“Most kids that are highly recruited, if they don’t play in their first or second year, they usually transfer out,” Peyton Manning said back in 2025. “It’s why I went to Tennessee, I wanted to go to school there. It’s why Arch went to Texas, because he wanted to go to Texas, and play for Steve Sarkisian.”

Coach Sarkisian is well known for his offensive-minded approach and has helped develop quarterbacks such as Quinn Ewers, who eventually made his way to the NFL after being drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Manning, meanwhile, appears to be making the most of his talent at Texas.

Some have also suggested that Arch sought, in some way, to take a different path from his uncles. Joining Tennessee, or the Ole Miss Rebels like Eli, might have meant carrying an additional level of pressure, whereas beginning his college career at Texas allowed him to start from a clean slate.

Sarkisian is a great ally for Arch

Steve Sarkisian is pretty much the ultimate head coach to unlock Arch Manning’s full potential, operating as one of the sharpest offensive minds and quarterback developers in all of college football. Sark’s play-calling genius—built on heavy pre-snap motion, clever play-action schemes, and NFL-style spatial concepts—creates a high-powered scheme tailor-made for a quarterback with Arch’s processing speed and big arm.

Beyond the playbook, Sarkisian’s proven track record of refining elite passers and managing high-stakes pressure gives Arch the perfect environment to sharpen his mechanics, read defenses like a pro, and comfortably step into the family legacy without missing a beat.

Peyton’s legacy at Tennessee

Peyton Manning’s time with the Tennessee Volunteers is the ultimate blueprint for college football royalty, defined by elite preparation and absolute mastery of the SEC. Stepping in as a freshman in 1994, he quickly transformed the Vols into a national powerhouse, steering Knoxville through a golden era while racking up a dominant 39-6 record as a starter.

Over his four-year run, Peyton shredded defenses to the tune of 11,201 passing yards and 89 touchdowns—both school records—while orchestrating offenses with the kind of pre-snap chess moves that would later become his NFL trademark.

His legendary college path peaked in 1997 when he led Tennessee to an SEC Championship, swept individual honors by winning the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien Awards, finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, and cemented #16 as an untouchable icon in Rocky Top history.

Eli made his mark at Ole Miss

Taking on the Ole Miss quarterback job with the surname “Manning” on his jersey meant Eli was under the microscope from day one, but he handled the Oxford pressure like an absolute natural. Instead of being defined by his lineage, he completely reset expectations for Rebels football, elevating the program with his smooth pocket presence, clutch gene, and ridiculous arm strength.

By the time he threw his last pass in blue and red, Eli had completely taken over the school record books with 10,119 passing yards and 81 touchdown passes. The pinnacle of his college journey came in 2003, when he dragged Ole Miss to a 10-win season, capped it off with a Cotton Bowl victory, earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and claimed the prestigious Maxwell Award—proving beyond doubt that he was a star in his own right.

Key takeaways

• Arch Manning joined Texas over Tennessee in the 2023 recruiting class.
• Peyton Manning stated in 2025 that Arch wanted to play for Steve Sarkisian.
• Joining Texas allowed Arch to start from a clean slate away from his uncles.

“I would like for [Manning] to be smarter when he runs,” Sarkisian said during his press conference, via On Texas Football reporter CJ Vogel. Sarkisian still had a lot of praise of what Manning can do on the ground, and it may be a big factor against No. 14 Tennessee on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

“[Arch Manning] doesn’t play the position like a robot, he uses his legs to his advantage, but he doesn’t use his legs all of the time. Using those at opportune times is beneficial for him and for us,” Sarkisian said.

Following the statement win over Ohio State, expectations were high for Manning and Texas against UTSA at home. However, the Longhorns’ quarterback and the rest of the offense looked a step off their A-game. The Horns had no turnovers, but came awfully close several times. Manning finished the night with a 30.7 QB Rating, but perhaps the lowlight of the game was a play in which he scrambled for a first down on a third-and-one situation.

Close call for Manning

After picking up the first down, Manning showed no regard for his health and ran right into trouble, where he was sandwiched by two defenders. His helmet popped up and off his head, putting him in a very compromising position. Most likely, that was the play in Sarkisian’s mind when he ordered Arch to be smart with his legs.

Against the Roadrunners, the heir to football’s royal quarterback family got away with his misjudged decision. Against Tennessee, another SEC opponent, or a powerhouse across college football, he may not enjoy similar luck, and that’s the last thing Sarkisian and the Longhorns need in 2026.

The Volunteers are second among SEC programs in sacks made this season (13, only behind LSU’s 14). With the Vols getting to opposing quarterbacks as often and efficiently as they do, Manning can’t take any more unnecessary hits, especially not in the open field.

Arch Manning in Knoxville

Although it’s become routine for Manning, the national spotlight will be fixed upon him on Saturday in Knoxville. Arch will play at Neyland Stadium, where his uncle Peyton Manning became a legend, for the first time in his college football career. Ahead of such a special, hair-standing, nerves-wracking game, Sarkisian had some great piece of advice for his talented signal-caller.

“I think that it’s important for him to not try to be something that doesn’t best suit him. I want him to be him, to be Arch Manning. I don’t want him to be Archie, Peyton, or Eli. I don’t want him to be Colt McCoy or Vince Young. I want him to be Arch Manning, and Arch Manning is plenty good enough for us to put us in a position to win.”

Such a statement from his head coach would be extremely useful and reassuring on any given week in the NCAA schedule. However, it bears extra weight and meaning as Arch comes off a lackluster showing against an inferior opponent and must turn the page entirely before entering a hostile environment in Knoxville, a city forever intertwined with his family’s legacy but that will show no love to Peyton’s nephew on Saturday.

As the saying in George R. R. Martin’s best-selling series, A Game of Thrones, goes, “There must always be a Stark in Winterfell,” the same could be said about a Manning in Knoxville. However, Arch chose to play for a different UT in college football, and his path has only crossed with the Vols in 2026, three years after he enrolled at Texas and became a Longhorn. There will be a Manning in Knoxville, but in the body of an unwelcome guest.

Key takeaways

• Steve Sarkisian urged his quarterback to be smarter when running.
• The Volunteers currently rank second among SEC programs with 13 recorded sacks.
• Texas faces Tennessee at Neyland Stadium following a victory over UTSA.

After missing recent games with a lower-body injury, his availability has become a key storyline ahead of the postseason opener. He has been one of the most important players during the 2025-26 season.

Now, as Tennessee begins its run, all eyes are on whether he will return to the court against Auburn. Many reports suggest the standout freshman is expected to play but remains officially listed as questionable.

Will Nate Ament play for Tennessee today?

Nate Ament is expected to play for Tennessee against Auburn in the 2026 SEC Tournament quarterfinals, although he is officially listed as questionable. According to ESPN, the freshman forward has already returned to practice.

He missed Tennessee’s previous two games while recovering from a right-leg injury, which raised doubts about his availability for the Volunteers’ postseason opener. However, the 6-foot-10 freshman practiced with the team in Nashville ahead of the matchup, a strong sign that he could be back in the lineup.

Even if he does play, his role may be limited. Reports suggest the coaching staff could monitor his minutes carefully as the team evaluates how his leg responds during live game action.

He has been one of Tennessee’s most important players this season, averaging 17.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, so his presence could be a key factor in the matchup against Auburn.

What happened to Nate Ament?

Nate Ament suffered a right-leg injury during Tennessee’s game against Alabama on February 28, forcing him to miss multiple games before the SEC Tournament. It occurred during a scramble for a loose ball when an Alabama player dove into his leg, causing it to bend awkwardly.

Although he was able to walk off the court on his own, he was visibly in pain and did not return to the game. The injury sidelined him for Tennessee’s next two contests as the team chose to prioritize his recovery ahead of postseason play.

“Despite late contract talks with Tennessee, Sam Leavitt will land at LSU,” as reported by college football insider Pete Nakos. The news arrives shortly after reports indicated the Volunteers were preparing a last-minute offer to lure Leavitt away from Baton Rouge and towards Knoxville.

Tennessee’s push was always going to be a long shot in college football. Despite the drama and spotlight that will follow them all season, Kiffin and the Tigers remain one of the most appealing programs in the nation.

Why the move makes sense for Leavitt

For a talent like Leavitt, being under the lights in Baton Rouge could be the best way to prepare before declaring for the NFL Draft—whether in 2027 or 2028. With two years of eligibility remaining, the Oregon native may not get a better shot at an NCAA national championship than with Kiffin and LSU.

LSU is back in full force

Now, Kiffin truly boasts an LSU program capable of competing for the SEC Championship and posing a serious threat to the rest of the nation. Who knows? Maybe his dramatic—and frowned upon—departure from Oxford to Baton Rouge will lead to the SEC’s first national title since 2022.

No SEC program has reached the National Championship Game since the Georgia Bulldogs won it three years ago. Perhaps all the conference needed to return to college football’s biggest stage was a bit of drama—in a way only Kiffin could provide.

QB1 dilemma for Tennessee

The Volunteers knew trouble was brewing ever since Nico Iamaleava shockingly transferred to UCLA. However, they may have been blinded by Joey Aguilar’s strong start to the 2025 NCAA campaign. Now, Tennessee finds itself with no silverware to show for Aguilar’s one-and-done tenure in Knoxville—and no clear replacement at the QB1 spot.

Barring a change in NCAA regulations for former JUCO players, Aguilar has exhausted his years of eligibility. Moreover, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger plans to enter the transfer portal, making the void under center even bigger for the Volunteers.

With Leavitt off the board, who can the Vols go after?

That leaves Josh Heupel with just George MacIntyre (redshirt sophomore) and Faizon Brandon (true freshman) projected to be on campus by spring. Tennessee must add another signal-caller to meet NCAA roster obligations, making a transfer portal signing all but guaranteed.

With Leavitt off the table, expect the Volunteers to go all in in their pursuit for a starting QB. Heupel and company have a lot on their plates. This dramatic chapter is only another way in which Iamaleava’s transfer has come back to bite the Volunteers.

Although all signs indicate Trinidad Chambliss made his final NCAA appearance during the VRBO Fiesta Bowl loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoffs semifinal, Ole Miss is staying away from the market for Leavitt. Instead, the Tennessee Volunteers are looking to rain down on Kiffin and LSU’s parade.

“Tennessee and Sam Leavitt’s camp have been in regular contact throughout Monday, and the Volunteers were never told he was going to LSU,” as reported by On3 and insider Pete Nakos. “The Vols are compiling one final offer.”

Tennessee puts LSU on notice

Just when everyone around college football believed Kiffin had found the perfect match for the vacant QB1 job in Baton Rouge, the Volunteers are hoping to spoil the party.

According to the information provided, Tennessee is not giving up on its pursuit of the former Sun Devils star. On the contrary, the Vols are mounting an all-out effort that could deliver the biggest plot twist of the NCAA offseason—and hand Kiffin his first major loss since becoming the Tigers’ new head coach in Louisiana.

More drama for Kiffin and the Tigers

Some might say that what starts badly ends badly. In LSU’s case, what gets off to a dramatic start is almost guaranteed to be filled with drama through and through.

Kiffin’s arrival in Baton Rouge has been anything but ordinary—even by college football standards. In a sport that has seen all kinds of chaos unfold in otherwise laid-back towns, Kiffin’s cinematic exit from Oxford to Baton Rouge made enough noise to echo for ages.

The 2026 NCAA season is still a long ways ahead—after all, the 2025 campaign has yet to declare its national champion, but Kiffin and the Ole Miss-looking like LSU football program is already grabbing headlines left to right across the nation.

Far from shying away from responsibility, the Vols’ coach addressed the situation his team is currently facing, acknowledging that this latest loss may shape the program’s trajectory for the remainder of the season.

“Ultimately, we’re not in control of any of those things,” Heupel said on his team’s CFP chances [h/t GoVols247’s Patrick Brown]. “We’re in control of what we do. Disappointed. Thought they prepared extremely hard. There were some things that were really good defensively early tonight. We thought they played really good football.

“You’ve got a choice to make. That’s life, how you’re going to respond. This group has competed. It’s continued to try to get better every day. Expect and demand that of them as we get going here on the back end of this one.”

Push until the very end

The Tennessee Volunteers are putting the rest of the SEC on notice, battling tooth and nail to secure one of the coveted spots in the expanded College Football Playoff. Led by their explosive offense and a punishing running game, the Vols have demonstrated the sheer grit and physicality needed to hang with the nation’s elite, as evidenced by their signature wins this season.

Although facing a brutal late-season schedule, Coach Heupel’s squad is embracing the underdog role, knowing that running the table and closing out strong against their rivals is the only path to cementing a top-12 finish and earning their right to fight for a national title.

What’s next for the Vols?

The Tennessee Volunteers are facing a critical late-season stretch that will define their playoff aspirations, blending a crucial rivalry road test with two opportunities for dominance at home.

The final push begins with a must-win tune-up against New Mexico State in Knoxville before the monumental trip to The Swamp to face historic rival Florida in Gainesville, a game that always carries conference championship implications.

The regular season then closes out against Vanderbilt, a classic rivalry clash that the Vols cannot afford to slip up in. For Coach Heupel’s squad, this trio of games is simply about maintaining momentum, conquering the Gators on the road, and ensuring they are playing their absolute best football heading into the postseason rankings.

Alabama is coming off a hard-fought win on the road over the Missouri Tigers. Now, the climb becomes even steeper with a matchup against Tennessee at home at Bryant-Denny Stadium. With the Third Saturday in October coming up, DeBoer voiced an honest message for Simpson and the Crimson Tide.

“It’s a great environment here. I think it’s the feeling you even have with the walk into the stadium. You can see everyone’s ready to go,” DeBoer said during his media availability, per On3. “We’d better make sure we uphold our end of the bargain too.

“That goes into the week of preparation, understanding what it’s even gonna feel like when you’re practicing on a Tuesday, the excitement that leads into wanting to make sure that we’re at the top of our game on Saturday. So, just huge to have that energy being at home. I think that would go for a lot of programs, but it’s definitely a big deal here for us.”

Run the table

Fans in Tuscaloosa have had their fair share of concerns about DeBoer since he took over as head coach for Alabama. Witnessing streaks set by Nick Saban come to an end during DeBoer’s first year on the job certainly didn’t help. However, as the Volunteers walk into Bryant-Denny Stadium, the Crimson Tide hope to keep their streak over Tennessee alive.

Alabama is 8-2 in the last ten meetings with Tennessee. Moreover, over the last 20 matchups, the Tide has only lost in three occasions. Going into the 2025 Third Saturday in October rivalry game, there is safety on the numbers for Bama. As for the Vols, they might be better off limiting themselves to the latest NCAA seasons, as Tennessee has won two of the last three clashes with Alabama.

Keep it going

However, if there’s one thing the Tide can’t afford, it’s to lose this particular game. Alabama hasn’t lost at home to Tennessee since 2003. When the Volunteers walk into the stadium in Tuscaloosa, the eyes of Druid City will be fixed on DeBoer not to let the Script A down.

After five straight wins in the 2025 college football season, Alabama must keep its foot on the pedal as they take on No. 11 Tennessee on what will be the Crimson Tide’s fourth-straight ranked SEC showdown.

When Iamaleava opted to enter the NCAA transfer portal and enroll at UCLA, he knew fans in Knoxville would never forget it. Now, the Vols are among the best teams in the SEC, while the Bruins are among the worst in the Big Ten.

UCLA and Tennessee will be compared all season long. The quarterback exchange involving Iamaleava and Joey Aguilar was one of the biggest storylines in college football during the offseason. Now, it’s only reasonable that both signal callers will be intertwined.

Both the Bruins and Vols lost in their week 3 outings. However, while UCLA’s plan backfired with DeShaun Foster being fired, Heupel and Tennessee’s papers aren’t burning after a 44-41 loss to Georgia. The polarized stances are best exemplified by Heupel’s message after the game.

“It’s going to hurt,” Heupel said, per On3. “And we need to drink all that in and taste all of it, because if we’re going to move forward and be the team that we’re capable of, this feeling tonight’s got to be a part of what continues to propel us and the urgency and the focus and everything that we do.”

Lick your wounds and come back stronger

Losing to the Dawgs in such heart-crushing fashion hurts for Heupel and the Volunteers. Tennessee has now lost nine straight games against Georgia. However, the NCAA season is long, and there is a lot of college football left to be played. For Tennessee, it’s all about learning from their mistakes and putting the defeat on the back burner.

It may be easier said than done, but it’s not like the Vols have many other options. Moreover, the school put on a great showing against a powerhouse in the NCAA.

Moving on

The story could’ve been much different hadn’t it been for Max Gilbert missed field-goal in the last seconds of the game. Tennessee would’ve won the game at Neyland Stadium and boast a 3-0 record going into week 4. Still that is now water under the bridge for Heupel and company.

The Volunteers face a great opportunity to bounce back and find their mojo next week. On September 20, the UAB Blazers will visit Knoxville in what should be a comfortable win for Heupel and Tennessee. Of course, anything can happen on Saturdays, but if the Vols are serious about their season aspirations, they cannot slip up.

The Volunteers have no regrets about the offseason drama that led to Aguilar enrolling in Tennessee. At least for now. The Appalachian State transfer has played lights out since arriving in Knoxville, but this upcoming test could toss all his previous work down the drain.

With Smart and the Dawgs set to walk into Neyland Stadium on Saturday, the two schools have something to prove. For Tennessee it’s the chance to show it belongs with the big names in college football. For Georgia, it’s the opportunity to prove it can play at its best when the stakes are highest.

In order to do so, the Dawgs must contain the best offense in the SEC. Led by Aguilar, who’s only been in Knoxville for a couple of months but looks like he’s been a Vol forever. At least that’s how Smart sees the situation.

“It looks like he’s been there for a long time” Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart commented, per On3. “He’s very similar to the quarterbacks they’ve had. He plays within that system and is a really good athlete.“

How Aguilar can hurt defenses

Fans and students in Knoxville couldn’t have asked for a better way to move on after Nico Iamaleava’s dramatic transfer to the UCLA Bruins. Aguilar stepped into the huddle and has commanded an almost unstoppable unit in the NCAA. Smart and the Dawgs know better than to take the senior quarterback for granted.

“[Aguilar] can take off and really hurt you with the scramble. He’s made some big plays that way,” Smart added. “He plays within the system and is really good at the RPO as well. [Tennessee’s QB] makes good decisions, is accurate and has a strong arm. Certainly fits in well.”

Dawgs’ defense meets Vols’ offense

Georgia’s defensive group will have its work cut out for them in their visit to Tennessee. The Dawgs have allowed an average of 201.5 total yards so far in the 2025 college football season. However, the competition faced by Georgia can’t really be placed in the same table as Tennessee and Josh Heupel’s offense.

As for the Volunteers, their numbers do all the talking. So far, Tennessee registers an average of 605 total yards per game. Of course, that number is largely boosted by the Vols’ blowout victory over ETSU, in which they racked up 734 total yards.

Needless to say, when these two programs collide on Saturday, fans across the country will be in for an electric showdown. It may not be a ‘unstoppable force meets immovable object’ type of matchup, but it’s set to be a heated encounter between two despised SEC rivals. The Game with no Name is set to be in everybody’s lips in college football’s week 3.

The Volunteers and Bruins’ season couldn’t have gotten to a more different start. While Tennessee got off to a 2-0 start with incredible performances from Aguilar, UCLA is 0-2, with Iamaleava struggling in both outings.

To make matters worse, Jose Aguilar—Joey’s father—chimed in with a blunt comment on the summer drama, finishing with a cold-blooded dagger to remind Iamaleava and UCLA that the Vols came out on top.

“We don’t have any problems with Nico,” Jose Aguilar said in an interview with Pete Nakos. “If anything, it’s thank you. Joey is in a great spot. That’s what I would say, thank you. He did what he decided to do. Everything that happened, happened. I think it’s clear who won the trade. Look at the fans and the stats. Everything happens for a reason. We’re not at Tennessee without Nico making the decisions he made.”

Iamaleava stats

Since arriving in Los Angeles, Iamaleava hasn’t been at his best. The Bruins need their quarterback to find his mojo back before the 2025 NCAA season slips out of reach. The 0-2 start isn’t fatal, as long as the program can climb out of their hole before it’s too late.

So far, Iamaleava registers 391 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in his first two outings. However, his lack of production is also a reflection of the team’s inconsistencies around him. The rushing game has been almost non-existent, as the quarterback is the leading rusher with 106 yards.

Hoping to flip the page after a deflating start, Iamaleava and the Bruins will take on the New Mexico Lobos at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. It will be the final non-conference game of the regular season, as UCLA will kickstart the Big Ten fixture on the road at Evanston, IL when they face the Northwestern Wildcats.

Aguilar stats

On the other hand, business is booming for Aguilar and the Volunteers. After his first two starts in Knoxville, Aguilar records 535 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Success hasn’t been limited to the signal-caller, either. The Vols’ offense has put on great showings so far in the college football season. The rushing game has been almost unstoppable, putting the league on notice with 505 total yards through two games. Meanwhile, the receiving corps already boasts three players with 100+ yards, which is an exciting sign for Josh Heupel and the staff in Tennessee.

The Volunteers have been firing on all cylinders to start the 2025 campaign, but it could all be in vain if they can’t rise to the upcoming challenge. On Saturday, the Georgia Bulldogs will be rolling into town for an electric SEC matchup that could make or break either program’s season.

Though their record indicates perfection, it’s been a tough start to the 2025 college football campaign in Knoxville. The Volunteers have suffered key injuries, and they will continue to be a factor when the Bulldogs walk into campus.

Smart and the Dawgs have yet to win over fans in Athens with their performances. Georgia may be 2-0, but it hasn’t exactly passed the eye test so far this NCAA season. Saturday’s showdown at Neyland Stadium will serve as the Bulldogs’ first true challenge—and it could be a trial by fire. Fortunately for Smart and company, Tennessee will miss both of its starting cornerbacks.

Missing CB1 and CB2

As reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Volunteers will be without Jermod McCoy (torn ACL back in January) and Rickey Gibson III (upper-body) when the Dawgs visit them in Knoxville.

Both defensive backs had missed the action last weekend, when Tennessee steamrolled East Tennessee State. However, Josh Heupel and company know the school in Johnson City doesn’t compare even remotely to the program in Athens.

Might be a sign

With Tennessee missing two key pieces to their defensive puzzle, Georgia’s offense might be licking its lips. The Dawgs haven’t managed to hit the ground running in the 2025 college football season.

Perhaps this upcoming matchup is just what Gunner Stockton and the attacking unit need to build momentum and gain confidence. So far, the starting quarterback in Athens has flown under the radar. On Saturday, that could all change if the Dawgs make a statement in Knoxville.