Tennessee Volunteers football has locked in five additional nonconference opponents that will keep the schedule full through the 2031 season, all to be played at Neyland Stadium.
The new slate includes home games against Chattanooga in 2028 and 2029, a single meeting with Bowling Green in 2029, a matchup with UT Martin in 2030, and a contest with Austin Peay in 2031, ensuring a balanced mix of familiar rivals and fresh challenges.
Financial terms require Tennessee to guarantee $550,000 per game for Chattanooga, UT Martin and Austin Peay, while Bowling Green, an FBS program, will receive a $1.3 million guarantee for its scheduled contest.
Financial Implications of Guarantee Payments
These guarantees are more than mere line‑item expenses; they serve as a strategic investment that allows the Volunteers to maintain a competitive nonconference slate while adhering to the SEC’s new nine‑game conference model, which reduces the need for additional external opponents each season.
Historically, the Volunteers hold a 2‑0 record against Austin Peay, Bowling Green and UT Martin, and the program has faced Chattanooga regularly since coach Josh Heupel took over, though a 2019 win was later vacated due to a recruiting scandal.
Looking ahead, the schedule will be revisited after the 2029 season, when the SEC’s opponent assignments may shift, but for now the Volunteers have a clear path to preserve tradition, manage finances, and keep the Neyland Stadium crowd engaged with a diverse set of home matchups.