Vols Set to Welcome Georgia For SEC Opener

September 8, 2025

Rick Nyman,

(utsports.com) KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Following a record-setting win over ETSU, No. 15/15 Tennessee turns its attention to SEC play as the Vols host No. 6/3 Georgia on Saturday in a sold-out Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, with the return of “Checker Neyland” showcasing UT’s iconic checkerboard pattern throughout the venue.

The national spotlight will also be on Knoxville as ESPN College GameDay originates from Ayres Hall for the first time since 2022. Saturday’s contest will also include an on-field salute to VFL John Henderson, who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame later this fall.

After Monday morning meetings and workouts, head coach Josh Heupel met with local media to preview the top-15 matchup.

“Obviously, we know the test that we have in front of us, facing a really good Georgia football team,” Heupel said in his opening remarks. “It’s a great weekend and opportunity for (College Gameday) to be here on the biggest stage in college football. While that’s going on, we get a chance to also recognize and welcome back one of our own, John Henderson. College Football Hall of Famer, one of the greatest that have ever played the position and certainly one of the greats here. It would be great to have a bunch of his teammates back here as we get a chance to celebrate him.

“Checker Neyland, I anticipate our fans helping bring in the Neyland Effect here and create a great atmosphere on Saturday afternoon. Looking forward to the contest and the preparation during the course of the week.”

While the buildup to Saturday is filled with energy and anticipation, Heupel stressed the importance of his team remaining laser-focused on the details during their prep for the Bulldogs.

“I am excited to go compete,” Heupel said. “This is our conference opener against a great opponent, and it’s going to be a great atmosphere. For us the preparation is going to be important, focusing in on what matters, which is your preparation and the details of it. The subtlety of this game is that you have to win one-on-ones, but you also have to play assignment sound. You’re playing a really good opponent, and you can’t give them anything. Then through your preparation when a play presents itself, you have to go and make it.”