The 2026 Tennessee football schedule is out.
An already challenging task, navigating the SEC became even more daunting with the addition of a ninth conference game. Still, intrigue abounds throughout the schedule, and there will be no shortage of excitement week in and week out.
Sept. 5: vs Furman
It will be opening day at Neyland Stadium for Tennessee. Who will be the starting quarterback? How will the defense look under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles? Will a young defense take the next step? As many questions loom already, a Week 1 matchup against lowly FCS Furman will provide few answers, but it will mark the beginning of an important year in the Josh Heupel era.
Sept. 12: at Georgia Tech
The Vols head down to Bobby-Dodd Stadium for the first time since 1986 to take on the “Ramblin Wreck” of Georgia Tech. The teams played frequently between the 1940s through the 80s, with Tennessee leading the all-time series 25-17-2. The Vols won the last matchup, 42-41, in the 2017 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.
Sept. 19: vs Kennesaw State
This will be the first-ever matchup in football between Tennessee and Kennesaw State. The Owls will enter just their second season at the FBS level as the reigning Conference USA champions.
It is the first meeting for Heupel against his former assistant, Jerry Mack, who guided the Owls to 10 wins in his first year at the helm.
Sept. 26: vs Texas
For the first time in the prestigious history of Texas football, the Longhorns will travel to Neyland Stadium and play Tennessee in each team’s first matchup since 1969.
Oct. 3: vs Auburn
The Tigers will come to Neyland Stadium for the first time since 2013, when they thumped Tennessee 55-23. Auburn has won seven of the last eight in the series, and the Vols’ last home win in the series dates back to 1999.
For the second time in three weeks, it’ll be Heupel vs. an assistant. Former offensive coordinator Alex Golesh returns for the first time since departing after the 2022 season.
Oct. 10: at Arkansas
Tennessee will head to Fayetteville, a place where it has lost four consecutive games and not won since 2001, to take on the Razorbacks.
Oct. 17: vs Alabama
The Third Saturday in October once again brings Alabama to town, where the Vols will look to win their third consecutive home game in the series against the Crimson Tide. Given how the last few seasons have gone, this game could serve as a turning point in the season for each team.
Oct. 24: at South Carolina
The Vols will walk into the house of horrors that is Williams-Brice Stadium to take on the Gamecocks. The last trip to Columbia, South Carolina, was a soul-crushing one, as Hendon Hooker tore his ACL, and the Vols’ 2022 playoff dreams were completely shattered in a 63-38 loss.
Nov. 7: vs Kentucky
It will be rivalry week again versus Kentucky, a team the Vols have historically dominated. Tennessee is on a five-game winning streak against the Wildcats, and they carry an 85-26-9 advantage in the all-time series.
Nov. 14: at Texas A&M
Tennessee will head to Kyle Field in College Station for just the second time in its history to take on the Aggies. Their first trip back in 2016 ended with a 45-38 double overtime loss in which the Vols amassed 684 yards of offense but turned the ball over seven times.
Nov. 21: vs LSU
A Senior Day game where Lane Kiffin returns. There could not be a greater recipe for an electrifying atmosphere at Neyland Stadium. Golf balls and mustard bottles were the result of his first return with Ole Miss in 2021. Now, it’ll be in the purple and gold — against an opponent the Vols haven’t beaten at home since 2001.
Nov. 28: at Vanderbilt
Tennessee will end its season on the road against the Commodores, where it will look to reclaim its territory after a frustrating home loss to end its season. Still, the Vols lead the all-time series 79-33-5, and they come home from both of their road games at Vanderbilt under Heupel with wins.
