A packed schedule ahead
The University of Tennessee has finalized its 2026‑27 basketball schedule, a calendar that blends familiar SEC rivalries with a demanding non‑conference slate and a November appearance at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.
Home‑and‑home series will feature Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Missouri, while additional home dates include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State and South Carolina, and road trips are set for Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Texas.
The non‑conference portion opens with a matchup against Maryland at the Vegas festival on November 24, followed by a game against either Iowa State or San Diego State on November 26, with the possibility of a championship game on November 28.
Key matchups to watch
The renewed rivalry with Kentucky and the return of Vanderbilt as annual home‑and‑home foes add excitement, while the addition of Missouri introduces a fresh dynamic to the SEC schedule.
The ACC‑SEC Challenge brings Florida State to Knoxville on December 1, and a December 6 showdown with North Carolina State, now led by newly hired Justin Gainey, will take place at Bridgestone Arena.
Earlier in the month, the Vols will meet Purdue and Michigan State in home‑and‑home matchups, with the Purdue game shifted to Friday, December 11, while the Michigan State date remains pending.