ETSU at No. 22 Tennessee: How to Watch, Key Stats and Info, Game Day Information

After a successful season-opening game that saw Tennessee defeat Syracuse 45-26 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 2025 Volunteers are returning to Knoxville for a home opener against in-state foe ETSU this Saturday afternoon.

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar won the quarterback battle during fall camp and won over the optimism of UT fans after a three-touchdown performance against the Orange last weekend in Atlanta. Tennessee’s balanced offense was supplemented by 248 yards on the ground from the Vols’ running back trio of DeSean Bishop, Star Thomas, and Peyton Lewis.

Tennessee’s defense was banged up heading into the opener and suffered more key injuries during the game against Syracuse, including cornerback Rickey Gibson III and defensive tackle Jaxson Moi. While that impacted some of what Tennessee did on the defensive side of the ball last weekend, it should prove to be a solid opportunity to see what other rotational players have in store this weekend against the Vols’ in-state foe.

The Volunteers are projected to win this one handily on Saturday, but there’s still plenty to watch for when Tennessee runs through the T in Neyland Stadium this weekend.

Get ready for the game with everything you need to know here:

Tennessee Football Preview: Vols Open Home Slate, Joey Aguilar’s Neyland Stadium Debut Against ETSU

Gameday Timeline

(via UTSports)

Truly’s Tailgate Opens – 11:30 a.m.
Vol Village Opens – 12 p.m.
Will Call Opens at Gate 21 – 12:15 p.m.
Vol Walk – 1:10 p.m.
Gates Open – 1:30 p.m.
Pride of the Southland Band March – 2 p.m. (Map of Band March Route)
Pride of the Southland Band Pregame Performance Begins – 3:18 p.m.
National Anthem/Flyover – 3:20 p.m.
Vols Run Through the T – 3:29 p.m.
Kickoff – 3:32 p.m.

More From RTI: Three Keys As Tennessee Football Opens Home Slate Against ETSU

Betting Odds

Las Vegas and the gambling markets don’t appear to be touching this game, which isn’t too uncommon with Power 4 vs FCS games. There has not been a line set at any point this week, and one has not originated at the time of this publication.

That being said, there are still a number of good college football games that are intriguing for the betting markets. Check out some of the top sportsbook promo codes and betting bonuses for the state of Tennessee by clicking the link here.

Game Week Storylines

• Tennessee Cornerback Rickey Gibson III to Miss ‘Extended Period’ of Time
• Tennessee Defensive Tackle Out For Vols’ Home Opener Against ETSU
• Five Tennessee Football Players I’m Most Intrigued To Watch Against ETSU
• Johnson City Press’ Jeff Birchfield Previews ETSU Ahead Of Matchup At Tennessee
• National CFB Analyst Says That Tennessee Answered Some of His Questions During Week 1 Against Syracuse

Previous Matchups

Despite the cities of Johnson City and Knoxville only being separated by a 90-minute drive, the Volunteers and the Bucaneers have only squared off one time in program history. That was a 59-3 beating during the 2018 football season.

Here’s what RTI’s Matt Reed said about the previous game in his Tennessee Football Preview on Friday morning: “These teams last met in September of 2018, Jeremy Pruitt’s inaugural win at Tennessee. The Vols won 59-3. Tennessee hit the trifecta that game, scoring touchdowns on offense, defense, and special teams. It was the first touchdown in Orange for VFL Keller Chryst, and the only career touchdown for VFL Jordan Murphy. Marquill Osborne blocked a punt for a touchdown, arguably the highlight of his Tennessee career. Osborne currently serves as a tire changer for Joe Gibbs Racing on the NASCAR circuit.”

More from RTI: I Simulated Tennessee-ETSU on the College Football 26 Video Game

Stat Leaders (Season Totals)

Tennessee:

• Passing: QB Joey Aguilar – 247 passing yards, 16-of-28, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
• Rushing: RB Star Thomas – 92 yards, 12 carries, 0 Ru. TDs, 1 Rec. TD
• Receiving: WR Braylon Staley – 95 yards, 4 receptions, 1 Rec. TD
• Sacks: LB Arion Carter – 1 sack
• Tackles: LB Arion Carter – 9 tackles

ETSU:

• Passing: QB Cade McNamara – 146 passing yards, 12-of-17, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Rushing: RB Devontae Houston – 128 yards, 14 carries, 2 Ru. TDs
• Receiving: WR Jeremiah Harrison – 56 yards, 3 receptions, 1 TD
• Sacks: LB Chris Davis Jr. – 1 sack
• Tackles: LB Ty Anderson – 8 tackles

Last 5 Games (2025 Season)

Tennessee (1-0):

• W: vs Syracuse 45-26 (ATLANTA)

ETSU (1-0):

• W: vs Murray State 45-17

Tennessee Uniform

home opener threads

⬜️🟧⬜️@DICKS | #GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/IdwlA8txg1

— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 4, 2025

ETSU Uniforms

icy whites. 🥶#GoBucs | #BUCkleUp pic.twitter.com/jc9H7PJPs3

— ETSU Football (@ETSUFootball) September 5, 2025

Josh Heupel Monday Press Conference