The Tennessee Volunteers closed out the 2025 campaign with an 8‑5 record, a performance that earned them a No. 18 spot in the US LBM Coaches Poll and set the stage for a highly anticipated 2026 season.
Quarterback Joey Aguilar’s bid for an additional year of eligibility was denied by the NCAA, leaving the team to move forward with a freshman under center while the offense seeks stability.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, hired from the NFL ranks, brings a reputation for aggressive play‑calling and is expected to reshape a unit that struggled a year ago.
A Fresh Coaching Landscape
Knowles inherits a defense that gave up too many big plays last season, and his scheme emphasizes pressure on the quarterback and tighter coverage in the secondary.
The Volunteers will play seven home games at Neyland Stadium, beginning with a September 5 matchup against Furman that starts at 3:30 p.m. ET and offers tickets from $60.
Key conference battles include a November 28 showdown with in‑state rival Vanderbilt and a much‑anticipated clash with Alabama, where the most expensive tickets top $439.
Road trips take the team to Georgia Tech, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M and a neutral site in Mississippi, with the cheapest away‑game price hovering around $65 for the Arkansas game.
Overall, the combination of a strong preseason ranking, new leadership on defense and a slate of marquee opponents has fans eager to see how the Volunteers will translate early promise into wins.