As Alabama prepares to host Tennessee this Saturday, the Crimson Tide isn’t just gearing up for another SEC clash — they’re seeking redemption.

Last year’s 24-17 loss in Knoxville still lingers for many in Tuscaloosa, including tight end Josh Cuevas. A Los Angeles native, Cuevas began his college journey at Cal Poly before transferring to Washington. He followed head coach Kalen DeBoer and several staff members to Alabama in the 2024 offseason, immersing himself in what he calls a “true college football town” for the first time.

Despite his West Coast roots, Cuevas has quickly grasped the intensity of the Third Saturday in October rivalry.

Alabama is ‘fired up’ to get revenge on Tennessee for last year’s loss

“It fires us up, absolutely,” said Cuevas on Wednesday’s Hey Coach & The Kalen DeBoer Show. “I mean, it’s something that we’ve been chasing since last season.”

The sting of last year’s defeat has fueled Alabama’s preparation this week. Cuevas shared a glimpse into the team’s mindset during a segment at Baumhower’s Victory Grille.

“The tight ends, we have a football goal sheet, and we have a personal goal sheet that we do before every week to try and meet those goals,” Cuevas said. “And most of the guys wrote down on their personal goals was to beat Tennessee, because it is personal. It is something we take personal.

“Winning isn’t easy in the SEC, so it just makes it even more rewarding when you see the entire week of preparation paying off.”

That loss in Knoxville was one of three road defeats for Alabama during DeBoer’s first season at the helm. The Tide already avenged their 2024 stumble against Vanderbilt two weeks ago. Now, Tennessee is next on the list.

With more than a year and a half leading the program, DeBoer understands the weight of this rivalry and what it means to the Alabama faithful. He’s aiming for his first win over the Vols — and the traditional postgame cigar that comes with it.

“We’re just super excited about this weekend,” DeBoer said. “And I do understand what this means to our fan base and all the great teams that have been here that have gotten the job done on the football field. And we want to do the same.”

The 108th meeting between Alabama and Tennessee kicks off at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC.