Preseason Forecast
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) unveiled its preseason order of finish for the 2026 football campaign during media days held in Tampa, Florida. The announcement, based on a poll of national and regional reporters, sets the stage for a competitive year across the league.
According to the poll, the University of Tennessee is slated to finish eighth in the conference. The Volunteers will open the season on September 5 against Furman at Neyland Stadium, with the kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT and a live broadcast on SEC Network+. The game marks the first of several home contests that include matchups against Kennesaw State, Texas, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky and LSU.
Beyond Tennessee, the preseason rankings place Georgia at the top, followed by Texas in second and Ole Miss in third. The full order reflects a blend of returning talent, recruiting gains and coaching changes that the SEC believes will shape the narrative of the upcoming season.
The Volunteers' schedule also features a series of road tests, with away games slated against Georgia Tech, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt. These contests will provide early gauges of the team's progress and could influence future rankings.
Head coach Josh Heupel, now in his third year at the helm, emphasized continuity and development during the media day press conference. He highlighted the team's focus on executing the offensive scheme while integrating new recruits and maintaining defensive stability.
SEC Network+ will carry the season opener and many of the conference's marquee matchups throughout the year, ensuring that fans across the country can follow the action live. The broadcast strategy underscores the league's commitment to expanding its digital footprint.