As the sun rises on another college football season, few teams are drawing as much intrigue and quiet confidence as the Tennessee Volunteers. Once a sleeping giant, Tennessee football has clawed its way back into the national conversation under head coach Josh Heupel. According to a recent analysis by CBS Sports, the Volunteers are in a prime position to exceed expectations and potentially shock the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2025.
This “special chance,” as CBS calls it, is more than just a momentary blip on the radar—it’s the culmination of years of strategic recruiting, culture building, and an offensive renaissance that’s captivated fans on Rocky Top. But what exactly makes Tennessee such a dangerous team heading into 2025, and why are national media outlets beginning to believe the Vols are ready to break through? Let’s unpack the layers behind this preseason buzz.
A Coaching Vision Turned Reality
When Josh Heupel took over the reins at Tennessee in 2021, he inherited a program in flux. NCAA investigations, mass player transfers, and years of underachievement had tarnished the once-proud Volunteers brand. But Heupel brought more than just an up-tempo offense—he brought clarity, confidence, and a blueprint for sustainable success.
Fast forward to the 2024 season, Tennessee finished 10-3 with a dominant win in the Citrus Bowl. Heupel’s “faster-than-fast” offensive scheme has proven to be more than a gimmick—it’s a nightmare for defensive coordinators and a magnet for elite talent. According to CBS, this coaching continuity is a major reason the Volunteers are being picked as a dark-horse team to exceed their projected win total in 2025.
The trust Heupel has cultivated among players, boosters, and recruits cannot be overstated. In an era where college football is increasingly transactional, Tennessee feels like one of the few programs still building something enduring.
Nico Iamaleava: The New Face of the Program
One of the brightest reasons for optimism heading into 2025 is the expected rise of quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the former five-star recruit from California who’s finally stepping into the spotlight after a season of development behind the scenes.
Iamaleava gave fans a sneak preview of his talent in the 2024 Citrus Bowl, where he passed for over 250 yards and added two touchdowns on the ground in a dazzling performance. Now, as the full-time starter, Nico is expected to lead one of the most explosive offenses in the SEC. His unique blend of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ gives Tennessee a weapon under center they haven’t had since the days of Tee Martin and Peyton Manning.
CBS Sports notes that a “breakout year” from Nico could be the single biggest factor in Tennessee outperforming projections. Surrounded by elite talent and coached by an offensive mastermind, Iamaleava enters the season not just as a potential All-SEC quarterback but also as a sleeper candidate for the Heisman Trophy.
Offensive Arsenal Locked and Loaded
Quarterbacks often get the headlines, but Tennessee’s supporting cast is what could truly set them apart in 2025.
Returning at wide receiver is Bru McCoy, the USC transfer who became a go-to target in 2024. He’s joined by a rising star in Squirrel White, a dynamic slot receiver whose quickness makes him nearly impossible to guard in space. Meanwhile, Cameron Seldon and Chris Brazzell II, both of whom had breakout moments last year, give Nico a full array of options.
In the backfield, Dylan Sampson is poised for a huge year. Known for his agility and acceleration, Sampson is more than just a change-of-pace back—he’s the kind of home-run threat who can flip a game in a single play. Add in Khalifa Keith, a bruising power runner, and Tennessee’s running game looks just as dangerous as its air attack.
The offensive line—long a weak point in Knoxville—is now a source of strength. Anchored by veterans like John Campbell Jr. and Cooper Mays, the Vols have both the talent and depth to withstand the rigors of an SEC schedule.
Defensive Growth Fuels Championship Aspirations
Offense may win games, but defense wins championships—and Tennessee’s 2025 defense could be its best unit in a decade.
Coordinator Tim Banks has quietly turned the Vols into a well-coached, aggressive defensive unit. While they still gave up some big plays in 2024, Tennessee led the SEC in sacks and forced turnovers at a top-10 national rate.
The defensive line features future NFL talent in James Pearce Jr., who recorded double-digit sacks last season, and Tyler Baron, who provides veteran leadership and relentless pressure off the edge. At linebacker, Elijah Herring and Arion Carter offer athleticism and versatility, allowing the Vols to adapt to both run-heavy and spread offenses.
The secondary, once a sore spot, is now anchored by Doneiko Slaughter and Andre Turrentine, both of whom bring experience and physicality. If Tennessee can tighten up its coverage and cut down on penalties, this could be the most balanced Vols team since the national title run in 1998.
A Manageable (But Tricky) 2025 Schedule
Another key point CBS makes about Tennessee’s “special chance” lies in the schedule. While the SEC is always brutal, Tennessee’s 2025 slate is more navigable than in years past.
The Volunteers open with Southern Miss, Kent State, and Syracuse, three non-conference games that should allow Iamaleava to build confidence and chemistry with his offense. A road trip to Stanford is the toughest early-season test but also a major opportunity to earn a marquee win away from home.
In conference play, Tennessee gets Florida, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Missouri all at home. The critical games are on the road—Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma—but even splitting those three could set the Vols up for a 10-win campaign and an outside shot at the SEC Championship Game.
With no divisions in the new-look SEC, finishing as one of the top two teams is all that’s required to reach Atlanta. And according to CBS, Tennessee’s blend of returning talent and schedule positioning gives them a real chance to do just that.
Recruiting & NIL: The Foundation for Sustained Success
One reason Tennessee’s resurgence feels real is because it’s being built the right way. The Volunteers have consistently landed top-10 recruiting classes under Heupel, and their NIL program, spearheaded by the Spyre Sports Group, is among the most organized and effective in the country.
Players know they can succeed both on and off the field in Knoxville, and that matters more than ever in today’s college football climate. Nico Iamaleava’s multi-million-dollar NIL deal was a headline-grabber, but it also sent a message—Tennessee is serious about winning.
This forward-thinking approach has allowed the Vols to not only keep elite talent but also attract top-tier transfers, like former Georgia tight end Oscar Delp, who could be a game-changer in 2025.
The Legacy Factor: Why 2025 Means More
For longtime Tennessee fans, the 2025 season carries a sense of destiny. It’s been 27 years since the Volunteers won a national championship, and while the climb back to relevance has been long and rocky, the horizon now looks brighter than ever.
CBS Sports believes Tennessee has a real shot not just to be good, but to be special. With a potential top-five offense, a surging defense, and a fanbase that will turn Neyland Stadium into a fortress every Saturday, the Volunteers are on the cusp of something great.
This is not just another season. This is the season Tennessee can announce itself as a true playoff contender.
The pieces are in place. The quarterback is ready. The schedule is favorable. The national media, led by outlets like CBS Sports, is beginning to take notice.
Tennessee has a special chance before the 2025 season—a chance to rise from the ranks of “good” to “elite,” to shatter ceilings and silence skeptics. And for the first time in a long time, the Volunteers have the talent, leadership, and momentum to do it.
