Jon Gruden Declares Tennessee Loyalty, Alabama Rivalry Ahead October Game

Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, now a football personality with Barstool Sports, has openly expressed his strong allegiance to the Tennessee Volunteers and his disdain for their rival, the Alabama Crimson Tide. During a recent interaction with Alabama star wide receiver Ryan Williams, Gruden stated he "hates Alabama" and emphasized his deep ties to Tennessee, where he began his coaching career and where his wife is an alumna. Williams, a standout freshman for Alabama, responded by reminding Gruden that Alabama will host Tennessee in their upcoming 2025 matchup, a game both teams are eagerly anticipating following Tennessee's recent victories over Alabama. The rivalry remains fierce, with Tennessee having won two of the last three meetings, including a significant upset at Neyland Stadium last season that contributed to Alabama missing the College Football Playoff. Both teams are poised for strong seasons, with Alabama looking for revenge and Tennessee aiming to continue its resurgence under new leadership. The personal back-and-forth between Gruden and Williams highlights the intensity and passion surrounding this historic SEC rivalry.