The media is setting low expectations for Tennessee football this year after losing Nico Iamaleava in the transfer portal. With questions at the quarterback position, Tennessee has been predicted to land in a new bowl game for the first time in program history.
247 Sports has made its early predictions for the 2025 bowl season after spring camp concludes. Their prediction is that Tennessee will play in the Duke's Mayo Bowl for the first time ever.
"From the College Football Playoff to Charlotte — that's what happens when you part ways with starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava after spring practice following a contract dispute," Brad Crawford writes.
"Elite aspirations haven't changed for the Vols, but the schedule might be too difficult to overcome with transfer Joey Aguilar only having fall camp to perfect the playbook. Florida State somewhat rebounds from last year's faceplant."
Tennessee is also being predicted to face an old ACC foe in the bowl game. 247 Sports has Tennessee predicted to face Florida State for the first time since the 1998 National Championship.
This would be an interesting matchup between two historic programs. Between FSU's fall to Tennessee's rise to the College Football Playoff last year, it's a tale of two teams on complete ends of the spectrum last year.
Tennessee also has a few former players who transferred to Florida State after the Vols' CFP run. Wide receiver Squirel White is the most notable new Seminole, joined by linebacker Elijah Herring and defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins.
The Vols are still sorting out their quarterback situation, and that QB competition will undoubtedly determine Tennessee's outcome this year. It could be the difference between a 7-5 season with a trip to Charlotte or a 9-3 season with a trip to Orlando and the Citrus Bowl.