How Greg McElroy Accurately Predicted the Vols’ 2025 Season.
Former Alabama quarterback and current college football analyst Greg McElroy has built a reputation for his sharp insights into the game. When he made his 2025 season prediction for the Tennessee Volunteers, many fans and analysts took notice. Now that the season has played out, it turns out McElroy was right on the money.
McElroy’s Early 2025 Prediction
Ahead of the 2025 season, McElroy analyzed Tennessee’s roster, schedule, and coaching staff, making a bold yet well-reasoned forecast. He pointed to the Vols’ developing quarterback situation, their defensive improvements, and key returning starters as reasons for optimism. However, he also acknowledged the challenges posed by a tough SEC schedule and potential depth concerns.
McElroy projected that Tennessee would finish as a strong contender in the SEC East but might fall just short of making the College Football Playoff. He predicted a 10-2 or 9-3 record, with competitive games against top-tier opponents like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU.
How the Vols’ Season Played Out
As the season unfolded, Tennessee followed the script almost exactly as McElroy had outlined. Their offense, led by a developing quarterback and a talented receiving corps, proved explosive. Meanwhile, the defense, though improved, had some inconsistencies, especially against elite competition.
The Vols picked up big wins over Florida and Kentucky, but tough losses to Georgia and Alabama kept them from securing an SEC Championship Game berth. Just as McElroy predicted, they finished with a 10-2 record, earning a major bowl bid but narrowly missing the playoff.
Why McElroy’s Prediction Was So Accurate
McElroy’s deep understanding of the game, combined with his experience as a former quarterback, allowed him to assess Tennessee’s strengths and weaknesses with precision. He correctly identified:
- The QB’s Development – Tennessee’s young quarterback took a big step forward but wasn’t quite at the elite level needed to take down the best SEC defenses.
- The Defense’s Growth – The Vols’ defense was improved from previous years but still had issues against top-tier offenses.
- The Brutal SEC Schedule – Tennessee had the talent to win most of its games but ran into roadblocks against powerhouses like Georgia and Alabama.
What’s Next for the Vols?
With a strong season under their belt, Tennessee appears to be on the cusp of something special in 2026. If they can build on their progress and continue improving in key areas, they may finally break through into the College Football Playoff picture.
As for McElroy, his reputation as a top-tier analyst continues to grow. His ability to evaluate teams accurately has made him one of the most trusted voices in college football—and his 2025 Tennessee prediction only solidified that status.
