University of Tennessee
1-0 , 0-0
Syracuse
0-1 , 0-0
#24/18 Vols Triumph in Atlanta, Down Syracuse 45-26
August 30, 2025 | Football
The Vols (1-0) struck quickly with 17 first-quarter points. After Max Gilbert drilled a 34-yard field goal on UT's opening drive, sophomore running back Peyton Lewis capped an 85-yard march with a 2-yard touchdown plunge. The defense added to the lead moments later as Nathan Robinson forced a strip sack that transfer cornerback Colton Hood scooped and returned 22 yards for a score.
Syracuse (0-1) got on the board early in the second quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run, but Tennessee answered immediately. Quarterback Joey Aguilar connected with Braylon Staley on a beautiful 73-yard strike to restore momentum. After the Orange pulled within 24-14 late in the half, the Vols responded again. A 47-yard burst from DeSean Bishop set up his own 1-yard touchdown run, sending UT to the locker room ahead, 31-14.
The defense provided another spark to open the second half as Jalen McMurray tipped a pass in the backfield and junior linebacker Jeremiah Telander intercepted it. Aguilar turned the takeaway into points, finding running back Star Thomas on a 7-yard touchdown reception.
Syracuse battled back with a pair of rushing scores to close within 38-26 early in the fourth quarter, but the Vols put the game away with a methodical nine-play, 54-yard drive. Aguilar hit Miles Kitselman from two yards out to push the margin back to three scores. Tennessee's defense sealed the win with a fourth-down stop at its own 4-yard line in the final minutes.
Aguilar was in command of the offense, finishing 16-of-28 for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Brazzell II paced the receivers with five catches for 62 yards, while Staley added four receptions for 95 yards and a score. On the ground, Thomas rushed for 92 yards and added a receiving touchdown, while Bishop added 82 yards with his first-half score.
On defense, junior linebacker Arion Carter led the way with a team-high nine tackles, including a sack and a tackle for loss. McMurray and edge rusher Joshua Josephs each recorded seven stops with one tackle for loss and one sack apiece. As a unit, the Vols finished with five sacks and seven tackles tackles for loss.
Tennessee finished with 493 yards of total offense and was a perfect 5-of-5 in the red zone.
Up Next
Tennessee returns to Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6, for its home opener against ETSU. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.
Team Stats
SYR 0, TEN 3
TEN - Gilbert,Max 34 yd field goal 9 plays, 59 yards, TOP 02:14
SYR 0, TEN 10
TEN - Lewis,Peyton 2 yd run (Gilbert,Max kick), 12 plays, 85 yards, TOP 03:35
SYR 0, TEN 17
TEN - Hood,Colton 22 yd fumble recovery (Gilbert,Max kick)
SYR 7, TEN 17
SYR - Willis,Yasin 2 yd run (Woody,Tripp kick), 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:16
SYR 7, TEN 24
TEN - Staley,Braylon 73 yd pass from Aguilar,Joey (Gilbert,Max kick) 2 plays, 75 yards, TOP 00:26
SYR 14, TEN 24
SYR - Cook II,Johntay 3 yd pass from Angeli,Steve (Woody,Tripp kick) 9 plays, 49 yards, TOP 03:38
SYR 14, TEN 31
TEN - Bishop,DeSean 1 yd run (Gilbert,Max kick), 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 01:29
SYR 14, TEN 38
TEN - Thomas,Star 7 yd pass from Aguilar,Joey (Gilbert,Max kick) 7 plays, 17 yards, TOP 02:27
SYR 20, TEN 38
SYR - Willis,Yasin 1 yd run (), 12 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:49
SYR 26, TEN 38
SYR - Willis,Yasin 1 yd run (), 14 plays, 88 yards, TOP 05:19
SYR 26, TEN 45
TEN - Kitselman,Miles 2 yd pass from Aguilar,Joey (Gilbert,Max kick) 9 plays, 54 yards, TOP 04:42
