Tennessee vs. Syracuse Set for Noon Kickoff in 2025 Aflac Kickoff Game
The 2025 college football season will commence with a high-profile clash between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Syracuse Orange in the Aflac Kickoff Game. Scheduled for Saturday, August 30, the game will kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET and will be nationally televised on ABC. The matchup will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, marking a significant event for both programs.
This encounter represents the fourth meeting between Tennessee and Syracuse, with the Volunteers holding a 3-0 advantage in the series. Their last meeting occurred in 2001, resulting in a 33-9 victory for Tennessee. Notably, the two teams faced off in a memorable season opener in 1998, where Tennessee secured a 34-33 win, setting the tone for their national championship run that year.
The Aflac Kickoff Game is renowned for featuring marquee matchups to start the college football season, and the 2025 edition is no exception. Tennessee, coming off a 10-3 season and their first College Football Playoff appearance, aims to build on their recent success. Syracuse, under the leadership of head coach Fran Brown, concluded the previous season with a 10-3 record, signaling a resurgence for the program.
Adding to the excitement, the teams will compete for The Old Leather Helmet Trophy, a tradition in the Aflac Kickoff Game where the winning team dons a vintage leather helmet in celebration.
Tickets for the game are available through various outlets, including AllVols.com and other ticketing platforms. Fans from both schools are expected to create a vibrant atmosphere in Atlanta, showcasing the passion and tradition of college football.
As the season opener approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting start to the 2025 college football season. With both teams eager to make a statement, the Aflac Kickoff Game between Tennessee and Syracuse is set to be a must-watch event.