AP Top 25 Poll

#17 Tennessee Volunteers

2024

Overall Record

9-4

Last Game

vs Iowa W 35-0

Conference Record

4-4

Next Game

@Iowa 01/01/2024

FILE - University of Tennessee's new Director of Athletics Danny White speaks during a press conference in Knoxville, Tenn., Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Tennessee athletic director Danny White said Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, he refuses to let the NCAA “irrationally” make an example of the Volunteers over name, image and likeness compensation. White also accused the NCAA of leaking information to the media earlier this week about Tennessee in his statement on social media.(Caitie McMekin/Knoxville News Sentinel via AP, File, Pool, File)

Vols AD refuses to let NCAA ‘irrationally’ make example of Tennessee over NIL

Tennessee athletic director Danny White says he’s refusing to let the NCAA “irrationally” make an example of the Volunteers over name, image and likeness compensation.

FILE - Alabama head coach Nick Saban reacts after running back Jase McClellan (2) scored a touchdown during the second half of the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game against Michigan Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. Nick Saban, the stern coach who won seven national championships and turned Alabama back into a national powerhouse that included six of those titles in just 17 seasons, is retiring, according to multiple reports, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)

Nick Saban’s Alabama dynasty fueled 20 years of Southeastern Conference college football dominance

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) runs past Iowa defensive back Xavier Nwankpa (1) for a touchdown on an 3-yard run during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Nico Iamaleava leads No. 25 Tennessee to 35-0 rout of No. 20 Iowa in the Citrus Bowl

FILE - Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz yells to his team as they play against Nebraska during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. Iowa defeated Nebraska 13-10. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz, File)

Defensive-minded No. 20 Iowa, offensive-driven No. 25 Tennessee offer clash of styles in Citrus Bowl

FILE - Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel looks at the scoreboard during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins, File)

No. 20 Iowa’s defense braces for challenge of facing No. 25 Tennessee’s tempo offense in Citrus Bowl

More News

FILE -Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava throws against Virginia in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Quarterback Joe Milton has opted out to prepare for the 2024 NFL draft, leaving freshman Nico Iamaleava to make his first career start for No. 25 Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Tennessee QB Joe Milton opts out of Citrus Bowl for NFL draft, leaving Nico Iamaleava to start

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton has opted out to prepare for the 2024 NFL draft and freshman Nico Iamaleava will make his first career start for the 25th-ranked Volunteers in Monday’s Citrus Bowl against Iowa.

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

Joe Milton III threw a career-high four touchdown passes and ran for two more scores to lead No. 25 Tennessee to a 48-24 victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday.

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

The No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers have some business to finish in their regular-season finale at home against 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

Pride is on the line in this game, informally known as the Battle of Interstate 40 between programs separated by 180 miles.

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

Carson Beck threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns 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.