The 2026 ACC/SEC Challenge will unfold over two days in early December, pitting the premier programs of the Atlantic Coast and Southeastern conferences against each other in a showcase of mid‑season form.
Virginia Tech’s appearance in the challenge comes on the heels of a breakthrough season that saw the Hokies secure their first NCAA Tournament berth under head coach Megan Duffy, finishing the regular campaign with a 23‑8 record in ACC play.
Tennessee, meanwhile, closed out the 2025‑26 regular season at 16‑13 overall and 8‑8 in SEC competition, a record that reflects a competitive but inconsistent stretch for the Volunteers.
The upcoming matchup will feature two Volunteers on Tech’s roster: forward Alyssa Latham and guard‑forward Lauren Hurst, both of whom have seen limited minutes but contributed notable performances in recent outings.
Latham, who averaged 4.7 points and 19.1 minutes per game, previously posted 12 points in a 70‑59 victory over then‑No. 21 Alabama, while Hurst, who logged 2.3 points in 10 minutes per game, scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a loss to No. 17 Ole Miss.
The historical ledger favors Tennessee, with Virginia Tech holding a 4‑8 all‑time record against the Volunteers, yet the Hokies have won four of the last five meetings, including a Sweet 16 encounter in the 2022‑23 season that propelled them to their inaugural Final Four appearance.
A rivalry that keeps growing
All four of the most recent contests between the teams have been decided by single digits, underscoring the competitive balance that has defined the series in recent years.
Beyond the Tennessee game, Virginia Tech’s schedule for the 2025‑26 season already lists at least six contests that are publicly slated, offering fans a glimpse of the broader non‑conference slate that will test the Hokies against a variety of opponents.