Overview

• Kickoff is Saturday, Aug. 30 at 12 p.m. ET at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in the Aflac Kickoff game.
• Sportsbooks price Tennessee around -14 to -14.5, while Dimers’ model puts the Vols near 79% to win with a 31–19 projection.
• Both teams debut new transfer quarterbacks, with Syracuse starting Notre Dame’s Steve Angeli and Tennessee turning to Appalachian State’s Joey Aguilar.
• The matchup features Syracuse’s nation‑leading 2024 passing offense against Tennessee’s powerful ground game and elite defense from last season.
• ABC’s broadcast team is slated as Bob Wischusen, Louis Riddick and Kris Budden, and Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy is questionable as Syracuse notes mostly minor injuries with WR Darius Johnson out.