2025 season proved to be one of missed opportunities for Tennessee

Not all 8-win seasons are created equally. For Tennessee, the road to an 8-5 campaign was one that saw plenty of frustrations along the way in 2025. The Vols got off to a strong start to the year, handling Syracuse in the season-opener before dismantling ETSU in Week 2. That led to a massive early-season matchup with Georgia in Neyland Stadium to start conference play, one that featured ESPN's College GameDay making an appearance in Knoxville. The contest was a classic, where Tennessee jumped out to an early lead, UGA stormed back ahead, and the Vols had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation. However, a Max Gilbert field goal went wide sending the game to overtime. There, the Bulldogs completed their comeback with a Josh McCray touchdown run, handing the Vols their first loss. While the defeat stung, it gave many Tennessee fans hope that if the team could compete like it did with a national power, the Vols could factor into the College Football Playoff race. UT thumped UAB in a non-conference tune-up the following week, then survived upsets at Mississippi State and at home against Arkansas to set up its next test – the Third Saturday in October. The Vols climbed to No. 11 in the AP Poll ahead of their matchup with Alabama. It would prove to be the team's highest ranking of the season. They fell behind early in the contest, but looked to get back within a score just ahead of halftime. However, near the goal line, quarterback Joey Aguilar threw a back-breaking pick-6 to give the Crimson Tide all the momentum heading into the break, as well as a 23-7 lead the Vols could never overcome. Tennessee bounced back with a strong offensive performance at Kentucky to move to 6-2 on the year, creating a de facto elimination game for the Playoff against Oklahoma to start the month of November. In front of a raucous crowd at Neyland Stadium, the Vols opened the game strong. Aguilar led a 75-yard touchdown drive on the opening possession, then the defense forced a punt. Tennessee looked well on its way to a two-score lead less than six minutes into the game before Aguilar was strip-sacked and it was returned 71-yards for a Sooner touchdown. The Vols continued to move the ball well in the first half of the game, but failed to capitalize. They out-gained Oklahoma 255-99 at halftime, but trailed 16-10. The Sooner offense then made headway in the second half, keeping UT at arms' length and effectively eliminating the Vols from the Playoff race. Two weeks later, Tennessee picked up what would prove to be its biggest victory of the year. The Vols made their last road trip of the season – a trek to Gainesville to battle the Gators – and dominated Florida 31-11. They out-gained the Gators 452-261 to pick up their first win in The Swamp since 2003. However, the very next week, the triumphant feeling was soured by an embarrassing home loss to Vanderbilt. The Commodores dominated the second half, winning the final 30 minutes 24-3 on the scoreboard. Diego Pavia threw for 268 yards and ran for another 165 in the game, and Vandy totaled 582 yards of offense as a team. Closing the season in the Music City Bowl, the Vols' defense hemorrhaged another 417 yards to Illinois, and the offense's slow start ultimately cost them in a 30-28 defeat. The Vols ranked 91st in scoring defense in all of FBS, surrendering 28.9 points per game. They finished the 13-game slate 90th in total defense, giving up 397.2 yards per contest. For comparison, UT finished seventh (16.1) and sixth (293.2) last year, respectively. Thus, for the first time in head coach Josh Heupel's career, he fired one of his assistants – defensive coordinator Tim Banks. He will be replaced by former Penn State and national champion defensive coordinator at Ohio State Jim Knowles. Knowles has reportedly made changes to the defensive staff, bringing in Michael Hunter as the cornerbacks coach, Andrew Jackson to work with the front-seven, and Anthony Poindexter as the safeties coach and co-DC, according to CBS Sports. On the offensive side of the ball, Tennessee ranked 10th in total offense with 466.5 yards per game, and seventh in scoring offense by averaging 39.8 points per game. Aguilar had a standout season under center leading the Vols attack. He finished with 3,565 yards passing, the third most in a season in UT history, trailing Peyton Manning's 1997 season (3,819) and Tyler Bray's 2012 mark (3,612). It's a remarkable accomplishment for both Aguilar and Heupel's coaching staff, as the Vols saw Nico Iamaleava hit the transfer portal after spring practice following an ugly divorce. Aguilar, who spent the spring with UCLA, came to Tennessee after two seasons starting at App State. The California native also was dealing with a medical issue, per reports. Ian Rappaport of NFL Media posted on Twitter/X Friday morning Aguilar had undergone successful surgery to remove a benign tumor in his arm. The tumor was pressing against his biceps tendon and labrum, causing "pain and weakness." While Aguilar is currently out of eligibility, he is part of a lawsuit against the NCAA in search of another year, due to his time spent at the JUCO level. The case is expected to be ruled on later this month. Transfer Portal The NCAA transfer portal officially opened on Friday, giving student athletes until Jan. 16 to enter in search of a new school. As of 5 p.m. on Friday, 15 Vols are either already in or expected to be in the portal. The most notable of those are starting left tackle Lance Heard, cornerback Rickey Gibson III, defensive back Boo Carter, running back Peyton Lewis, Gilbert, edge rusher Caleb Herring, and quarterback Jake Merklinger.