There are 136 college football teams competing in the FBS int he 2025 season. Where does Tennessee ranks amongst that group? Where do its opponents rank? The Athletic’s Chris Vannini released a complete rankings of the 136 FBS football teams Monday with Tennessee coming in just outside the top 25 at No. 26.
“While Joey Aguilar replacing Nico Iamaleava behind center is more interesting, don’t forget the Vols also replace running back Dylan Sampson, the SEC offensive player of the year,” Vannini wrote.
Sampson was undoubtedly a serious loss for Tennessee but the Vols are in good shape at running back again this season. Peyton Lewis and DeSean Bishop are looking to take a step forward this season while Duke transfer Star Thomas has taken major strides from spring to fall practice.
Tennessee is the 10th highest rated SEC team in the rankings, coming in behind No. 3 Texas, No. 5 Georgia, No. 9 Alabama, No. 10 LSU, No. 12 South Carolina, No. 15 Florida, No. 16 South Carolina, No. 20 Texas A&M and No. 25 Oklahoma.
The Vols have a very manageable schedule, playing just three of the 10 teams SEC teams ranked ahead of them. Tennessee also has matchups against Vanderbilt (No. 46), Arkansas (No. 47), Syracuse (No. 53), Kentucky (No. 70), Mississippi State (No. 90), UAB (No. 124) and New Mexico State (No. 129).
More From RTI: Tennessee Football Star Named to Another Preseason All-American List
Expectations vary for Tennessee entering the 2025 season. The Vols are coming off a strong 2024 season that saw them post a 10-3 record and earn a berth in the first ever 12-team College Football Playoff. But it’s been a rocky offseason for Tennessee.
All-American cornerback Jermod McCoy tore his ACL in January, quarterback Nico Iamaleava entered the transfer portal in April and preseason All-SEC defensive back Boo Carter is in rocky standing with the team after no-showing summer workouts.
There’s plenty of questions around Tennessee entering the season but also reason for optimism with a run game and defense that project to be strong again in Josh Heupel’s fifth season as head coach.
Tennessee came in at No. 18 in the Preseason USA Today Coaches Poll and No. 24 in the Preseason AP Poll. The league’s media picked the Vols’ to finish ninth in the conference this season. But computer based rankings are higher on Tennessee with Bill Connely’s SP+ ratings ranking Tennessee No. 12 nationally and ESPN’s FPI ranking them No. 8 nationally.
