With the spring season officially underway, Tennessee athletics is gearing up for a series of marquee events across multiple sports.
Here are some of the key dates, matchups and storylines during the second half of the college calendar.
Baseball
With new head coach Josh Elander at the helm, Tennessee baseball’s spring schedule features several matchups with elite SEC foes, but one of the most anticipated series will take place April 3-5 against LSU. The weekend slate pits two of the last three national champions against each other. These battles will serve as a measuring stick for the Vols under Elander’s new leadership.
Coming off a 46-19 record in 2025, Tennessee enters a series that is bound to feature national implications, as the three-game clash could play a pivotal role in shaping the SEC standings and the program’s NCAA Tournament aspirations.
Softball
Some early-season softball action will be on display at the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational on Feb. 12-15 in Clearwater, Florida.
This nonconference showcase draws some of the nation’s top programs, including Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Oregon, giving Tennessee softball a chance to face elite competition. These outings loom as a crucial step to build momentum and shape the national rankings.
Currently sitting as the No. 3 team in the land, featuring standout players like Karlyn Pickens, the Lady Vols can keep their undefeated start rolling in The Sunshine State and can set the tone for their national standing heading into league play.
Women’s tennis
A big rivalry will take place in Gainesville on March 14 as the Lady Vols tennis team competes against Florida.
Tennessee and the Gators have faced off regularly for decades, leading to a familiar showdown between the two foes. The Lady Vols have earned more wins over Florida in recent seasons, a sign of a growing program that continues to improve against stiffer competition.
A win over the Gators will show the Lady Vols’ readiness to contend, each meet serving as a potential turning point in the SEC.
Track & field
Tennessee track athletes will have notable opportunities to shine, with the Drake Relays standing out as one of the most prestigious and nationally recognized meets in the college outdoor season.
Many of these athletes in the 2026 season so far have had standout performances, setting school records and rising amongst the national rankings.
The Vols competing April 22-25 at Drake offers Tennessee a chance to test itself against elite competition later in the season, an important indicator for outdoor championship potential.
Swim and dive
Tennessee swim and dive will follow the Tennessee Invitational with the Last Chance Meet over Feb. 27-28 in Knoxville. Both the men’s and women’s teams sit among the top 10 squads in the nation according to the CSCAA polls.
With standout swimmers from all sides, the Last Chance Meet gives swimmers a final opportunity to qualify for the NCAA Championships or improve their seed times, making it a crucial stop on the road to nationals.
Rowing
Rowing fans can look forward to a matchup against highly-touted Stanford on March 28.
The Cardinal claimed the national title at the conclusion of the 2025 season, while Tennessee placed fifth. Lady Vols rowing continues to gain more attention thanks to head coach Kim Cupini’s recognition as SEC Coach of the Year a season ago.
Golf
The Cabo Collegiate is one of the most competitive tournaments in the spring season, placing Tennessee against top-tier competition in a three-day, 54-hole stroke play tournament March 2-4.
Taking place at the Twin Dolphin Club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the Vols finished fifth in 2025. As Tennessee evaluates its lineup and how it looks under pressure, head coach Brennan Webb’s guys are searching for more this time around.
The Lady Vols will head to the Clemson Invitational March 27-29, featuring opponents like Arkansas, Florida and Vanderbilt. A multi-round stroke play event, Tennessee placed fourth last season with several strong individual finishes.
