🏈 Tennessee Volunteers — 2025 Season Preview

cashincountry
Aug 27
2 min read

📍 Conference: SEC🏟️ Home Field: Neyland Stadium👔 Head Coach: Josh Heupel

📝 Preseason Projections

USA Today: Volunteers projected 8–4 (4–4 SEC) — in the mix for a strong bowl berth.
ESPN FPI: Ranked Top 25 overall, with ~8.1 wins projected.
National Buzz: Tennessee’s success hinges on how quickly new QB Joey Aguilar adapts and how much the defense improves.

🔥 Players to Watch

Jermod McCoy (CB): One of the SEC’s top corners and a projected 2026 NFL Draft pick. Despite an ACL injury this offseason, his return will be pivotal. In 2024, he recorded 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups.
Joshua Josephs (Edge): Primed for a breakout after James Pearce’s departure. In 2024, he tallied 39 tackles and 9 TFLs — expect him to lead the Vols’ pass rush.
Chris Brazzell II (WR): After a quiet 2024, he’s expected to become a key offensive weapon. If he regains his 2023 Tulane form (700+ yards), Tennessee’s passing game levels up.
David Sanders Jr. (OL): A 5-star true freshman, ranked No. 6 overall in the 2025 class. Expected to start at right tackle, giving the Vols much-needed strength up front.
Joey Aguilar (QB): Transfer from Appalachian State who won the starting job. Threw for 3,000+ yards last season and will guide Tennessee’s fast-paced offense.

🏆 Key NFL Draft Prospects

Jermod McCoy (CB): If healthy, a likely 1st-rounder in 2026.
Joshua Josephs (Edge): Rising draft stock as a potential Day 1–2 pick if production climbs.
Chris Brazzell II (WR): Bounce-back potential could vault him into draft conversations.

📈 Strengths & Challenges

Strengths:

Explosive edge presence with Josephs.
Young offensive line bolstered by Sanders Jr.
Aguilar’s experience gives stability at QB.

Challenges:

Secondary depends heavily on McCoy’s recovery.
WR corps needs Brazzell II to emerge as a true WR1.
New faces on the offensive line will be tested early against SEC defenses.

🏆 Season Outlook

The Vols are dangerous but unproven. If McCoy returns strong and Aguilar gels with the offense, Tennessee could surprise in the SEC East. An 8–4 finish seems likely, but a 9–10-win ceiling is possible with early upsets.