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The 2026 season just around the corner on Rocky top, and the Tennessee Volunteers enter, dare I say, as one of the most underrated teams in the sec. Certainly all sights are set getting back to the College Football Playoff as they did in 2024, and it's a pivotal year for the Josh Hyple tenure to say the very least. I'm locking in my game by game predictions. Guys, before we get there really quickly, let's first look at what our friends over at Koshi think about Tennessee heading into kickoff. When it comes to regular season wins, Koshi gives Tennessee an 85% chance to win four or more games, 87% to win five or more, 83% to win six or more, 75% to win seven or more, 57% to win eight or more, 37% to win nine or more, 22% to win 10 or more, 9% to win 11 or more, 8 and 4% to get to 12 wins. So guys, the over under, if you do the math here and look at the numbers, the big drop in percentage happens between 8 plus and 9 plus when it goes to 57% to 37%. So Cali I would argue is actually pretty high on Tennessee. Right at that eight and a half number is kind of where they have that over under win total set. Much different than some of the off season narrative stuff that you hear about the balls that this is going to be a down year and they're going to struggle in certain areas. I would argue KI's pretty high on Tennessee to the point to where they look at them at minimum as a college Football playoff darkhorse. On that note, when it comes to qualifying for the College Football Playoff, Ki gives Tennessee a 20%, 26%, excuse me, chance to make the College Football Playoff and make the final field of 12. So pretty good numbers. Higher than a lot of other notable teams from the SEC, 26% chance. If you're feeling frisky, go place your wager day over at Cali. But guys, with that being said, these are my game by game predictions for the Tennessee balls as we pull up the 2026 schedule and we start in week number one against the Furman Paladin, Saturday, September 5th. Guys, it's not a matter of if Tennessee is going to win this football game, it's a matter of how. Right? And I think the big news and the big storyline here to follow of course is the quarterback battle between Faison, Brandon and George McIntyre. Do we know who QB1 is at this point or is this a battle that Josh Hypo allows to linger into the season, go into week one. Let them let him settle it on the field. I tend to think we're gonna know. I tend to think Josh Hyple is going to name a starter because obviously you know what you have in week number two. I think it would be of the utmost value to get QB1 as many valuable reps as you can the longer you let this battle linger potentially. And of course Josh Hyp knows best. He knows the quarterback position. I'm not trying to tell him how to do this thing. But obviously the challenge you have in Atlanta on the road, week two, you'd like to know who that guy is. But week one guys, it's the same for everybody. Obviously dusting off the cobwebs, ironing out the kinks if you will, and just getting this thing going and getting off to a fast start. Building some early momentum again. We'll have all eyes fixated on the quarterback position, but also the offensive line, the run game. Deshawn Bishop, how do they look? You would expect they'll look really, really good. Braylon Staley, Mike Matthews I think will be a story for this ball game. Who's going to step up early and emerge as that go to guy on the outside. How about defensively? Jim Knowles first year DC taken over. Does everyone Carter play in this game? Unfortunately that is a storyline because the NCAA can't get their head out of their ass. But it is what it is. But how does a Jim Knowles Tennessee defense look again? Tennessee is going to win this football game. They're going to start one and oh, I've got the balls winning. But how does it look? I will say in years past, Josh Hypel and company they have not been afraid of running up the score in these games. So I do think Tennessee is going to win. I think Tennessee is going to win big as they look to build early momentum. A one and O start for Josh Hyp and Co. Then week two, a really intriguing game on the road at Georgia Tech. This a night game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. And here's what I will say and I know Tennessee fans will agree with me. If you are a legit contender this year to make any sort of noise, I'm not even saying for sure go to the playoff, but at minimum even be in the conversation. This is a game that you have to win and I think Tennessee fans look at this game at this point in Josh Hypo's tenure as a must win. Like you have to have this game especially all Due respect, the program Brent Key has put together because he has put together an incredible program. Georgia Tech has been a really tough out over these last couple years. But no more Haynes King, they lost their OC and Buster Faulkner to Florida. This is one that I think Tennessee should win and this is one I think Tennessee will win. I think Tennessee will move to 20 early in the season here. I think the balls take down Georgia Tech. It's a tricky game. It's a trap game, it's an upset alert game, no doubt. But if Tennessee is going to be the team that I think they're going to be this season, this is a game they will win. So for that reason, I am picking them to win this football game and move to two. And oh, then week three, you get Kennesaw State. Same thing as week one, guys looking to build some early momentum before you go into SEC play. And obviously what awaits you in week number four, putting the finishing touches on whatever you need to work on on yourselves. Right. Whatever fundamentals, whatever things need to get fixed, whatever areas of opportunity you have with your football team continuing to build, whoever's under center confidence. Yeah, I mean it's a get right game essentially. It's an opportunity. Maybe some rest. Some guys, even before you go into SEC play, balls win. Balls win big. They move to three and oh, then the first big, big test of this season arrives in week number four, your SEC opener. That is at Neyland Stadium. Let me start by saying this. As the Texas Longhorns come to town, it is criminal that this game is at noon. Criminal. Absolutely criminal. How is this not an afternoon game? How is this not a night game? I will never understand it either way though. It is your checker kneeling game. And guys, I got to experience my first ever checker kneeling game last year and I can attest it just hits different. It hits different than anything I've ever experienced as a college football fan. It will be a great atmosphere. Even with it being at noon, you know, Vol fans are going to show up. That being said, I do think you suffer your first loss of the season right here. If for no other reason than this, guys. I mean, I believe in Texas. I think Texas is going to the SEC title game. First big test for a new quarterback. And I know it's at home that that works in his favor. But first big test against one of the best defenses in college football will must chance serving as the new D.C. there. I, I do think this will be, if you don't want to use the word elite it's going to be an above average defense. I will go as the far to say I do think it will be an elite defense. Again, one of the better defenses certainly in the SEC and all of college football. I think that's asking too much for a young quarterback. Now listen, what does the run game look like? If you're able to get something going potentially, maybe you take some of the pressure off. And Jim Knowles, what can he dial up against Arch Manning in that Texas offense? I just think Texas is too much though, guys. I, I think Texas is significantly more talented than you and I. I don't think that's a shot. I don't think that's a hot take. I think Texas is the most talented team in the entire conference. This will be a great opportunity for Tennessee from the standpoint. You hate to say moral victories, right? And take moral victories, but if you can take Texas down to the wire again, no moral victories. But I think internally at minimum, you look at it as, hey, we can go toe to toe with some of the best teams in the country. Whether you think Texas is one of the best teams in the country or not, that's up to you. But if you can do that, keep this thing close, at least scare the idea of pulling the upset. I think that could go a long way for Tennessee. But I do have Texas coming in getting the win. If this game was at night, would it make a difference? I mean, maybe, but yeah, I think the Horns are just too good guys. I think the Horns are just too talented. I think Texas will get the win here. So you suffer your first loss, drop to 3 and 1 the following week you got the Auburn Tigers at Neat Stadium. I do think Tennessee will bounce back the right way. Year one of Alex Golish. Byron Brown's a really exciting player. This is probably the part of the season going in the month of October. We should really start, if not before, by the way, but we should really start to see Jim Knowles defensive schemes and everything start to take root. I do think you win this game. I think this team will bounce back the right way again. Neyland Stadium still one of the most difficult places in all of college football to play. Good chance this is a night game by the way. You will not lose back to back home games. I. I just don't see it. You're not going to lose back to back home games here. I like you to beat Auburn again. Asking Byron Brown and a largely USF offense to go in an Elan Stadium at night win a football game. I think it's just asking too much. I think you would have limit Byron Brown. Interesting matchup between Auburn defensively and Tennessee offensively. I like DJ Durk and a lot at Auburn, but I do think Tennessee gets the win win here. They bounce back from the tough Texas loss and are sitting at 4 and 1 through five weeks of the season going into Saturday, October 10th sitting at 4 and 1. You then hit head to Fayetteville Arkansas to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. Now listen, I totally understand guys. This is where I'm going to lose a lot of you. This is where I'm going to lose a lot of you. A lot of you right now are going to exit out unsubscribe block us on social media. It is what it is but I am going to call my shot here. I was at this game two years ago and I witnessed the unthinkable at that time which was a not so good Arkansas team beat a. What was it top five in the country at that time Tennessee football team. Was that Arkansas team better than this one? Yes, I believe so. I don't know that this Tennessee team is better than the 2024 one that went to the College Football Playoff. It's TBD, right? For whatever reason though, Tennessee has just had it's been a house of horrors for them going to fville. Look at the history. Y' all know. I don't have to tell you it's been a house of horrors. And I do, I do think Arkansas for as much of a rebuild as it is and as bad as we all think they're going to be, I don't think they're going defeated in SEC play. I think this is the one they get give me Arkansas to pull one of the biggest upsets of the season. I think also where the game sits for Tennessee could make this a bit of a trap game, right? Auburn, you know you come Texas Auburn after Arkansas you got Alabama. This serves it is in the perfect spot for this type of thing to happen. So give me Arkansas big upset. Tennessee then falls to four and two at the halfway point. What is the vibe around Josh Hypo in this team at that point? I'm curious. I really do wonder knowing you still have Bama A M LSU Vandy to close it. I wonder what the vibe and the energy and by the way, I think Josh Hypel should be back in 2027 barring complete disaster I made. I'm a fan of Josh Eiple but y' all have heard the off season rumblings and chatter from the Fan base as well. I just, I'm curious what it would be sitting at 4 and 2 the following week. You got the Alabama Crimson Tide coming to town coming off a really tough loss, right? Almost feels kind of like desperation mode. If you're going to make a run of the playoff, I mean, you can maybe lose one more, certainly can't lose two more. So this one becomes pivotal, this one becomes of utmost importance. And I think Tennessee for the third straight time at Neyland Stadium beats Alabama. Guys, they've solved the riddle. At least in Neyland Stadium, Tennessee has solved the riddle that is Alabama. And I was at the last one, 20, 24. Incredible atmosphere, incredible environment. I think Alabama is going to be a really good team this year. I do. But that place at night, young quarterback most likely and Kelon Russell and again, I think this Tennessee team will bounce back the right way. They will not let you know. Bad, bad road losses have haunted Josh Hyple in Tennessee. I don't think they'll let that affect him in this one. They've been equally as good at home as they have been at times. Bad on the road. I think coming back home will do wonders. I think this could potentially be the Faison Brandon game because I do think Faison Brandon's going to be the guy. This could be the Faison Brandon game here where he really breaks out. But I'm calling my shot. Yet again. I think Tennessee beats Alabama. A crazy two week stretch and they move to 5 and 2. Bobs are high on Rocky top beating the Crimson Tide. Then you go to South Carolina the following week. Here's the theme, guys. I think with a young quarterback, I think there are going to be some ups and downs. I think it's going to be a little bit of a roller coaster. Obviously we all recall what happened the last time Tennessee went to Williams Bryce stadium. That was 2022 where Spencer Rattler in the Gamecocks inexplicably hung up 63 points. He inexplicably threw through, I think over 400 yards. And Tennessee's playoff chances were wrecked on that night. Not to reopen an old scab, but we all recall what happened the last time they played there. These games are always close too. I'm glad to see this one back on the schedule. These games are always fun, always entertaining, always really, really close. Here is the one of the biggest things going against Tennessee in this football game. If you watch my South Carolina predictions, I think South Carolina comes into this one. Shane Beamer's job. I think will be on the line in this football game. I think it will be a win or get out of town type scenario for Shane Beamer. And guys, y' all know as well as I do what Williams Bryce Stadium does to people. It does what very similar Neyland Stadium does to people. I think South Carolina eclipse you. I, I think they get you here. I, I do. I, I think the Gamecocks at home, backs against the wall, I think they're able to beat you. I think Lenora Sellers has a big night. I think they're able to solve that Jim Knowles defense. And I think South Carolina does it again, not like they did in 2022, obviously. I do think this is a really close, competitive down the wire game. I think this is a toss up game. But I do think South Carolina gets you. So a very topsy turvy month of October if it goes the way I've predicted. Win, loss, win, loss. So going in the month of November or going into bye week, I should say Halloween weekend. Going into the bye week, you sit at 5 and 3 again. I wonder what the mood of the fan base would be if you're at 5 and 3 going into the final month of the season. Then November 7th comes around, right? You're 5 and 3. You get the Kentucky Wildcats at home. Homecoming in Knoxville. You're going to win this football game. Will Stein, Year one of Kentucky. Some exciting pieces. Offensively, I like Kenny Minchi a lot. I think they're going to be much more exciting to watch. But look up the history as well. Tennessee just does not lose to Kentucky at Neyland Stadium and it ain't going to be this year that it happens. And a much needed one. After you're able to lick your wounds, go through the bye week, kind of reevaluate, readjust, reset. I think it'll be pivotal for this team, by the way, to get that you will move to 6 and 3 on the season. Then the following week at Texas A and M, really tough place to go play, man. And I do think Texas A at this point for all the questions. I think A and M does have offensive lines. A question, can they get the best version of Marcel Reed on a more consistent basis? You know, I, I still do think Texas A and M, college football playoff contender, they'll be really salty defensively again. They've got some really fun weapons on the outside and the running back position again. I think Marcel Reed's better than people give credit for. I do think you drop this one, I think you fall to 6 and 4, which it's funny, like 6 and 4 does not sound like it's meeting the expectations for Tennessee. Right. And again, I wonder what the mood of the fan base is at this point. But A M in College Station, I think this is one of your more difficult games on the schedule. And so I think Tennessee falls here, 6 and 4 is where you sit. Second to last game of the season. You host the LSU Tigers. Lane Kiffin coming back to Knoxville again. Like I said, guys, Neyland Stadium does some weird things to people. And I'm not buying in on the LSU hype nearly as much as some people are. I think at this point in the season, late in the season, kind of a feeling of backs against the wall, I think you score. I don't even know. Should we call it an upset? I don't think we should call this an upset. I think some will, but I will not. I think Tennessee gets the win over lsu. Here they come back home, play their best ball. Good chance. It's a night game again at Neyland Stadium. I think you win this football game. Much needed win after we're crazy last month or so, you move to seven and four on the season. I think Jim Knowles defensively key in this football game, able to slow down that LSU offense and you score a massive, massive home win to move to 7 and 4. Final game of the season at Vanderbilt. And, and I will say this, right, wrong or indifferent, I think if you go into this game In Nashville with a 74 record, this game will have a feeling of whether it's again, right or wrong. This game will have a feeling of this is for Josh H's job. Because I think at 8 and 4 you can sell that. I think fans will be fine with 8 and 4 in a quote unquote transition year with a young quarterback. Right. Seven and five and losing to Vandy, again, I just do not think will sit well with the fan base. Here's the good news. I think you win this football game, I do think you beat Vandy, you get revenge for last year. Guys, I think Vandy's gonna take a, a pretty major step back. I mean, listen, Diego Pavia was the heartbeat of that program. And I, I like Clark Lee a lot. I like what he's built. But they're gonna take a step back with a young quarterback. And here's the deal too, guys, you know, going to first bank, half the stadium at minimum is going to be Tennessee Orange. So it's not like you're going to some hostile road environment. I think the balls get the win, finish off the season at 8 and 4 overall, 5 and 4 in SEC play. Now, again, looking at this on its face, 8 and 4, I think, is a successful year for Tennessee. Y' all can disagree with me in the comments if you like, and if you do disagree, I'd love to hear your vantage point. I think 8 and 4 should be enough to get Josh Hypo and have Josh Hypo return to Rocky Top in 2027 and continue to build. I understand the expectations from Tennessee fans. Want it to feel like 98 want to get back to the College Football Playoff because once you've been and once you've experienced what that's like, right, 2024, you don't want to go backwards. And so last year you go 8 and 4, it'd be the. It would. Here's the deal. It'd be the same as last year's record, but I think it'd be different. I think in this scenario, guys, you beat Alabama, you beat lsu, you're not beating like last year, what was it? All eight wins came against teams who did not finish with a winning record. That would not obviously be the case this year. That would not be the case. Heck, I think Auburn could have a winning record. Georgia Tech could have a winning record. Kentucky could. I don't think they will, but they could. So it would look a lot different in my opinion. And I think if you go 8 and 4 with a young quarterback, Faison, Brandon, you got DGG coming to campus the following year. The prized running back signing, you'll be in year two of Jim Knowles. I think there will be things to be really excited about and I think at 8 and 4, you can sell that. Anything less than 8 and 4, I think we get in a gray area. I think 6 and 6 are worse and I don't know what Tennessee does, but I think from the fan base perspective, and y' all can speak on it better than I, I can, obviously, but I. From What I've gathered, 6 and 6 are worse. And I think Tennessee fans are going to want Josh hypo going again. 7 and 5, super great area. You need to get to 8 and 4 better to feel really, really good about being back in 2023. 7. I think they will. And I think Josh Ho's still the right guy for the job. I think Tennessee is actually one of the most underrated teams in this conference going into the season. I think Tennessee is closer to a 9 and 3 football team than they are 6 and 6 football team, I think they're closer to 10 and 2 than they are 5 and 7. I think Tennessee is actually a pretty good football team. I mean, if anything, I feel like I might have sold him a little bit short here. I think getting to 9 and 3 is very, very doable. That said, I do think there could be and will be some bumps in the road with a young quarterback. But the rest of this football team, I mean, big experienced offensive line, one of the best in the conference. Brayen Staley, Mike Matthews, if they can live up to their billing, you're set at receiver. DeSean Bishop, Thousand Yard rusher, you're set there. Questions at pass rush, totally get it. But you brought in Jim Knowles to do a job and I think he will. Ariane Carter, leader your defense. Hopefully again, he's not serving the suspension. Secondary should be a strength. There's a lot to like about this Tennessee team, but you got to win football games. So I think this mark, you know, it's interesting going through the exercise game by game and you get past A and M and you're like 6 and 4. Boy, that just does not sound good on its face. But however it happens, 8 and 4 or better I think is the goal for Tennessee. And I think if you do that, it can be a successful season. I think even in this scenario, I do think 8 and 4, 5 and 4 overall would be a success. So, guys, love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Where do you agree? Where do you disagree? How do you predict things shake out for Tennessee in the 2026 season? Guys, that's gonna do all for me. Really appreciate each and every single one of you tuning in. Before we get out of here, do you want to tell you about our friends over at Kalshee? Because as always, we are brought to you by our friends at Kalshee. Guys, everybody's making predictions, right? Including yours truly. Who wins the division, who makes the playoffs, who's lifting the trophy at seasons in. On Kalshee, America's number one prediction market platform, you can trade those predictions in a live market, guys. Everything from individual games to who wins the conference, who wins the national title, who wins the Heisman. And it's not just college football. It's not even just sports. 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Check us out where we get your podcast all across your favorite social media platforms as well as our website@sec unfiltered.com follow me on social media at C Philly 19 and stay tuned. A little more content. It's content bleeding out of the eyeballs Guys. Thanks again for tuning in. Appreciate each and every single one of you. Have a great rest of your day. We'll talk to you all on the other side.