Photo: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Syracuse University head football coach Fran Brown is optimistic as his team prepares to kick off the 2025 season against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Aflac Kickoff Game on Saturday (August 30) in Atlanta, Georgia. Brown, who has admired the Volunteers for years, believes his team is ready for the challenge. "I've looked up to this team for a long time," Brown said during a press conference, expressing excitement about facing one of college football's "Blue Bloods."
Having previously coached at Georgia, Brown is familiar with Tennessee's fast-paced style. "They gonna go fast," Brown noted, emphasizing the importance of preparing his team for every scenario. Syracuse, coming off a 10-3 season, is integrating new players, including transfers, to fill gaps left by graduating seniors. Brown stressed the need for these players to quickly adapt to his coaching style and culture.
Despite losing key players, including quarterback Kyle McCord, Syracuse remains determined. Brown highlighted the importance of toughness, saying, "We just gotta keep getting tougher." The Orange will face a Tennessee team that also lost significant talent but remains a preseason top 25 team.
The game marks the fourth meeting between the two teams, with Tennessee holding a 3-0 record against Syracuse. Following the Aflac Kickoff Game, Syracuse will host UConn for their first home game on September 6.