Homecoming with Purpose: Tennessee Football Honors Military Service and Pursues Momentum in Week 12 of College Football.

Knoxville, TN - On Saturday at 4:15 p.m.

ET, the Tennessee Volunteers (6-3, 3-3

SEC) will host the New Mexico State Aggies (3-6, 1-5 CUSA) for more than just a Homecoming game. It is an important moment in the season. The Tennessee football program and the sold out stadium of Vols fans will salute to the Military Service for America with the third version to date of the Smokey Grey uniform combo. A fresh look on the playing field after the bye week will also be important.

What’s At Stake

For Tennessee, this is more than just another win opportunity. With big games ahead, a road trip to a rival conference opponent (the Florida Gators) followed by a home date with an in-state rival, (the Vanderbilt Commodores) the Vols are in a stretch where momentum matters. 

For New Mexico State, a trip to the SEC and to the vibrant venue of Neyland Stadium is a chance to gain exposure for their program. 

Chaos is a potential hazard in week 12’of college football. The top 25 teams for the college football playoff showcase a list of teams with just 2 L’s on the season. If it is by win-loss record that we place rank, then there is a potential shake up coming before the end of the regular season. 

Tennessee will need to showcase the strengths of this team to win and turn the corner to bigger fish to fry in the final weeks of the regular season.

Keys To A Win

1. Tennessee’s passing game averages about 329.3 yards per game in conference play, which ranks second nationally.  One standout is redshirt freshman wide receiver Braylon Staley, a Biletnikoff Award candidate who leads all Power Four freshmen in receiving yards. 

   
   

2. The ground game is just as powerful. The Vols have seen 34 games producing 200 rushing yards in the Josh Heupel era and own a 32-2 record when doing so. The TN RB room is stacked with opportunity in week 12 against this New Mexico State defense. Including a SEC leader in yards per carry, (6.7) known as Burlsworth Trophy nominated

   DeSean Bishop.

   
   

3. The Aggies have struggled on the ground this season, averaging just 2.4 yards per carry.  Their quarterback, Logan Fife, has thrown for over 2,000 yards but also has 11 interceptions. It could be a great week for Tennessee’s defense to clean up fundamentals that Tim Banks addressed this week to the media. 

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FB | Tim Banks Press Conference (11.11.25)

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks answers questions from the media ahead of Homecoming game against New Mexico State.

It is worth noting that this will be the first meeting between these two programs. However, this team of New Mexico State was once home to current Vol RB Star Thomas. You can hear about that more as Star sits down on TPL Tn to share his stories. 

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Tennessee Football’s STAR THOMAS and JALEN MCMURRAY Are All Gas, No Brakes

New transfers to Tennessee football, Jalen McMurray and Star Thomas explore the challenges of adjusting to new roles, the importance of team chemistry, personal goals for the season, and life beyond football. The discussion also touches on the adjustments to life in Knoxville and overcoming personal challenges, culminating in a rapid-fire question segment that reveals more about their personalities and aspirations. New this season: Listen wherever you get your podcasts. https://pod.link/1835450702

While the matchup may appear lopsided on paper, college football always has surprises waiting. Tennessee’s fans will surely fill Neyland Stadium, energizing the homecoming crowd. New Mexico State comes in motivated, looking to make the most of a challenging season. Expect Tennessee to win, but the narrative will need to  be how convincingly they do it, how they execute in all three phases (offense, defense, special teams), and how they set the tone for the closing stretch of their season in front of the college football playoff committee. 

For Vols fans, this is more than a favorable odds matchup. This week is a chance  to support the team, enjoy the traditions, and build toward bigger goals.