There are big expectations for Tennessee football going into the 2025 campaign, but not everyone thinks the Volunteers are prepared to meet them. Paul Finebaum, a college football expert, recently voiced grave worries regarding Tennessee’s quarterback position and their overall chances of qualifying for the College Football Playoffs. His frank evaluation has sparked discussion, especially among supporters hoping for a postseason comeback.
Finebaum didn’t hold back when he recently appeared on ESPN. He responded emphatically, “Not fine,” when asked if Tennessee’s quarterback situation was in excellent shape. He continued by explaining that one of the most important offseason events was the departure of former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. After only a year of little activity, Nico, who was supposed to be the program’s future, transferred, creating a significant gap.
Tennessee responded by bringing in Joey Aguilar, a former standout for Appalachian State who had briefly attended UCLA. Even though Aguilar has athleticism and experience, Finebaum wasn’t sure he was the solution. Finebaum stated, “He’s good, but he’s not great.” “Despite not being excellent last year, Nico has the potential to be excellent. To be very honest, I don’t think Tennessee has any chance of making the playoffs.
The national media’s general scepticism about the Volunteers’ prospects is reflected in that direct assessment. The standard was raised by Tennessee’s historic first-ever postseason run last season, but it won’t be simple to replicate that achievement. Josh Heupel’s offence, which was formerly its defining feature, is now quite unpredictable at several spots.
Tennessee has lost important offensive contributors in addition to the quarterback issue. There is a big void in the backfield now that star running back Dylan Sampson is gone. Due to several starters leaving for the NFL or graduating, the offensive line also suffered significant losses. This puts strain on a reorganised team to keep up the uptempo pace Heupel likes while protecting the quarterback.
The wide receiver group is still up in the air. Although there is talent present, no obvious front-runner has been identified. This makes the quarterback’s ability to build rapport fast—whether it’s Aguilar or someone else—even more important. Injuries add to the uncertainty, particularly for outstanding cornerback-turned-receiver Jermod McCoy, who is still rehabbing from a knee ailment and has no set comeback date.
Despite the doubts, Knoxville residents continue to have faith in Heupel’s ability to lead the program through this difficult change. Heupel has given Tennessee vitality and consistency since becoming leadership in 2021, transforming the school into a yearly challenger in the SEC. But 2025 might be his most difficult test to date. Heupel needs to find answers fast since he has a new quarterback, important players are gone, and he has to live up to high expectations.
In the end, Finebaum’s doubts are consistent with what many analysts are beginning to say behind the scenes. Although Tennessee has a talented team and a head coach with experience, they currently face too many unknowns to be regarded as a significant playoff threat. The Volunteers could yet surprise if the offence clicks and Aguilar or another quarterback can come up. The road back to the playoffs is steep for the time being, though