Paul Finebaum Names College Football Playoff Team That Won't Win 10 Games in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated May 15, 2025 11:00 AM ET

In 2024, six teams made the College Football Playoff for the first time in their programs' history. Now that these schools have experienced the playoffs, they are eager to establish themselves as regular contenders.

But the Tennessee Volunteers – like every team – will need to replace some key players to remain in contention. While some departures were anticipated, others came as a surprise.

The Volunteers finished last season with a record of 10-3, but they will need to fill the void left by stars such as running back Dylan Sampson and defensive end James Pearce Jr.

Both departures were expected: Sampson had a strong junior season, and Pearce Jr. was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The unexpected loss came with quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who decided to transfer after his redshirt freshman season. The former five-star recruit threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. He will be replaced by former Appalachian State quarterback Joey Aguilar, who originally committed to UCLA.

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum was asked how many wins he expects Tennessee to achieve this season. He mentioned that the outcome will likely depend on the quarterback position.

"I think being Nico-less makes it more challenging until we really know more about Aguilar," Finebaum said. "I think he's capable. But, you think about the big games...I think 9-3 is realistic."

Finebaum noted that he believes the Volunteers' schedule is fairly easy and manageable.

In his view, the challenging games include matches at home against the Georgia Bulldogs and away games against the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators. He also mentioned the Oklahoma Sooners but pointed out that since the game is at home, it provides the Volunteers with an advantage.

Because of this, Finebaum predicts that in a worst-case scenario, Tennessee will finish the 2025 season with an 8-4 record. He added that there is still much to sort out regarding the quarterback situation.

Aguilar threw for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions while completing 60.1% of his passes. He has also rushed for 452 yards and five touchdowns in his two seasons at Appalachian State.

The Volunteers will kick off their season on Aug. 30 against the Syracuse Orange at noon ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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