It feels like just yesterday that the Alabama Crimson Tide was preparing for ECU to kick off the 2026 season. Yet, here we are, and it’s already the third Saturday in October, which can mean only one thing: a game against the Tennessee Volunteers.

Both teams enter the game with one loss, and both will be treating this as a must-win, as two losses early in the season could be problematic for CFP hopes, dreams, and aspirations. So, to prepare for the marquee matchup, I, Rob Gregson of A to Z Sports Alabama, and five of my colleagues have made predictions for the game; let’s dive in.

Alabama vs. Tennessee Final Score Predictions

Alabama 30, Tennessee 22

It almost feels like the national perception and assumption is that Alabama will bounce back and trounce the Vols, but I’m not so sure. For one, Alabama has talked all week about not letting Georgia beat them twice. The lingering effects of that game can’t be underestimated.

Second, the rushing attack in Knoxville may not be as prolific as what the Bulldogs brought to Tuscaloosa last week, but DeSean Bishop is one hell of a tailback, and the Vols will aim at a reeling Alabama front seven. Lastly, this game is in Neyland, one of the toughest environments in the sport. I believe Alabama gets the job done, but it’s going to be far from easy.

Alabama 34, Tennessee 13

The Tennessee Volunteers finally got their win in Fayetteville over the Razorbacks, but that may be one of the worst teams in the country. Yet Tennessee struggled more than you’d think. Alabama just lost to Georgia in a game they could have won. So you know they’re looking to get back right. That offense against Tennessee’s defense is not a great matchup. And Tennessee’s offense against Alabama’s defense isn’t a good matchup. I think Bama wins this one by a landslide. – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Alabama 34, Tennessee 17

I’m taking Alabama to defeat Tennessee 34-17 in a matchup where the quarterback situation gives the Crimson Tide a significant advantage. With the Vols dealing with uncertainty under center, it’s difficult to pick them to pull off a win against a talented Alabama team. I do expect Tennessee to make things interesting early, using its athleticism and offensive tempo to create some opportunities. Alabama may need some time to find its rhythm, but the Crimson Tide have the talent to settle in and take control. Once the offense gets rolling, I expect star quarterback Keelon Russell to be the difference-maker.

Russell could endure some early struggles against Tennessee’s defense, but I expect him to find his groove as the game progresses. His ability to make plays through the air should allow Alabama to stretch the field and create scoring opportunities, while the Crimson Tide’s overall offensive talent will put increasing pressure on the Vols to keep pace. Tennessee’s quarterback issues will eventually become too much to overcome, especially if the offense struggles to sustain drives and puts its defense in difficult situations. Alabama pulls away in the second half, with Russell leading the charge and the Crimson Tide making a statement with a convincing 34-17 victory. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

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Alabama 30, Tennessee 21

The loser of this game is going to be in a tough spot going forward in terms of its hopes of making the College Football Playoff. Alabama is coming off a game it probably should have won, and the Tide will want to blow off some steam against Tennessee. However, this game will be played in Knoxville, and I’m interested to see how Keelon Russell handles what will be a raucous environment without Ryan Coleman-Williams.

Tennessee’s quarterback situation has been in flux, and you would think George McIntyre would get the start. I just don’t like his chances against a physical Alabama defense. The Tide may not be having a great season statistically on that side of the football, but they have the ability to cause some real issues for Tennessee, especially if they can slow the Vols’ run game. This is simply a game Kalen DeBoer can’t afford to drop, and I don’t think he will. – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State

Alabama 38, Tennessee 24

The Crimson Tide are in a fascinating spot moving forward, and they should be undefeated. I’m not a “refs cost the game” kind of guy, but it’s hard to ignore when it was that blatant.

Keelon Russell is the truth and I think he’s got a shot to be the No. 1 overall pick in 2028 or 2029. With that said, I think he overpowers a Tennessee team that is good, but still a tier below where Alabama is. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida Gators

Alabama 27, Tennessee 23

The Third Saturday in October will be one of the more impactful games of the college football weekend. With both teams at 5-1, this is a game that majorly boosts the playoff profile of the winner, with the loser left with basically no margin for error the rest of the season.

There are major question marks for both teams coming in. The Tide lose some playmaking ability on offense with Ryan Coleman-Williams expected to be out and center Racin Delgatty’s status very iffy. With Vols DT Xavier Gilliam being arguably the best defensive player in the SEC this year, that could swing an advantage in the middle of the line of scrimmage for Tennessee.

But the quarterback position for the Vols is one that still gives me a lot of pause. We don’t know who will start, but can either deliver the throws that Tennessee needs to win this game? It might not take much — it didn’t in a sloggy 24-17 Vols win in 2024 — but with Alabama surely stacking the box, Josh Heupel will need something out of his QBs. And from what I’ve seen recently, I’m not sure they get what they need. I trust Keelon Russell a tad more in this spot, and he makes enough plays with his arm and legs to get Bama over the hump and snap the Vols’ two-game home win streak against the Tide. – Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Miami Hurricanes