Tennessee football's SEC opener comes against the top-ranked team in the nation.
The No. 13 Vols (3-0) are hosting No. 1 Texas at Neyland Stadium on Sept. 26 (noon, ABC). It'll be a spectacle with ESPN's "College Gameday" in Knoxville and even President Donald Trump planning to watch the game in the stadium.
Here's what to know about the matchup.
Can Tennessee contain Arch Manning?
Arch Manning may be known more in Knoxville as Peyton Manning's nephew than the Longhorns' starting quarterback, but he's a potential top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The senior was a trendy pick to win the Heisman Trophy before the season started.
It hasn't quite been that kind of year so far for Manning, but he's shown flashes, like in the fourth quarter against Ohio State when Texas erased a 20-point
deficit. There have also been inconsistencies, though, and he has struggled on the road in his career.
In eight SEC games last season, Manning threw no interceptions at home and four on the road. He was also sacked less than once per game in Austin and 4.3 times per game away from home.
Manning will be walking into a hostile environment at Neyland Stadium, which won't make things easier.
Texas has one of the nation's best rosters
There's an argument to be made that Texas has the most talented roster in the country top to bottom.
Manning has an excess of weapons at his disposal on offense. Hollywood Smothers was one of the best running backs in the transfer portal and Manning throws to two of the best receivers in the SEC: Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman. Tennessee secondary coach Anthony Poindexter was asked what stood out about Coleman and Wingo on film.
His response: "What doesn't stand out about them?"
Texas' defense is also elite. Up front, edge rusher Colin Simmons is a projected top-10 draft pick. Rasheem Biles was a preseason All-American at linebacker. The secondary has defended everyone well so far except for Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, which there's little shame in.
Simmons' status is uncertain after he left the game against UTSA on Sept. 19 and was spotted in a walking boot. He was listed as probable on Texas' injury report on Sept. 23.
This will be Tennessee's first real test this season
This will be a major test of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' defense in his first SEC game with the Vols. The Longhorns' receivers are dangerous downfield, putting pressure on a safety group that had to replace expected starter Edrees Farooq after a preseason injury. The defensive line will also be up against a strong offensive line.
Experience and depth at the linebacker position should help keep Tennessee's defense on task.
This will also be easily the biggest start of freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon's young career to this point. Joey Aguilar had his breakout game last year in a similar spot against Georgia, and Tennessee had a chance to win that game in regulation. If Brandon can do something similar, Tennessee could have the upper hand.
Tennessee will be without defensive back Dylan Lewis (foot). Lewis wore a walking boot after suffering an apparent foot injury in Tennessee's 42-9 win over Kennesaw State on Sept. 19. missed the Kennesaw State game due to injuries. Defensive lineman Nathan Robinson and running back Javin Gordon are questionable.
Tennessee vs Texas prediction
Texas 34, Tennessee 28: Texas is rightfully favored in this one, but it should be close. The Vols will likely have opportunities in the fourth quarter, especially if Brandon can avoid sacks and turnovers to keep Tennessee's offense on schedule.
The experience and offensive firepower of Texas will test Tennessee's defense, though, and a few explosive plays might push the Longhorns over the top late.
Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Will Tennessee football knock off No. 1 Texas in SEC opener? Our pick
