Tennessee has locked in a non‑conference football contest slated for September 9, 2028, against Central Michigan, with the game set to unfold at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
Game logistics and financial terms
The Volunteers will shell out $1.3 million to the Chippewas for the engagement, a figure that underscores the growing practice of guaranteeing payouts for mid‑major programs.
This matchup will mark the first-ever meeting between the two schools, adding a fresh storyline for fans of both programs.
Coach Josh Heupel and his staff still have one additional slot to fill in the 2028 schedule, leaving the possibility of another non‑conference opponent on the horizon.
Broader implications for the Volunteers' slate
Scheduling a high‑profile non‑conference game against a Mid‑American Conference team reflects Tennessee's strategy of bolstering its résumé ahead of SEC play, while also providing a financial boost to the visiting program.
The game will be broadcast nationally, giving both fan bases a chance to experience a classic college‑football atmosphere in East Tennessee.