Season Opener Preview
The Tennessee Volunteers open their 2025 campaign against Furman, a program from the Football Championship Subdivision, in a matchup that analysts expect to end in a comfortable victory for the SEC powerhouse. The forecast calls for a 55‑14 final score, reflecting the wide gap in talent and experience between the two teams.
Furman enters the game with a revamped offense anchored by quarterback Jake Garcia, who transferred after stints at several Power Five programs and posted 1,426 passing yards and eight touchdowns last season. The Paladins also boast two standout tight ends, Joshua Burrell and Jackson Pryor, while their offensive line features veterans Davis Watson and Jaydon Collins, complemented by young center Brady Smith.
Tennessee’s defensive overhaul is overseen by new coordinator Jim Knowles, whose scheme will be put to the test against a Furman front that includes edge rusher Joshua Stoneking, a first‑team All‑American at the FCS level last year. The Volunteers’ secondary has been reshaped, and the coaching staff plans to give reps to both Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre at quarterback, aiming to evaluate their readiness for the season.
Key Players to Watch
Among the storylines, the emergence of Furman’s Joshua Stoneking as an edge threat, the experience of safeties Joshua Tarver, who transferred from Yale, and Taylen Blaylock, alongside Tennessee’s own defensive backs, will be closely monitored. On the offensive side, the Volunteers rely on a strong line and a deep receiving corps, with both Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre given opportunities to showcase their abilities.
Despite the loss of sophomore edge rusher Chaz Coleman during spring practice, the Vols remain confident in their depth and chemistry. The game serves as a benchmark for Tennessee’s revamped defense and a chance for the offense to fire on all cylinders before conference play begins.