The University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball program revealed its 2026‑27 nonconference schedule on August 10, marking coach Kim Caldwell’s third season in charge.
A Schedule Built for Competition
The slate comprises nine home contests, four away games and a single neutral‑site matchup, providing a balanced mix of exposure and travel for the Lady Vols.
Among the highlighted opponents are UCLA, UConn and Virginia Tech, all of which earned berths in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, underscoring the strength of the upcoming lineup.
In total, Tennessee will meet fourteen NCAA tournament teams, including traditional SEC rivals South Carolina and Texas, while twelve games are slated against opponents ranked in ESPN’s Top 25.
The season opens at home against Duquesne on November 2, followed by a road trip to Coppin State in Baltimore on November 5, before the team embarks on a series of early‑season challenges.
SEC/ACC Challenge and Neutral‑Site Showdown
On December 3, the Lady Vols will travel to face Virginia Tech in the SEC/ACC Challenge, a game that will also feature the arrival of former Lady Vols standouts Alyssa Latham and Lauren Hurst, who transferred to the Hokies this offseason.
A neutral‑site contest at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on December 18 will pit Tennessee against Baylor, adding a high‑profile showcase in the heart of the state.
With a schedule that blends home‑court comforts, demanding road tests and marquee national matchups, the Lady Vols are positioned to make a strong early statement and climb the early rankings as the season unfolds.