The 2026 Tennessee football schedule opens at home against Furman on September 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Tennessee Volunteers face 12 regular-season games plus a potential SEC Championship appearance, with the classic Third Saturday in October against Alabama and high-profile home dates against ranked Texas and LSU.
Neyland Stadium hosts eight home dates on the 2026 Tennessee football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in mid-to-late October with consecutive home games against Auburn and ranked Alabama followed by a road trip to South Carolina.
2026 Tennessee Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Furman PaladinsNeyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN | 3:30pm ETSECN+ | ||
| Saturday | at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsBobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 7:00pm ETESPN | ||
| Saturday | Kennesaw State OwlsNeyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN | 7:45pm ETSECN | ||
| Saturday | 5 Texas LonghornsNeyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN | 12:00pm ETABC or ESPN | ||
| Saturday | Auburn TigersNeyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Arkansas RazorbacksD.W.R. Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Third Saturday in October | ||||
| Saturday | 13 Alabama Crimson TideNeyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at South Carolina GamecocksWilliams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC | 3:30-4:30pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | Kentucky WildcatsNeyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN | 6:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 8 Texas A&M AggiesKyle Field, College Station, TX | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 11 LSU TigersNeyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Vanderbilt CommodoresFirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN | 6:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | vs SEC ChampionshipMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 4:00pm ETABC | ||
How the 2026 Tennessee Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with a mix of home and road games on the 2026 Tennessee Volunteers Football schedule. Furman at home, a road trip to Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State at home, and #5 Texas at home. That early stretch mixes manageable dates with a ranked home contest.
October brings Auburn at home, a road trip to Arkansas, the Third Saturday in October against #13 Alabama at home, a road game at South Carolina, and the bye week. The consecutive ranked and rivalry games will define the middle of the season.
November features Kentucky at home, a road trip to #8 Texas A&M, #11 LSU at home, and a closer at Vanderbilt. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible SEC Championship appearance.
Home Games at Neyland Stadium
Eight home dates appear on the 2026 Tennessee football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Furman
- September 19 vs. Kennesaw State
- September 26 vs. #5 Texas
- October 3 vs. Auburn
- October 17 vs. #13 Alabama (Third Saturday in October)
- November 7 vs. Kentucky
- November 21 vs. #11 LSU
The Texas, Alabama and LSU games will generate the strongest crowds in Knoxville.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Tennessee football schedule.
The September 26 home game against #5 Texas is an early SEC measuring stick. The October 17 Third Saturday in October against #13 Alabama is a key ranked test. The November 21 home date against #11 LSU will likely decide late-season momentum.
Win two of those three and the Volunteers stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 SEC Championship appearance in Atlanta.
Where to Watch Tennessee Volunteers Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 Tennessee Volunteers Football schedule:
- SECN+ (Sept. 5 vs. Furman)
- ESPN (Sept. 12 at Georgia Tech)
- SECN (Sept. 19 vs. Kennesaw State)
- ABC or ESPN (Sept. 26 vs. Texas)
- ABC (Dec. 5 SEC Championship)
Most remaining SEC games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 5 — Season opener vs. Furman, 3:30 p.m. ET, SECN+
- Sept. 26 — #5 Texas at home, 12:00 p.m. ET, ABC or ESPN
- Oct. 17 — Third Saturday in October vs. #13 Alabama
- Oct. 31 — Bye week
- Nov. 21 — #11 LSU at home
- Dec. 5 — Potential SEC Championship in Atlanta, 4:00 p.m. ET, ABC
The 2026 Tennessee football schedule opens with early home games and builds toward classic rivalries and ranked tests. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Tennessee open the 2026 season?
Tennessee opens the 2026 season at home against Furman on Saturday, September 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET on SECN+.
How many home games do the Tennessee Volunteers have in 2026?
The Volunteers have seven home games at Neyland Stadium on the 2026 Tennessee football schedule: Furman, Kennesaw State, #5 Texas, Auburn, #13 Alabama, Kentucky, and #11 LSU.
Who do the Tennessee Volunteers play in the Third Saturday in October?
On October 17 the Volunteers host #13 Alabama in the Third Saturday in October at Neyland Stadium. Time and TV are still TBA.
What channel are Tennessee games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include SECN+, ESPN, SECN, ABC or ESPN, and ABC. Most SEC games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
