The cigars were lit in Tuscaloosa this time. If you’ve followed the "Third Saturday in October" for more than a week, you know that the score for the alabama tennessee game isn’t just a numbers game—it's a whole vibe shift for the entire Southeast.
On October 18, 2025, Alabama walked away with a 37-20 victory over Tennessee. It felt like a statement. After the 2024 stumble in Knoxville, the Crimson Tide needed to prove that the Kalen DeBoer era wasn't just a transitional phase, but a continuation of a dynasty. They did exactly that under the lights at Saban Field.
The 2025 Breakdown: How Bama Took Control
Honestly, the first half was a bit of a rollercoaster. Alabama’s defense looked human early on, but then Zabien Brown changed everything. With literally zero seconds left on the clock in the second quarter, Brown intercepted a pass at the goal line and hauled it 99 yards for a touchdown.
Talk about a momentum killer for the Vols.
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Instead of Tennessee going into the locker room potentially tied or trailing by a field goal, they were suddenly staring at a 23-7 deficit. That play was the game. Period.
Key Stats from the 37-20 Finish
- Alabama QB Ty Simpson: 19-of-29 for 253 yards and 2 TDs.
- Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar: 268 yards, 1 TD, but that crushing INT.
- The Ground Game: Alabama’s Daniel Hill and Jam Miller basically ground the clock down in the fourth quarter.
Tennessee tried to make it a game in the third. DeSean Bishop ripped off a 44-yard touchdown run that made the orange-clad visitors think a comeback was possible. It wasn't. Alabama’s offensive line simply bullied the Vols’ front four in the final fifteen minutes.
Comparing the 2024 and 2025 Scores
It’s wild how much a year changes things. In 2024, the score for the alabama tennessee game was 24-17 in favor of the Volunteers. That game was a defensive slugfest in Knoxville where Jalen Milroe struggled to find a rhythm.
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The 2024 game was defined by:
- Crowd Noise: Neyland Stadium was so loud that Alabama players later admitted they couldn't hear the snap counts.
- Penalties: Bama racked up 15 penalties in that loss.
- Tennessee’s Defense: They held Alabama to just 75 rushing yards.
Fast forward to 2025, and the script flipped entirely. Alabama looked disciplined. They only had a handful of flags, and Simpson looked way more comfortable in the pocket than anyone expected.
Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
Most people get it wrong when they say this rivalry died during the Saban years. Sure, Alabama won 15 straight at one point, but since Josh Heupel took over at Tennessee, every game feels like a heavyweight fight.
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The "Third Saturday in October" isn't just about the current standings. It's about the history. It’s about the fact that Tennessee fans still haven’t forgotten the decades of dominance, and Alabama fans view a loss to the Vols as a personal affront to their heritage.
In 2025, Alabama’s win made them the first program in SEC history to beat four straight ranked opponents without a bye week. That’s a stat that’ll stay in the record books for a long time.
What This Means for the Future
If you're looking at the trajectory of these two programs, it’s clear the gap has narrowed, but Alabama still holds the keys to the kingdom when the game is played in Tuscaloosa.
Tennessee has a young core, and Joey Aguilar showed flashes of brilliance despite the loss. But for the Vols to really turn the corner, they have to find a way to win on the road in the SEC's most hostile environments.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Tape: If you missed Zabien Brown’s 99-yard pick-six, find the highlight. It’s a masterclass in reading a quarterback’s eyes.
- Track the Recruiting: Both teams are currently battling for the same five-star offensive linemen in the 2026 class. That’s where the 2026 score will be decided.
- Check the Calendar: The 2026 matchup returns to Knoxville. Start looking for tickets early, because Neyland will be looking for revenge.
The rivalry is healthy. The games are high-scoring. And most importantly, the cigars are still being lit.