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'Just remember that' - Alabama Crimson Tide star player sends quick message to the Tennessee Vols ahead of rematch in 2025

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated May 31, 2025 11:40 AM ET

The Tennessee Vols' biggest win in 2024 was arguably their 24-17 win against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Knoxville.

After going winless against the Crimson Tide from 2007 to 2021, the Vols have now won two of their past three matchups against Alabama.

Tennessee, however, still hasn't won a game in Tuscaloosa since 2003.

The Vols will travel to Alabama in 2025 for the latest installment of the "Third Saturday in October" rivalry.

And Crimson Tide superstar wide receiver Ryan Williams wants to make sure the Vols don't forget that.

Williams recently appeared on Jon Gruden's Inside the FFCA podcast and he had a fun back and forth with Gruden about the Tennessee vs Alabama rivalry.

"I hate Alabama, I'm a Tennessee Vol, man," said Gruden. "My wife went to Tennessee."

"I mean, y'all come to us this year, just remember that," responded Williams.

Jon Gruden: “I hate Alabama, I’m a Tennessee Vol”

Ryan Williams: “Y’all come to us this year, just remember that” pic.twitter.com/cdGbr3rRp5
— zach ragan (@zachTNT) May 31, 2025

During his appearance on Gruden's show, Williams noted that Alabama has "red eyes" going into games against teams they lost to in 2024 (Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Tennessee during the regular season).

"I mean, just every game we fell short [in] last year, we definitely got red eyes going into them [this season]," said Williams.

Tennessee's chances of reaching the College Football Playoff for a second straight season hinge on their three biggest rivalry games this fall -- at home against Georgia, on the road against Florida, and on the road against Alabama.

The Vols essentially have to win at least one of those three games, while taking care of business in the other nine games on their schedule (all of which Tennessee should be favored in) in order to return to the College Football Playoff in 2025.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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