Big Orange Report November 13, 2025

 

Homecoming, A Special Time

Tennessee will entertain New Mexico State on Saturday with kickoff slated for 3:15 CST. The game is slated to be televised on the SEC network. It is Homecoming in Knoxville, always a very special time with some wonderful thoughts and memories shared by the University's alumni and fans. There are several reunions scheduled at the school with tailgates planned and parades on both Friday and Saturday. On Friday, The Little Vol Walk will take place at around 3:30 for children 10-years old and younger. Of course the alumni band will be on hand and that is always one of the highlights of a weekend that is truly appreciated and treasured by those who attend this special event.
One of the biggest tailgate parties is slated to begin at 11 a.m. EST at the Agriculture and Natural Resources Complex on Saturday morning.  The stories and memories will flow at all the events and those in attendance will re-ignite friendships and feelings to be shared with folks they may not have seen in quite some time.
Gear Up
New Mexico State limps into town with a 3-6 record. The Aggies are coming off a 24-21 loss to Kennesaw State last weekend. The Vols need to rev up the engines and prepare for the stretch run that will determine their eventual bowl destination, final rankings and it will have an obvious effect on recruiting and effective results from the transfer portal.
Tennessee has opened as a 38.5 favorite in the early betting line.  
Key Matchups
Vol offensive tackles vs. Jamall Thompson-- The Aggies' star defensive end is a veteran pass rusher and run stopper. Thompson (6-3,270) has recorded 49 tackles and three sacks this season. Tennessee's left tackle, Lance Heard, has been solid all year but the right side has sprung a few leaks as of late. Freshman David Sanders has struggled as he receives on the job training at right tackle but he has a high ceiling and should show some improvement in these final three regular season games.
Tennessee secondary vs. Donovan Faupel-- The NMSU wide receiver is a very talented pass catcher with excellent speed and good hands. He has caught 39 passes for 476 yards and three touchdowns so far this fall. Vol cornerback Colton Hood is back to full speed but Jermond McCoy is still expected to be out.
Vol offensive line vs. Aggies' front seven-- Tennessee needs to get the running game in gear before traveling to the Swamp to face Florida. The blocking inside, from guard, center and guard, has been subpar for a month now. This is something to keep an eye on in this contest and hope for improvement.
Early Signing Days on Tap
Tennessee athletic programs have an eye on the future this week when the early signing period begins on Wednesday. Basketball, Baseball and Softball coaches, along with all the fall and spring sports, will have one week to sign the players that have been recruited over the past several months.
Softball coach Karen Weakley is expected to add McNairy County's Bailee Shelton, a pitcher that is ranked as the No. 25 overall prospect in the nation this cycle.
The football dates include just a three day window, December 3-5. Of course all sports will have another opportunity to add new faces next year and that could be the time when transfers will be in the headlines.
For Coach Josh Heupel's program, there is an impressive list of verbal commitments right now. Tennessee's pledges are currently ranked the No. 8 class in the nation by On3/Rivals. Five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon (6-3.5, 195, 4.5) is one marquee name expected to sign with UT. Brandon, who hails from Greensboro, North Carolina, is rated the No.1 quarterback prospect in the nation by 247Sports.

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