A demanding non‑conference road
The University of Tennessee has announced a 14‑game non‑conference slate that blends seven buy games with seven contests against high‑profile opponents.
The opening stretch begins at home in Knoxville, where the Volunteers will host Wofford on November 3, followed by Radford on November 9 and Tennessee State on November 13. Those early matchups serve both as tune‑ups and as opportunities to build momentum.
Later in the month, the schedule shifts to more competitive terrain. Michigan State, ranked seventh in the preseason Bart Torvik ratings, arrives on November 17, while Coastal Carolina, fresh off a 19‑13 season, visits on November 20. The Volunteers will also test themselves against Maryland in Las Vegas on November 24, and could meet either Iowa State or San Diego State a few days later.
The slate continues with a December 1 showdown against Florida State back in Knoxville, a December 6 battle with NC State at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, and a December 11 trip to West Lafayette to face Purdue in Mackey Arena. Additional home games include contests with Marist on December 20 and Norfolk State on December 29.
Overall, the schedule is designed to challenge the team, provide valuable experience, and generate excitement among fans eager to see how the Volunteers will respond to a demanding road.