The University of Tennessee has released its full slate of games for the 2028 season, a schedule that blends traditional rivals with ambitious non‑conference ventures. Athletic director Danny White confirmed the additions, emphasizing the program’s intent to test itself against diverse competition while maintaining a strong regional presence.
A marquee home matchup is set for September 9, 2028, when the Volunteers will host Central Michigan at Neyland Stadium. The agreement includes a $1.3 million guarantee payment to the Mid‑American Conference program, underscoring the financial incentives that often accompany such matchups.
A Look Back at the Chippewas‑Volunteers Rivalry
This will mark the first meeting between Tennessee and Central Michigan, a milestone that aligns with the Volunteers’ perfect record against teams currently belonging to the Mid‑American Conference; they have never lost to a MAC opponent, while the Chippewas have yet to defeat an SEC team in eleven attempts.
Later in the month, on September 2, 2028, Tennessee will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, for a neutral‑site contest against West Virginia. The game forms part of a broader agreement to stage high‑profile matchups at neutral venues, expanding the Volunteers’ national footprint.
Beyond the non‑conference slate, the SEC schedule reveals home games against Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, South Carolina and Texas A&M, while road trips will take the Vols to Auburn, LSU, Texas and Vanderbilt. The current season’s non‑conference opponents — Furman, Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State — prepare the team for the rigors of SEC play, and the 2027 schedule includes contests with Tennessee State, Georgia Tech and Western Michigan.