Changing Dynamics of Conference Alignments

The shifting landscape of college football conferences plays a significant role in simplifying the process of scheduling games like Tennessee vs. Syracuse. As conference realignment continues to alter the structure of college football, programs are finding it easier to schedule out-of-conference games because the traditional restrictions around conference scheduling have become less rigid.

For example, in recent years, the expansion of the SEC and the growing number of teams in major conferences have made scheduling out-of-conference games somewhat more flexible. Teams now have more options for non-conference opponents, as the heightened focus on strength of schedule has forced some conferences to seek matchups outside their own ranks to fill out schedules. With these changes, programs like Tennessee can more easily secure games against teams from other conferences without having to navigate the tight, traditional scheduling arrangements that once made it more difficult to lock in cross-conference games.

At the same time, Syracuse has been navigating its own shifting conference dynamics. As a member of the ACC, the Orange have had to adjust to a competitive conference that regularly sends multiple teams to major bowl games. Given the nature of the ACC’s schedule, Syracuse has been looking for non-conference opponents who can provide a high level of competition while still being winnable games. For Syracuse, a matchup against Tennessee represents a valuable opportunity to test themselves against an SEC opponent and gain exposure to national audiences without the pressure of facing elite teams from within their own conference.

The changing structure of college football conferences, with teams looking to test themselves against others from different conferences, makes it easier to schedule games between programs like Tennessee and Syracuse. With less emphasis on preserving in-conference rivalries and more on building strength through non-conference challenges, scheduling a matchup between two Power Five teams like these has become a more natural and viable option.

3. The Financial Considerations and Television Exposure

Television revenue has become a driving force in college football scheduling. The enormous financial stakes in the sport have led schools to prioritize matchups that will draw significant viewership, especially for high-profile games in the early part of the season. For Tennessee, playing a team like Syracuse in the season opener creates a compelling storyline and a game that is likely to receive significant television attention, especially in the early window of the college football season.

For Syracuse, playing a team like Tennessee, which has a national following and a history of success in the SEC, is an opportunity to garner attention on a larger stage. A game against a program with the brand recognition of Tennessee can boost Syracuse’s national profile, drawing more viewers to their games and creating a sense of excitement for their season. Additionally, teams like Tennessee are often motivated to play in the early season against opponents from outside their own conference in order to build their own brand and maximize exposure. As such, both teams stand to benefit from the visibility that a high-profile matchup offers.

As more and more games are being scheduled with the financial and exposure potential in mind, the simple fact is that playing a team like Syracuse makes sense for Tennessee in terms of both financial returns and television ratings. For both teams, these early-season matchups are an opportunity to get the fan base excited for the season, create buzz, and generate revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and media deals. With the growing financial imperatives in college football, scheduling games like this one has never been more straightforward.

4. The Impact of College Football Playoff Expansion

In addition to conference realignment and financial considerations, another important factor in making this game more likely is the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP). As the CFP continues to evolve, teams across the country are adjusting their strategies to increase their chances of making the playoff. With the 12-team expansion set to take effect in the near future, teams are now considering ways to enhance their playoff resumes, and non-conference games have taken on new importance.

For Tennessee, a game against Syracuse is an opportunity to add another quality opponent to their resume without taking on the risks associated with scheduling a team from a higher-tier conference. With the expanded playoff format, every win—especially in a high-profile game like this—counts more than ever. Tennessee can secure a key victory in the opener while still having room to navigate through a tough SEC schedule. In the new playoff format, it will be crucial for teams to have strong non-conference wins, and this matchup against Syracuse represents a manageable yet significant opportunity.

For Syracuse, the expanded playoff format offers a pathway for teams outside the traditional elite to potentially make a deeper postseason run. Scheduling games like this against SEC teams helps build their case for inclusion in the playoff conversation, as long as they can perform well and prove they can compete against top-tier competition. This added sense of urgency has made it easier for teams like Syracuse to look beyond their conference and schedule tougher non-conference opponents, which in turn makes games like this one easier to secure.

5. Building National Programs and Future Opportunities

Finally, it’s important to consider the broader implications of Tennessee vs. Syracuse in terms of building both programs’ national profiles. For Tennessee, a win over a team like Syracuse helps reinforce their status as a premier program in the SEC and in college football. It gives them a chance to showcase their talent on a national stage and demonstrate their potential heading into a season where SEC competition will be fierce.

For Syracuse, facing a school with the tradition and pedigree of Tennessee provides an opportunity to showcase their own team to a national audience. While they are not currently in the upper echelon of college football, they have the opportunity to grow their program and prove that they belong in the conversation with the bigger names in the sport. A strong performance against Tennessee would go a long way in making that case.

As both programs look to the future, games like this will continue to play an important role in the overall development of their national profiles, providing valuable exposure and the opportunity to strengthen their reputations on the biggest stage in college football.