National media outlets predict Tennessee Vols will land in the AP Top 25, with expectations high for their explosive offense and improved defense in 2025.

As college football’s 2025 season looms closer, the national media has been offering their predictions for how the rankings will shake out in the pre-season AP Top 25. Among the teams that continue to garner significant attention is the Tennessee Volunteers. After a successful 2023 campaign, Tennessee has emerged as one of the more intriguing programs in college football, and there’s considerable optimism surrounding the Vols as they enter the 2025 season under the guidance of head coach Josh Heupel.

National media outlets have suggested that Tennessee will likely land in the AP Top 25, though the exact ranking varies. What’s clear, however, is that the Vols are viewed as a team with immense potential and high expectations. With a combination of explosive offensive play, an improving defense, and a talented roster across the board, Tennessee is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the SEC and on the national stage in 2025.

In this article, we will dive into what the national predictions are saying about the Vols, where they may land in the AP Top 25, and what factors will determine Tennessee’s ranking as the 2025 season unfolds.

Tennessee’s Rise Under Josh Heupel: A Look at Recent History

To understand why national media outlets are bullish on Tennessee, it’s important to consider the trajectory of the program under Josh Heupel. Heupel’s arrival in 2021 was a turning point for the Vols, who were mired in a post-Peyton Manning slump and struggling to regain their former glory. The program’s overall direction was uncertain, but Heupel’s high-tempo, pass-heavy offense immediately brought a breath of fresh air to the team.

In just his second season, Heupel led the Vols to a remarkable 11-2 record in 2022, marking a major breakthrough for the program. Tennessee’s success that season included a dramatic win over Alabama and an appearance in the Orange Bowl, where they defeated Iowa. The Vols finished as the #6 team in the country, their highest ranking since the 2004 season.

However, the 2023 season presented a bit more adversity for Tennessee. The team finished with a solid 9-4 record, but fell short of the lofty expectations set by their success in 2022. Injuries, particularly to quarterback Hendon Hooker, and some inconsistency on both sides of the ball hindered the Vols’ ability to compete for an SEC title. Despite this, Tennessee still demonstrated significant growth, and the 2023 season was far from a disaster. The Vols demonstrated resilience and continued to show promise for the future.

With key players departing, including Hooker, Tennessee’s success in 2025 will depend heavily on the growth and development of younger talent. If they can fill some of the voids left by these departures and capitalize on their strengths, the Vols will be a strong contender once again.

Key Factors Influencing Tennessee’s Ranking

The national media’s predictions about Tennessee’s place in the AP Top 25 aren’t made in a vacuum. Several key factors contribute to the Vols’ expected placement in the rankings, and these factors will play a significant role in how the team fares during the 2025 season.

1. Quarterback Play: The Nico Iamaleava Factor

A major factor in the optimism surrounding Tennessee heading into 2025 is the play of Nico Iamaleava, the highly-touted 5-star quarterback from the 2023 class. Iamaleava was a program-changing recruit for Tennessee, and after spending a year learning under Hendon Hooker, he is expected to take the reins of the offense in 2025.

Iamaleava’s raw talent is undeniable. At 6’5″ and possessing a cannon arm, he has the physical tools to be one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC and college football. However, his success will depend on his ability to adapt to the speed and complexity of the game at the college level. In the spring of 2025, Iamaleava showed significant progress, with reports indicating that he has refined his mechanics and decision-making, two critical areas for success in Josh Heupel’s high-tempo offense.

If Iamaleava lives up to his immense potential, Tennessee’s offense will be one of the most potent in the country. His ability to push the ball downfield and stretch defenses will make Tennessee’s offense difficult to stop, and with the support of a talented group of wide receivers and running backs, Iamaleava has the chance to thrive in Heupel’s system.

Quarterback play is always a critical component in determining a team’s success, and Tennessee’s national ranking will likely be influenced by Iamaleava’s development. If he leads the Vols to a strong start and proves himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, Tennessee could very well be a fixture in the Top-25.

2. Explosive Offense: A Mainstay Under Heupel

Tennessee’s offense has been a major weapon since Josh Heupel arrived, and 2025 should be no different. The up-tempo, fast-paced style that Heupel has implemented has wreaked havoc on opposing defenses and has allowed Tennessee to rack up points quickly and efficiently. While the Vols will miss the veteran leadership of Hendon Hooker, the pieces around Iamaleava should allow the offense to continue operating at a high level.

Tennessee’s offensive line, which has improved in recent seasons, will be tasked with keeping Iamaleava upright and opening holes for the running backs. The return of experienced wide receivers like Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, and others will provide Iamaleava with reliable targets. Additionally, running back Jabari Small and speedster Dylan Sampson provide a balanced attack that will keep defenses on their heels.

This offensive depth and explosiveness have earned Tennessee a lot of praise from national analysts. If the offense can continue to be one of the best in the country and consistently put up big numbers, Tennessee will certainly have a spot in the Top-25. With the potential to score quickly and often, the Vols will be tough to beat, even against the best teams in the SEC.

3. Defense: The Vols’ Weak Link or a Strength in 2025?

While Tennessee’s offense has been its calling card under Heupel, the defense has been a more inconsistent area. In 2025, the Vols will need to make significant strides on the defensive side of the ball if they are to rise in the rankings and compete with the elite teams in the SEC.

The defensive line is a key area of focus, as Tennessee needs to generate more pass rush and create disruption in the backfield. The Vols have talented players in the front seven, including linebacker Aaron Beasley and defensive lineman Tyre West, who will be relied upon to make big plays. However, the defense must also improve in the secondary, an area that has often been vulnerable to big plays.

Under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, Tennessee has shown flashes of greatness on defense, but they must become more consistent in key situations. If they can make progress in defending the pass and generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Tennessee could be much more balanced and complete as a team.

The national media’s perception of Tennessee’s defense will be critical in determining their Top-25 placement. If they can show significant improvement and become a solid defensive unit, it will elevate Tennessee’s ranking and status in the national conversation.

4. The SEC Gauntlet: A Road to Respect

The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, and Tennessee’s schedule in 2025 will be filled with challenges. While Tennessee has shown the ability to compete with top teams, such as their dramatic win over Alabama in 2022, they will face a tough slate of opponents once again in 2025.

Games against powerhouse teams like Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Florida will be crucial for Tennessee’s national ranking. If the Vols can secure key victories over these teams or at least remain competitive in these matchups, they will bolster their case for a spot in the Top-25. The SEC is unforgiving, and Tennessee will need to rise to the occasion against these elite teams to earn respect.

5. National Media Predictions: Where Will Tennessee Land?

National media outlets predict that Tennessee will likely start the 2025 season in the AP Top 25, though their exact placement remains a point of debate. Some analysts have placed the Vols in the lower half of the Top 25, citing the potential for a high-powered offense and solid roster talent. Others are more cautious, projecting Tennessee to be ranked just outside the Top 25, due to questions surrounding their defense and the uncertainty at quarterback.

However, the consensus is that Tennessee has a very good chance of cracking the Top 25, especially if Iamaleava takes command of the offense and the defense improves. If Tennessee can execute on both sides of the ball and remain competitive in a brutal SEC schedule, they will have every opportunity to rise through the rankings as the season progresses.

 The Vols’ Path to a Top-25 Finish

Tennessee Volunteers football is on the rise, and there is strong national media backing for the team’s chances of landing in the AP Top 25 in 2025. With explosive offensive play, the potential for strong quarterback play from Nico Iamaleava, and an improving defense, Tennessee has the makings of a team that can challenge for a high ranking.

However, much of the team’s success will come down to how well they perform in key games against top SEC teams. The Vols’ place in the Top 25 will depend on their ability to remain consistent, execute on both sides of the ball, and capitalize on their talent. As the 2025 season unfolds, Tennessee has the opportunity to prove that they belong among the nation’s elite programs.