UAB Heads to Rocky Top for Tough Test Against No. 15 Tennessee

MOODY, AL. - September 20, 2025 - The UAB Blazers (2-1) will face their steepest challenge of the season Saturday as they travel to Neyland Stadium to take on the No. 15-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (2-1). Kickoff is set for 12:45 p.m. ET (11:45 a.m. CT) and will air on the SEC Network.

Both teams enter Week 4 with identical records, but the Volunteers are heavy favorites-listed as 39-point favorites by oddsmakers-with one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Tennessee is averaging a staggering 52.7 points per game, ranking sixth nationally, and has racked up over 568 yards of offense per contest.

UAB, meanwhile, is coming off a narrow 31–28 win over Akron and has shown flashes of offensive firepower, particularly through the air. Quarterback Jalen Kitna has thrown for 892 yards and six touchdowns through three games, while wideout C.J. Milliner leads the team with 268 receiving yards and three scores.

Tennessee's Offensive Juggernaut

The Volunteers are led by quarterback Joey Aguilar, who passed for 371 yards and four touchdowns in last week's overtime loss to Georgia. His favorite target, Chris Brazzell II, has emerged as one of the nation's top receivers with 364 yards and five touchdowns on the season.

Running back Star Thomas adds balance to Tennessee's attack, averaging 6.7 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns. The Vols have also excelled on third down, converting nearly 58% of their attempts-good for 12th nationally.

Despite their offensive dominance, Tennessee's defense has shown vulnerability, allowing 29 points per game and ranking 105th in scoring defense. Their pass defense has been particularly porous, giving up 248 yards per game through the air.

UAB's Uphill Battle

UAB will need a near-perfect performance to keep pace. The Blazers have struggled defensively, allowing 36 points per game and ranking near the bottom nationally in total defense. Their run defense has been especially leaky, surrendering over 218 rushing yards per game.

Still, the Blazers have weapons. Kitna's poise in the pocket and Milliner's big-play ability give UAB a fighting chance to exploit Tennessee's secondary. Running back Jevon Jackson has added 277 rushing yards and three touchdowns, though he'll face a stout Vols front that allows just 116 yards per game on the ground.

Historical Context and Stakes

This marks the first meeting between UAB and Tennessee since 2019, when the Vols won 30–7 in Knoxville. For UAB, a competitive showing would bolster confidence heading into AAC play. For Tennessee, it's a chance to rebound from last week's heartbreak and sharpen their defense before facing Mississippi State and Alabama in October.

With over 100,000 fans expected at Neyland Stadium and SEC implications looming, Saturday's game promises fireworks-especially if UAB can keep it close early.