Tennessee Volunteers @ Syracuse Orange Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 8/30/2025 12:00 PM EDT

We have your Tennessee Volunteers @ Syracuse Orange prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Tennessee Volunteers hit the road to face the Syracuse Orange.

Tennessee Volunteers @ Syracuse Orange Pick

Best Moneyline Odds: Tennessee Volunteers -550 at Caesars | Syracuse Orange +430 at Fanduel.
Best Spread Odds: Tennessee Volunteers -13.5 (-115) at ESPN BET | Syracuse Orange +14.0 (-110) at BetMGM.
Best Total Odds: Over 50.5 (-115) at BetMGM | Under 51.5 (-110) at Fanduel.

Game Info

Date: August 30, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM EDT
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
TV: -

Tennessee Volunteers @ Syracuse Orange Preview

The 2025 college football season kicks off with an intriguing neutral-site matchup in Atlanta as the Tennessee Volunteers travel to face the Syracuse Orange. Both teams are coming off successful 10-win seasons but enter this campaign with significant changes, particularly at the quarterback position and along their respective offensive lines.

For the Tennessee Volunteers, the biggest storyline is the transition at quarterback, with Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar taking the reins from Nico Iamaleava. Aguilar brings a track record of high touchdown numbers (56 over the last two seasons) but also a tendency for interceptions (24). The Volunteers will also feature a largely new offensive line, with four starters departing, and an unproven running back group following Dylan Sampson's exit. Despite these changes, head coach Josh Heupel's system has consistently produced a strong rushing attack, eclipsing 2,500 yards every season. Defensively, Tennessee looks to be a formidable unit, returning experienced players in the front seven and secondary, having ranked 7th in scoring defense, 10th in rushing defense, and 29th in passing defense last season.

The Syracuse Orange, under second-year head coach Fran Brown, also face a significant rebuild on offense. They lost starting quarterback Kyle McCord, leading rusher LeQuint Allen, and their top three receivers. Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli steps in at quarterback, and he'll be operating behind an offensive line that returns only one starter. The Orange defense, while more experienced overall, has question marks in the secondary, particularly at cornerback, where a 17-year-old reclassified player is expected to start. Syracuse's run defense was a notable weakness last year, ranking last in the ACC by allowing over 5 yards per carry. Adding to their challenges, wide receiver Darius Johnson is out for this opening game due to a leg injury.

This game presents a fascinating clash of styles and unknowns. While both offenses navigate new personnel, Tennessee's established run-game philosophy and strong defensive front could give them a significant edge against Syracuse's remade offensive line and struggling run defense. The Volunteers are heavily favored, with ESPN's FPI giving them an 88.6% chance of victory.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

The Tennessee Volunteers hold a perfect 3-0 all-time record against the Syracuse Orange. The most recent encounter between these two programs took place in 2001, where Tennessee secured a decisive 33-9 victory over Syracuse in Knoxville.

Pick: Tennessee Volunteers -13.5

The Tennessee Volunteers are poised to cover the -13.5 spread in their season opener against the Syracuse Orange. While both teams are undergoing significant offensive transitions, Tennessee's strengths align perfectly with Syracuse's weaknesses, creating a favorable matchup.

Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee's offense has consistently excelled in the running game, averaging over 2,500 rushing yards per season. This powerful ground attack will face a Syracuse defense that struggled mightily against the run last year, ranking last in the ACC by allowing over 5 yards per carry. Even with new faces on Tennessee's offensive line, their established system and talent should allow them to exploit this defensive vulnerability, controlling the clock and dictating the pace of the game.

On the defensive side, Tennessee's experienced front seven is expected to dominate the line of scrimmage. Syracuse's new quarterback, Steve Angeli, will be operating behind a largely remade offensive line, making him susceptible to pressure. Tennessee's pass rush should be able to consistently disrupt Angeli, forcing quick throws and potentially turnovers. Furthermore, Syracuse's secondary has notable question marks, including a young, inexperienced starting cornerback, which Tennessee's new quarterback Joey Aguilar could target for big plays downfield.

ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) projects an 88.6% chance of victory for the Volunteers, underscoring their significant advantage in this matchup. Despite the unknowns that come with a season opener and new personnel, Tennessee's superior talent in the trenches and their ability to exploit Syracuse's defensive shortcomings make them a strong pick to win comfortably and cover the spread.