The University of Tennessee has released the full schedule for the 2026 football season, outlining when the Volunteers will take the field and which networks will carry each contest. The announcement comes as fans eagerly anticipate a slate that blends early‑season road tests with high‑profile home games.
Season Opener Details
The campaign opens on September 5 with a home matchup against Furman, slated for a 3:30 p.m. Eastern start. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and carried on SEC Network+, giving viewers multiple ways to follow the action.
A week later, Tennessee travels to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech, with a 7 p.m. kickoff broadcast on ESPN. The Volunteers will then host Kennesaw State on September 19 at 7:45 p.m., a contest that will also air on SEC Network.
Special Games and Milestones
Among the highlighted contests is the annual Salute to Service game, which will honor active service members, veterans and their families with a dedicated tribute during the contest. The Volunteers will also meet Texas in the Checker Neyland game on September 26, a matchup that traditionally draws national attention.
Champions Weekend on October 3 will pit Tennessee against Auburn, celebrating past teams and athletes who have captured SEC and NCAA titles. Homecoming is scheduled for November 7 against Kentucky, and the regular‑season finale will feature senior day against LSU on November 21, a tribute to the graduating class.
Broadcast Coverage
The schedule underscores the role of major media partners in bringing Volunteers football to fans. ESPN+ and ESPN will split early‑season coverage, while SEC Network will carry several key home games, including the Kennesaw State and Furman contests. Additional windows will be filled with programming from the same network family as the season progresses.
Fans can expect the remaining game‑time details to be revealed on June 10, when the university will announce kickoff times and broadcast assignments for the yet‑unscheduled matchups.