The Third Saturday in October returns to Tuscaloosa as two SEC powerhouses clash in one of college football’s most legendary rivalries, with the Alabama Crimson Tide hosting the Tennessee Volunteers in the 108th meeting of this storied series.
This Tennessee vs. Alabama prediction examines a rivalry that has become increasingly competitive in recent years, shifting away from the dominant streaks that once defined their matchups.
Tennessee vs. Alabama Details
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
- Game time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium | Tuscaloosa, AL
- Predicted Weather at Kick: 77 degrees
- How To Watch: ABC
Tennessee vs. Alabama Head-to-Head Record
The Tennessee-Alabama rivalry traces its origins to November 28, 1901, when these SEC powerhouses first clashed on the gridiron, initiating what has become college football’s 108th chapter of one of the sport’s most storied rivalries.
Alabama maintains commanding control of the all-time series with a 60-39-8 record (officially listed as 59-40-7 due to NCAA vacations), establishing their historical dominance over more than a century of competition.
The recent two decades of this rivalry paint a stark picture of Tennessee’s struggles in the series, with the Volunteers managing just four victories since 2004 – all occurring within the friendly confines of Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
These rare Tennessee triumphs came on October 23, 2004 (17-13), October 21, 2006 (16-13), October 15, 2022 (52-49), and October 19, 2024 (24-17). Alabama’s perfect home record against Tennessee over the past two decades underscores the monumental challenge facing the Volunteers as they prepare to enter hostile territory in Tuscaloosa this Saturday.
Tennessee vs. Alabama Grades
- Tennessee (86.72, B)
- Alabama (90.22, A-)
- Tennessee (77.97, C+)
- Alabama (85.59, B)
- Tennessee (84.2, B)
- Alabama (83.9, B)
- Joey Aguilar, Tennessee (90.1, A-)
- Ty Simpson, Alabama (86.72, B)
- DeSean Bishop, Tennessee (82.1, B-)
- Jam Miller, Alabama (N/A)
- Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee (81.1, B-)
- Ryan Williams, Alabama (79.6, C+)
- Miles Kitselman, Tennessee (77.38, C+)
- Josh Cuevas, Alabama (78.63, C+)
- Joshua Josephs, Tennessee (84.1, B)
- LT Overton, Alabama (78.7, C+)
- Dominic Bailey, Tennessee (81.8, B-)
- Edric Hill, Alabama (73.7, C)
- Jeremiah Telander, Tennessee (72.01, C-)
- Justin Jefferson, Alabama (72.41, C-)
- Colton Hood, Tennessee (94.3, A)
- DaShawn Jones, Alabama (75.9, C)
- Jalen McMurray, Tennessee (82.55, B-)
- Bray Hubbard, Alabama (82.85, B-)
Tennessee vs. Alabama Prediction
Last year, Tennessee earned a victory in Knoxville. This year’s game shifts to Bryant-Denny Stadium, giving Alabama home-field advantage. Tennessee has only played one road game so far this season, and while it may have been a win, the environment in Tuscaloosa presents a different challenge.
Ty Simpson has had a strong start to his junior season, completing 70.9% of his passes through five games, with 16 touchdowns and just one interception. He led Alabama to a five-game winning streak, with the past two games being back-to-back conference wins over rivals Georgia and Vanderbilt. His performance has made him a legitimate Heisman Trophy Contender.
Meanwhile, Joey Aguilar has a 64.8% completion rate with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions over six games. While Aguilar has shown the ability to put points on the board, Tennessee’s defense has not been strong enough this season to consistently stop high-powered offenses like Alabama.
Alabama’s defense should be able to contain Aguilar just enough to limit his passing plays. Simpson’s efficiency, combined with the Crimson Tide’s home-field advantage, puts Alabama in a strong position to come out on top in this rivalry game.
Prediction: Alabama 31, Tennessee 24
