The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team is slated to open its 2026‑27 campaign with an exhibition matchup against Xavier University on October 15 at the Food City Center in Knoxville.
A Milestone in Scheduling
This contest represents the third consecutive year that Tennessee has welcomed a Division I opponent to its home court for an exhibition, and it will also be the first time the Volunteers stage exhibition games both on their own floor and on the road.
Historically, the Volunteers hold a decisive edge over Xavier, having won 12 of their last 15 regular‑season meetings and posting a 12‑3 record in the most recent 15 matchups, while their all‑time exhibition ledger reads 87‑20, including a 25‑2 stretch over the past 27 games.
Ticket information will be released in September, with season‑ticket holders gaining early access beginning August 20 and a final purchase deadline set for September 10 at 5 p.m. Student admission will be free, opening on October 5 at 7:30 a.m., though the game will not be covered by the regular season ticket package.
The exhibition serves as a crucial warm‑up for both squads as they fine‑tune strategies ahead of the regular season, and fans can expect an early‑season clash that promises competitive basketball.