Vols Have Top-10 Schedule Across CFB

ESPN graded the most difficult schedules in college football, and the Tennessee Volunteers have a daunting road ahead.

There's been a lot of conversation about elite programs scheduling lower-tier opponents in hopes of finding an easy road to the College Football Playoff. Conference play does force everyone into tough games, but most elite programs fall victim to that stereotype. However, according to a major network, the Tennessee Volunteers have one of the toughest 2023 schedules.

ESPN ranked the most difficult schedules in America up to 25 programs, and the Vols checked in at No. 8. We'll spare you the full list, though you can read it here. The biggest thing to note is that only one playoff team from last season made the list, with the Ohio State Buckeyes sitting at No. 23. Now, part of the reason is that those other playoff teams ARE the strength of schedule for other programs, and they can't play themselves. Nonetheless, the Vols scheduled some difficult out-of-conference games that set them over the top of other major schools. They start the season with two mid-majors in their first four games, but it gets much harder from there.

• September 2: vs. Virginia
• September 10: vs. Austin Peay
• September 16: @ Florida
• September 23: vs. UTSA
• September 30: vs. South Carolina
• October 14: vs. Texas A&M
• October 21: @ Alabama
• October 28: @ Kentucky
• November 4: vs. UConn
• November 11: @ Missouri
• November 18: vs. Georgia
• November 25: vs. Vanderbilt

Drawing Georgia at home is fortunate for the Vols, especially if they head into that game as College Football Playoff hopefuls like they did last season. The Bulldogs got a great crowd in Sanford Stadium last season, which affected their game against Tennessee from the opening kickoff. The other formidable opponent on the schedule is Alabama. The Vols proved they could beat the Crimson Tide last season, but they have a new challenge - they must beat them in Bryant-Denny Stadium. Legendary head coach Nick Saban is a staggering 183-25 at home and has only lost multiple times at home once, which was in 2007, his first year with the team.

South Carolina travels to Neyland Stadium this season, which will be a major game. The Gamecocks knocked off Tennessee at home last season, effectively ending the Vols' playoff hopes. They are searching for revenge, as are the fans, and that atmosphere could be the best of the weekend. Tennessee travels to Florida and Kentucky, and both squads could provide trap games. The Gators aren't expected to be too competitive this season, but Tennessee hasn't won in The Swamp since 2003. Kentucky added NC State transfer quarterback Devin Leary this offseason, a prospective first-round pick before the 2022 season. He's hoping to revitalize his career in Lexington under head coach Mark Stoops, and it could be a bounce-back year for the Wildcats after a disappointing 2022.

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