Tennessee has emerged as a popular choice among fans and analysts, with the Vols being tipped with the fourth-best odds to clinch the national championship, even ahead of Georgia, according to ESPN's FPI. Headed by coach Josh Heupel, who previously led a Group of Five team to a near-perfect season, Tennessee boasts a talented roster. The team features Nico Iamaleava, a five-star quarterback who signed an $8 million NIL deal to join the Vols, and James Pearce Jr., a potential top-five draft pick on the defense. The Vols showcase the nation's top-scoring offense, averaging an impressive 63.7 points per game, along with the top-ranked total defense unit in the country. These strengths have led Tennessee to a historic plus-178 scoring margin in their first three SEC games.

Heading into their highly anticipated clash against the Oklahoma Sooners, the attention has shifted significantly as the Sooners find themselves as unfamiliar underdogs by at least four points for the first time in 46 years. While Oklahoma has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in their offensive line struggling to protect quarterback Jackson Arnold against weaker opponents, the team's strong history at home cannot be overlooked. Oklahoma has excelled at home, boasting the best home record in college football since 1999 and remaining undefeated in four of the last six seasons. Despite their recent challenges and the move to the SEC, the Sooners remain a formidable opponent and will look to defend their home turf against a surging Tennessee squad.

Tennessee's rising profile faces a significant test as they prepare to hit the road and take on Oklahoma in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. The Vols, who have seen a resurgence in their program over the past two seasons, have often faced setbacks in road games, including five of their six losses during this recent period. This upcoming game will be a true test for Nico Iamaleava, as the redshirt freshman quarterback will make his debut on the road against a formidable Oklahoma defense. The clash between the two programs elicits memories of their past matchups, with Oklahoma last being a home underdog of such magnitude 24 years ago, a game in which Josh Heupel, the current Vols coach, played quarterback for the Sooners.