Tennessee Volunteers football rivalries

The matchup is notable as a regional rivalry, often referred to informally as the "Battle for the Belt" or in the context of the "Soul Bowl" due to the programs' proximity in the Gulf South region. These games are typically competitive and carry significance for in-state pride, recruiting advantages, and positioning within the Sun Belt Conference, to which both teams belong.

This rivalry has been in the news recently due to their scheduled Week 13 game of the 2025 college football season. Numerous sports media outlets have published previews, providing live score updates, picks, predictions, and odds for the contest. The coverage indicates a high level of fan and analyst interest in the outcome of this particular matchup.

The game represents an important late-season contest for both programs, with potential implications for their final season records and bowl game eligibility. The consistent media attention from various regional and national sources underscores the game's status as a notable event on the college football calendar.