AP Top 25 Poll

#25 Tennessee Volunteers

2023

Overall Record

8-4

Last Game

vs Vanderbilt W 48-24

Conference Record

4-4

Next Game

@Iowa 01/01/2024

FILE - Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins (34) runs off the field after an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins will enter the Big Ten championship game against Michigan on Saturday with 141 tackles, most among players at Power Five conference schools. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

No. 20 Iowa and No. 25 Tennessee will meet in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day

No. 20 Iowa meets No. 25 Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day in Orlando, Florida. The Hawkeyes have 10 wins but are coming off a shutout loss to top-ranked Michigan in the Big Ten title game.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) celebrates a touchdown with tight end Jacob Warren (87) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Milton throws 4 TD passes, runs for 2 scores to help No. 25 Tennessee beat Vanderbilt 48-24

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) throws to a receiver during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

No. 25 Tennessee Vols have some business to finish as they host skidding Vanderbilt

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) is chased by Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

No. 25 Tennessee looking for 5th straight win over in-state rival Vanderbilt

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) throws to a receiver during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Beck throws for 298 yards, 3 TDs to lead No. 1 Georgia over No. 21 Tennessee 38-10

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) reacts after a Georgia touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Top-ranked Georgia looks to finish off a perfect SEC slate at No. 21 Tennessee

Top-ranked Georgia already has clinched the SEC East title and a spot in the SEC championship game against No. 8 Alabama.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart reacts on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are rolling, will try to avoid a letdown in visit to No. 21 Tennessee

No. 1 Georgia is back atop the College Football Playoff rankings heading into its game at No. 21 Tennessee this weekend.

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) makes a catch for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

No. 1 Georgia visits No. 21 Tennessee, seeking 3rd consecutive 8-0 SEC finish and 27th straight win

Top-ranked Georgia has already clinched the SEC East but seeks another milestone when it visits No. 21 Tennessee.

Tennessee tight end McCallan Castles (34) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against UConn Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

No. 14 Tennessee heads to No. 16 Missouri for first meeting with both teams ranked

No. 14 Tennessee visits No. 16 Missouri on Saturday for the first meeting between the SEC schools when both were ranked in the Top 25.

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) warms up during the second half of an NCAA college football game against UConn, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

No. 14 Vols head to No. 16 Mizzou for showdown between SEC East rivals

No. 14 Tennessee and No. 16 Missouri are tied in the SEC East race behind top-ranked Georgia as they head into their first-ever matchup in which both teams are in the AP poll.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) looks to throw during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Milton, No. 19 Tennessee hope to build on momentum with a homecoming game against UConn

Joe Milton III is coming off possibly his best game this season. Now the Tennessee quarterback has a chance to prove he can carry that progress into November ahead of the games that will decide the 19th-ranked Volunteers’ postseason future.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) throws the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

Milton, Wright, Sampson power No. 21 Tennessee to a 33-27 win over Kentucky

Joe Milton III passed for a touchdown, Jaylen Wright and Dylan Sampson rushed for scores and Charles Campbell kicked four field goals to help No. 21 Tennessee outlast Kentucky 33-27 on Saturday night.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

No. 21 Tennessee, looking to move past Alabama loss, visits rested Kentucky in SEC border rivalry

No. 21 Tennessee and Kentucky need a victory to have a chance to finish at least third in the Eastern Division of the SEC with both trying to bounce back from rough losses.

Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White (10) grabs a touchdown pass as Alabama linebacker Chris Braswell (41) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

No. 21 Tennessee visits Kentucky in border showdown, with both looking to prove they can hold leads

No. 21 Tennessee and Kentucky really need a lift right now. Both teams have fallen further behind first-place and top-ranked Georgia in the SEC Eastern Division and look to overcome losses after blowing double-digit leads.

Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore (13) salutes the fans during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Milroe, No. 11 Alabama stage huge second-half rally, top No. 17 Tennessee 34-20

Jalen Milroe passed for two touchdowns, Jihaad Campbell returned a fumble for a score in the fourth quarter and No. 11 Alabama uncorked 27 straight second-half points in rallying for a 34-20 victory over No. 17 Tennessee.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) looks to throw to a receiver during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

No. 11 Alabama hosts 17th-ranked Tennessee with both still chasing division titles

No. 11 Alabama sits atop the Southeastern Conference West as the division’s only undefeated team in league play.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) runs for yardage during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

No. 17 Tennessee visits No. 11 Alabama for rivalry tilt a year after their dramatic top 10 showdown

Tennessee and Alabama bring two of the Southeastern Conference’s better defenses into Saturday’s showdown.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) looks for a passing outlet against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

No. 11 Alabama hosts No. 17 Tennessee to top SEC slate. Vols have lost 9 in a row at Crimson Tide

No. 11 Alabama likely hasn’t forgotten what happened the last time it face No. 19 Tennessee. That’s when the Vols defeated the Crimson Tide 52-49 and a sea of happy, Orange-clad fans tore out the goal posts and paraded them out of Neyland Stadium.

Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (0) is upended by a Texas A&M defender during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Dee Willliams returns punt for go-ahead TD, No. 19 Tennessee beats Texas A&M 20-13

Dee Williams returned a punt 39 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter to put No. 19 Tennessee ahead for the first time and the Volunteers shut down Texas A&M the rest of the way in a 20-13 victory Saturday.

Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (0) outruns the South Carolina defense for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Rested 19th-ranked Tennessee Vols start critical stretch hosting Texas A&M

The 19th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers should be well-rested coming off an open date. They need it considering this starts a critical three-game stretch.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel yells at line judge Jeremiah Harris during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against South Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

No. 19 Tennessee rested, looking for 3rd straight win hosting Texas A&M

No. 19 Tennessee has won two straight since losing at Florida. Now the Volunteers also are rested after an open date.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) breaks a tackle attempt by Texas A&M defensive lineman Albert Regis (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

No. 19 Tennessee, Texas A&M seek to stay in SEC race, Mizzou, No. 24 Kentucky look to rebound

No. 19 Tennessee and Texas A&M are playing to stay in the divisional race, while Missouri and No. 24 Kentucky want to avoid two-game SEC losing streaks.

Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (0) is tackled by South Carolina linebacker Bam Martin-Scott (22) and defensive back Jalon Kilgore (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Milton, sack-happy defense lead No. 21 Tennessee to 41-20 revenge victory over South Carolina

Joe Milton threw for 231 yards and No. 21 Tennessee sacked Spencer Rattler six times in a 41-20 victory over South Carolina on Saturday night.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) outruns the UTSA defense for an 81-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

No. 21 Tennessee seeks revenge against South Carolina and neither team wants 2 SEC losses

Neither No. 21 Tennessee nor South Carolina have any margin for error in the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division with each having a league loss apiece.

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel watches his players during warmups before an NCAA college football game against UTSA, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

No. 21 Tennessee looking for its 1st SEC win along with a dose of revenge against South Carolina

The No. 21 Tennessee Volunteers have a score to settle come Saturday night against South Carolina. The Gamecocks derailed Tennessee’s possible run to the College Football Playoff last year by thumping the Vols, 63-38.

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel watches play from the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

No. 23 Tennessee Volunteers looking to crank up run game, offense vs UTSA

The Tennessee Volunteers have been busy taking a good, long look at themselves after the loss to Florida.

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, right, has words with head lineman Gary Jaroe, left, after a penalty was called on Tennessee during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

No. 23 Tennessee Volunteers find themselves at a crossroads as UTSA arrives for a nonconference game

The 23rd-ranked Tennessee Volunteers will be faced with a crossroads just four weeks into the season.

Florida head coach Billy Napier paces the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

SEC suspends Florida’s George, Mazzccua and Zanders along with Tennessee’s Norman-Lott for fight

The Southeastern Conference has suspended three Florida football players and one Tennessee football player for their roles in a fight that started on what was supposed to be the last play of their game Saturday night.

Florida players including Trevor Etienne (7), Caleb Banks (88) and Graham Mertz (15) celebrate after defeating Tennessee in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida upsets No. 11 Tennessee 29-16 for the Gators’ 10th straight victory at home in the series

Trevor Etienne ran for a career-high 172 yards and a touchdown, Montrell Johnson scored twice and Florida upset No. 11 Tennessee 29-16 on Saturday night to extend the Volunteers’ losing streak in Gainesville to 10.

Florida running back Treyaun Webb, right, scores a touchdown against McNeese State linebacker Micah Davey (48) on a 2-yard run during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

No. 11 Tennessee heads to the Swamp focused on getting an elusive road win against Florida

No. 11 Tennessee seemingly has its best chance to win at Florida for the first time since 2003. The Vols’ nine-game losing streak started with Phillip Fulmer and spans the Tennessee coaching tenures of Lane Kiffin, Derek Dooley, Butch Jones, Jeremy Pruitt and Josh Heupel.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) throws to a receiver during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Austin Peay, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

No. 11 Tennessee is trying to end decades of futility in the Swamp against Florida

No. 11 Tennessee is trying to end two decades of futility at Florida. The Volunteers last won at the Swamp in 2003.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) throws a pass behind the blocking of offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Ball State Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

College football picks: No. 1 Georgia steps into SEC play, No. 11 Tennessee heads to The Swamp

Expect some weirdness this weekend in college football. There are no games matching AP Top 25 teams, but the season is still young enough that we really don’t know which teams are good.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. looks to throw against Tulsa during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Spartans dealing with another scandal as Penix-led Washington visits for one of Week 3’s top games

No. 8 Washington’s visit to Michigan State would have been one of the closely watched intersectional games Saturday even without the latest scandal in East Lansing.

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook (12) runs the ball during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

Cook throws for 2 TDs, runs for another to help Missouri beat Middle Tennessee 23-19

Brady Cook overcame a slow start to complete 14 of 19 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another touchdown to help Missouri beat Middle Tennesse State 23-19.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) throws to a receiver as he is pressured by Austin Peay linebacker Sam Howard (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

No. 9 Tennessee rallies past stubborn Austin Peay, 30-13

Joe Milton III had a 6-yard touchdown run late in the first half and threw a 5-yard scoring pass to Ramel Keaton early in the second to help No. 9 Tennessee beat FCS foe Austin Peay 30-13 on Saturday night.