Tennessee’s 2025 Football Journey: Can Heupel and Iamaleava Lead the Vols to SEC Glory?
Paul Finebaum has offered a clear perspective on Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel’s approach to the team’s 2025 schedule, sending a firm message about their potential to succeed.
As the Vols continue their ascent in college football, Finebaum believes their 2025 season could set the stage for an even more significant breakthrough. If Heupel and the team can manage to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) this coming season, Tennessee could solidify its position as one of the top contenders in the SEC.
Looking ahead, Finebaum is cautiously optimistic about Tennessee’s chances given their schedule. He argues that while the Vols may encounter a few challenges, their opponents overall do not pose an insurmountable threat.
“Syracuse, for instance, is much improved, but I still think Tennessee can handle them,” Finebaum said, noting that the game against Syracuse will take place in Atlanta, giving the Vols a neutral advantage. “The game against Georgia, though, is going to be tough, especially with it being early in the season,” he added, acknowledging Georgia’s strength.
Despite these concerns, Finebaum points out that the real pressure will come in games against SEC heavyweights like Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. “Those are the matchups that would worry me the most,” he commented. “Beyond that, I believe Tennessee has the tools to manage the rest of their schedule pretty effectively.”
While there are some formidable opponents on the horizon, Heupel and the Vols will likely embrace the challenge.
Despite a substantial loss of 18 players to the transfer portal—a blow to the roster that could shake any team’s foundation—Tennessee retains a key asset in star quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
According to Finebaum, Iamaleava is not just the future of the program but also the centerpiece of their strategy moving forward. “They still have Nico,” Finebaum emphasized, underscoring Iamaleava’s importance in the upcoming season.
“Most experts predict that 2025 could be a transitional year for Tennessee, given the departures of so many key players. However, Nico has the potential to silence any doubts about his abilities as the team’s leader.”
This transition year for Tennessee, as Finebaum describes it, could represent a pivotal moment in the program’s evolution. While they may experience some growing pains, the loss of key players could give way to the emergence of new talent, positioning the Vols for a stronger future.
If Iamaleava can build on his already impressive skill set and the team adapts quickly, Tennessee could shift from a team on the brink of greatness to a genuine SEC powerhouse. With this in mind, the 2025 season could prove to be one of immense significance for the Vols.
The season will begin with a matchup against Syracuse in Atlanta on August 30, marking the start of a campaign that could chart the course for Tennessee’s future dominance in the SEC.
