‘He Nailed It Last Year—Now Here’s Adams’ Bold 2025 Prediction for Tennessee Football

Last season, when nearly every SEC prediction was a shot in the dark, one man saw it all coming. Tennessee fans may remember columnist Adams as the guy who called it exactly right—record, key games, even the overall vibe of the Vols’ 2024 campaign. And now, he’s back with his 2025 prediction, bringing the same mix of insight, gut feeling, and unfiltered honesty that made last year’s call so dead-on.

To understand where Tennessee is heading, you have to understand where it’s been. In 2024, Josh Heupel’s squad fought through growing pains, a brutal schedule, and flashes of brilliance that didn’t always translate into wins. They ended up with a record that matched expectations—not because it was perfect, but because it was real. It reflected where the roster stood, where the development was lacking, and where the flashes of future greatness peeked through the cracks.

That was then. This is now.

According to Adams, 2025 won’t just be about holding steady. It’s about taking a step forward—maybe not into playoff territory, but into the kind of consistent success that builds confidence across the fan base. His official prediction? 9–3. That’s right. Nine wins. Three losses. A record that says, “We’re not elite yet, but we’re building something real.”

So what’s behind that number? First, let’s talk quarterback. Nico Iamaleava is the face of this team now. He’s no longer the future—he’s the present. Last year, he showed flashes of everything that made him a five-star recruit: arm strength, creativity, leadership, and the ability to stay calm when the game speeds up. Now, with a full offseason as the undisputed starter, he’s got command of the offense. He’s more comfortable in the pocket, more confident in his reads, and more dangerous when plays break down.

Adams sees Iamaleava making a true sophomore leap, not just in numbers, but in presence. He’ll be the guy teammates look to in clutch moments. He’ll be the reason Tennessee wins a couple of games it might have lost last year. He’s not Hendon Hooker 2.0—but he’s writing his own story, and in 2025, that story starts hitting its stride.

Of course, no quarterback thrives alone, and the supporting cast is a mixed bag. Tennessee’s receiver room is full of potential, with Bru McCoy returning to anchor the group and a few young playmakers ready to break out. The offensive line is still finding its identity, especially after losing key veterans, but there’s enough raw talent and size to make it work—if the group gels quickly.

Adams points out that Tennessee’s offensive rhythm will be faster and sharper this season. Heupel’s system is built on speed, space, and pressure. Last year, the tempo sputtered at times, but this fall, with more stability at quarterback and better conditioning across the board, he sees the offense returning to its lightning-quick identity. That means more big plays, more tired defenses, and more points on the board—especially against teams that don’t have the depth to keep up for four quarters.

On defense, the Vols aren’t elite yet, but they’re no longer a liability either. The 2024 unit showed signs of turning the corner—more sacks, tighter coverage, and better gap discipline in the run game. 2025 should see another bump forward, especially up front. The defensive line is the strength of this group, with a nasty rotation that can create pressure without blitzing every down. That’s huge, especially against teams like Georgia and Alabama that punish overly aggressive defenses.

Adams also notes that linebacker play will be more consistent. That’s been a weak spot in recent years, but improved depth and better tackling in space should keep teams from gashing the Vols on short throws and cutback runs. The secondary is still a work in progress, but the talent is there—it’s just a matter of execution and staying healthy. If those corners and safeties can limit explosive plays, Tennessee could be one of the SEC’s stingiest red-zone defenses.

So what about the schedule? It’s not doing the Vols any favors, but it’s also not the gauntlet it’s been in the past. Adams breaks it down like this:

Wins he’s confident in: Chattanooga, Kent State, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Missouri. Those six games, he says, are “must-wins” for Tennessee if it wants to be taken seriously as a top-tier SEC program again. They’re not pushovers, but they’re the type of games where Tennessee has the edge in depth, coaching, and playmaking ability.

Toss-ups: South Carolina, Florida, and Oklahoma. These are the games that define a season. Win two out of three, and you’re flirting with 10 wins. Lose two, and you’re battling just to stay in the top 25. Florida’s always tricky, even in down years. South Carolina plays with a chip on its shoulder. And Oklahoma, in its first full SEC season, will be out to prove something. Adams leans Tennessee in two of the three, citing Iamaleava’s growth and home-field advantage in key spots.

Likely losses: Georgia, Alabama, and Texas. This isn’t a knock on the Vols—it’s just the current state of the SEC. Georgia and Alabama are still stacked, and Texas, loaded with skill talent and SEC-ready linemen, is looking like a playoff team. Could Tennessee pull off an upset in one of these? Sure. But Adams says the smart money is on them falling short in those heavyweight matchups—close, maybe even heartbreaking, but not quite there.

So there you have it: 9–3, with a shot at a 10th win in a bowl game. That’s Adams’ official call. Not a fairy tale, not a disaster—just a rock-solid season that shows real growth and proves that Tennessee isn’t just chasing a flash-in-the-pan moment like 2022, but building toward sustainable success.

For fans, it’s the kind of prediction that feels both hopeful and grounded. There’s enough optimism to get excited for Saturdays, but enough realism to brace for the grind. That’s what Adams is known for—calling it how he sees it. He did it last year, and now he’s doubling down on the belief that Tennessee is turning a corner, not just getting lucky.

More than anything, this 2025 prediction reflects belief in the direction of the program. Heupel has brought energy, structure, and purpose to a team that spent years wandering through mediocrity. Now, with a young QB stepping into the spotlight and a defense that’s getting tougher by the week, Adams sees a team that’s growing up—and fast.

If he’s right again, Tennessee fans can start thinking even bigger in 2026. But for now, 9–3 would mean progress. It would mean consistency. And in the SEC, that’s the foundation for something truly special.

He nailed it once. Now we wait to see if lightning strikes twice.