Georgia and Tennessee: Two Powerhouses to Watch in the Upcoming Football Season
As the college football season approaches, anticipation is building around several programs expected to contend for national championships, and two of the most intriguing teams to watch this year are the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers. Both teams are on the rise and come into the season with high expectations, each offering a unique brand of football that is sure to captivate fans and analysts alike.
Georgia, led by head coach Kirby Smart, has established itself as one of the dominant forces in college football over the past few years. The Bulldogs’ combination of elite recruiting, a suffocating defense, and a balanced offensive attack has made them perennial contenders for the SEC and national titles. With a roster that features top-tier talent on both sides of the ball, Georgia enters the 2025 season as a program with one of the highest ceilings in the country.
On the other hand, Tennessee, under head coach Josh Heupel, has experienced a significant resurgence after years of mediocrity. The Vols’ high-powered offense, led by quarterback Joe Milton III and bolstered by an improving defense, has made Tennessee a team that no one can overlook. The Vols’ explosive style of play and their ability to outscore opponents make them an exciting team to follow as they aim to challenge Georgia and the rest of the SEC.
Both teams have the potential to make a serious impact on the national stage this season, and with their talent, coaching, and competitive edge, they are expected to be two of the most thrilling teams in college football this year. Let’s dive into what makes Georgia and Tennessee stand out, and why they are the teams to watch in the 2025 season.
Georgia Bulldogs: Reloading for Another Championship Run
The Georgia Bulldogs are entering the 2025 season with the weight of expectations on their shoulders. After winning back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, Georgia is widely regarded as one of the top programs in the country. While the Bulldogs have seen some key players depart to the NFL, they have consistently restocked their roster with elite talent, ensuring that they remain a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
The Defense: Still Among the Nation’s Best
One of the hallmarks of Georgia football under Kirby Smart has been its defense, and 2025 should be no different. The Bulldogs’ defensive unit has consistently ranked near the top in college football, and they are expected to again be one of the most dominant groups in the country.
Georgia’s defense is built around a powerful front seven that has the ability to disrupt opposing offenses. The Bulldogs have an array of elite pass rushers, linebackers, and defensive linemen who can control the line of scrimmage and create chaos in the backfield. The linebacker corps, in particular, remains one of the strongest in the country, with players capable of both stopping the run and covering in the passing game.
The secondary, which has long been a strength for Georgia, remains stout as well. With experienced cornerbacks and a deep safety group, the Bulldogs’ secondary can match up with some of the most talented wide receivers in the nation. Georgia’s defensive depth, both on the front and in the secondary, will allow them to weather the grueling SEC schedule and be well-prepared for any playoff challenges.
Offensive Playmakers: Can They Fill the Void?
While Georgia’s defense will be the team’s identity once again, the Bulldogs’ offense will be critical to their success in 2025. Quarterback Carson Beck is expected to take over as the starter, following the departure of Stetson Bennett, the two-time national champion quarterback. Beck, a highly touted recruit and a player with a strong arm, has shown flashes of potential, and many believe he can lead Georgia’s offense to new heights.
The Bulldogs will also rely heavily on their stable of running backs, including Kendall Milton and Dajon Edwards, to establish the ground game. Georgia has long been known for its ability to pound the football, and 2025 will be no exception. With an offensive line that remains one of the most physical in college football, the Bulldogs will aim to control the tempo of the game and dictate the pace, much like they have done in recent years.
Wide receiver is a position to watch, as Georgia will need to replace some key playmakers. However, the Bulldogs have consistently recruited elite talent at wide receiver, and players like Lad McConkey and Dominick Blaylock will look to step up as reliable targets in the passing game. If Beck can develop chemistry with his receivers and effectively distribute the ball, Georgia will continue to be a balanced, high-efficiency offense that complements its outstanding defense.
The Road Ahead: SEC Title and Playoff Aspirations
Georgia’s road to another SEC title and a potential third straight national championship will not be easy. The Bulldogs face stiff competition within the SEC, including a talented Alabama team, a rising LSU program, and of course, the explosive Tennessee Volunteers. However, with the combination of elite defense, a powerful running game, and promising quarterback play, Georgia is positioned to remain one of the top teams in the nation.
The Bulldogs’ ability to reload year after year, both in terms of recruiting and player development, makes them a perennial powerhouse. Georgia will need to stay healthy and avoid significant injuries to key players, but if they can maintain their dominance in the trenches and on defense, they will once again be a formidable contender for the national title.
Tennessee Volunteers: The Rise of a High-Flying Offense
The Tennessee Volunteers have undergone a remarkable transformation under head coach Josh Heupel. After a few seasons of rebuilding, Tennessee is now a force to be reckoned with in the SEC, thanks in large part to their up-tempo, high-powered offense. The Vols are no longer viewed as underdogs; they are contenders, and their explosive style of play has made them one of the most exciting teams in college football.
Offense: A Juggernaut Under Heupel
Tennessee’s offense is built around the fast-paced, no-huddle system employed by Josh Heupel. The Vols play with a sense of urgency, looking to wear down opposing defenses with quick snaps and big plays. Heupel’s offense has been wildly successful, and in 2025, Tennessee’s offensive attack is expected to be one of the most potent in the country.
Joe Milton III, the powerful arm of the Vols’ offense, enters 2025 as the team’s starting quarterback. After a few seasons of sporadic play, Milton has the tools to become one of the best quarterbacks in college football. His cannon of an arm is capable of making all the throws, and his deep ball accuracy has the potential to make Tennessee’s offense even more dangerous. If Milton can stay consistent and avoid turnovers, he could be the key to Tennessee’s success.
Tennessee’s wide receivers are among the best in the SEC, with Jalin Hyatt, Rommel Keaton, and Bru McCoy leading the charge. These receivers are fast, physical, and capable of stretching the field vertically. The combination of Milton’s arm strength and the speed of Tennessee’s wideouts makes them a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Vols can strike quickly from anywhere on the field, and their ability to score in bunches is one of the reasons they’re such an exciting team to watch.
The running back position will also be crucial for Tennessee. With Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson returning, the Vols have a solid backfield capable of keeping defenses honest. If Tennessee can run the ball effectively, it will open up even more opportunities for the passing game to thrive.
Defense: Improving but Still a Work in Progress
While Tennessee’s offense is the clear strength of the team, the defense is still a work in progress. The Vols have made strides in recent seasons, but they will need to be more consistent in 2025 if they want to compete with the elite teams in the SEC.
The defensive line, led by Tyler Baron and Amari Thomas, will be the foundation of the defense. Tennessee has the talent to create pressure on the quarterback, but they must improve their ability to stop the run and defend against the pass. The linebacker corps, which includes Juwan Mitchell, is solid but not yet elite, and the secondary has been inconsistent in recent years. If the Vols can improve on defense, particularly in the secondary, they will be a much more complete team and could challenge Georgia for the top spot in the SEC.
The Road Ahead: SEC Contender with National Aspirations
Tennessee is no longer just an SEC East contender; they are a national contender. The Vols’ explosive offense makes them one of the most dangerous teams in college football, and if their defense can take another step forward, they will be a legitimate threat to any team in the country.
The upcoming season will be crucial for Tennessee. They will need to continue their growth under Heupel, maintain the high level of play on offense, and shore up their defense. If they can do that, the Vols will be a top-tier contender for the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff.