Paul Finebaum Highlights Tennessee Volunteers as a Team Facing a ‘Transitional Year’ in 2025
The 2024 season brought success to numerous teams, even without a championship win. Many programs experienced significant growth, with some reaching heights unseen in recent years. Among these teams, the Tennessee Volunteers stood out. They secured 10 or more wins for the second time in three years, a feat not achieved since the 2002-2004 seasons. Additionally, the Volunteers made their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff (CFP), marking a historic milestone for the program.
Tennessee’s success was fueled by a dominant defense and a powerful rushing attack. The team ranked No. 6 in total defense, No. 10 in rush defense, and No. 29 in pass defense. Offensively, they placed No. 9 in rushing offense, showcasing their balanced strength.
However, despite their impressive season, Paul Finebaum suggested on *The Paul Finebaum Show* that the Volunteers might face challenges in 2025. “Many experts predict a transitional year for Tennessee after losing so many key players,” Finebaum noted. “They still have Nico Iamaleava, but the schedule includes tough matchups. The early game against Georgia is concerning, along with road games at Alabama and Florida. Outside of those, I think Tennessee can handle the rest of their schedule fairly well.”
The Volunteers have seen 18 players depart via the transfer portal, with only three new additions to the roster. They will return just 12 starters on offense and defense, including star cornerback Jermond McCoy, who is recovering from an ACL tear sustained during offseason training. His availability for the start of the season remains uncertain.
For Tennessee to build on last season’s success, quarterback Nico Iamaleava will need to step up in his second year as a starter. As a redshirt freshman, he threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions, completing 63.8% of his passes. However, his performance in the CFP first round was lackluster, with only 104 passing yards and a 45.2% completion rate in a 42-17 loss to the eventual national champion, Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Volunteers will kick off their 2025 season against the Syracuse Orange on August 30 in Atlanta, Georgia. While the team faces uncertainties, their ability to navigate a challenging schedule and develop key players will determine whether they can overcome this transitional phase.
