College football fans are in for a treat this weekend as one of the most anticipated games of the early 2025 season is set to unfold. No. 6 Tennessee will travel to Norman to take on No. 15 Oklahoma in a pivotal Southeastern Conference showdown. The matchup, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC, will mark Oklahoma’s first-ever SEC game and the league opener for both programs.
Adding to the excitement, ESPN’s College Gameday will set up shop in Norman on Saturday morning, highlighting the national spotlight on this game. With both Tennessee and Oklahoma entering the contest undefeated at 3-0, fans can expect a high-stakes clash between two emerging powers looking to make a statement early in conference play.
For the Volunteers, the 2025 season has been nothing short of dominant so far. Tennessee has steamrolled its competition, outscoring Chattanooga, NC State, and Kent State by a staggering combined margin of 191-13. That point differential is not only impressive—it’s an SEC record through three games. Tennessee’s offense has been nearly unstoppable, leading the nation in scoring with an average of 63.7 points per game. They also rank second nationally in total offense, piling up 639.3 yards per contest, and third in rushing with an average of 336.3 yards on the ground.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been at the center of Tennessee’s offensive explosion. The young signal caller has quickly become one of the nation’s most talked-about players, showcasing his poise and athleticism through the first three weeks. He’s been well supported by running back Dylan Sampson, who has already racked up nine rushing touchdowns, powering Tennessee’s relentless ground game.
This game holds a special significance for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, who has deep ties to the Oklahoma program. Heupel famously led the Sooners as their starting quarterback during their 2000 national championship season, finishing second in Heisman Trophy voting that year. Later, he returned to Oklahoma as the offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2014, further cementing his legacy in Norman. Now, he’ll look to lead the Volunteers against his alma mater in a game that carries personal and professional weight.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, is eager to prove itself in its SEC debut. The Sooners, also 3-0, have shown promise under sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold. Arnold has passed for 484 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 159 rushing yards, making him a dual-threat playmaker. Though the Sooners’ schedule hasn’t been as lopsided as Tennessee’s, Arnold has demonstrated steady leadership and the ability to produce in clutch situations.
Both Iamaleava and Arnold played significant roles for their teams in last season’s bowl games, and now they’ll go head-to-head in what could be the first of many battles between these two talented quarterbacks.
The implications of this game stretch beyond just the SEC standings. For Tennessee, a win would solidify their case as a national title contender. For Oklahoma, a victory in their first SEC game would send a clear message that they belong among the league’s elite.
With so much at stake, all eyes will be on Norman Saturday night.