The 2026 US LBM College Football Coaches preseason Top 25 poll is slated to be released on August 4, a date that will set the early narrative for the upcoming season and shape public expectations across the sport.
What the poll means for the Vols
Tennessee Volunteers arrive with a roster that blends veteran leadership and deep talent, even as the team navigates uncertainty at the quarterback position that could influence early game plans.
USA TODAY Sports will broadcast the poll live on YouTube, featuring a panel of analysts including Blake Toppmeyer, Matt Hayes, John Brice and Paul Myerberg who will break down the implications for each program.
The Volunteers open the season on September 5 against Furman, with a 3:30 p.m. kickoff on the SEC Network+, followed by a September 12 night game versus Georgia Tech on ESPN, marking the first of several high‑profile matchups.
Analysts anticipate the Vols will finish inside the Top 25, but the schedule ahead — featuring contests with Kennesaw State, Texas, Auburn, Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Texas A&M — presents a series of tests that could define their ascent.