The University of Tennessee men's basketball program, led by head coach Rick Barnes, has released its non‑conference schedule for the 2026‑27 season, outlining a 14‑game slate that runs from early November through late December.
The Volunteers will open the season on November 3 against Wofford, a team they have never lost to, before traveling to face a series of Power Five opponents that include Michigan State, Maryland, Purdue and others.
Nine of the contests will be played at the Food City Center in Knoxville, giving the home crowd ample opportunity to support the team as it builds momentum heading into SEC play.
Key Non‑Conference Matchups
Among the highlighted games is a November 17 showdown with Michigan State, against whom Tennessee holds a 2‑5 record, and a November 24 appearance in the Players Era Men's Championship in Las Vegas where the Volunteers will meet Maryland, a team they have a 3‑2 edge over.
The schedule also features a December 1 clash with Florida State in the SEC/ACC Challenge, a December 6 meeting with NC State in Nashville, and a December 11 battle against Purdue, a program Tennessee has struggled against historically.
The non‑conference slate will wrap up on December 29 with a home game versus Norfolk State, after which the Volunteers will turn their attention to the rigors of SEC competition beginning in January.