Vols kick off season against Chattanooga | What you need to know

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tennessee Volunteers are returning to Neyland Stadium to kick off the 2024-25 football season.

The Vols will host the Chattanooga Mocs on Saturday for what’s expected to be an opening blowout.

The game starts at 12:45 p.m. and will air on the SEC Network.

As of Friday, the Vols are a 38.5-point favorite over their fellow state university. Tennessee marches into the season ranked No. 25 in the AP polls.

Last season, the Vols notched a 9-4 season and took home a bowl win after decimating then-No. 17 Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

This season will mark head coach Josh Heupel’s fourth at the helm. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava had his first career start in last season’s Citrus Bowl, but Saturday will be his first time as a starter in Neyland.

For their part, the Mocs are looking to make a statement in what will surely be the loudest game of their season. Chattanooga finished 8-5 last season after falling to Furman in the Southern Conference championship.

After the Chattanooga, the Vols will head to Charlotte for a neutral site matchup against No. 24 NC State.

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