The University of Tennessee’s football program opens the 2026 campaign with a preseason ranking of 18th in the US LBM Coaches Poll, a stark contrast to a year ago when the Vols were left out of the rankings entirely.
A Schedule That Tests Resolve
Athletic director Danny White highlighted the milestone as a sign of growing confidence, even as the schedule presents a gauntlet of top‑ten opponents, including a showdown with No. 4 Texas, a clash against No. 8 Texas A&M, and a battle with No. 11 Alabama.
The poll, compiled weekly by head coaches across FBS schools, weights each vote by its position in the Top 25, and this season nine SEC teams cracked the list, underscoring the conference’s depth.
Fans will get their first official look at the AP Top 25 on August 17, a date that could further influence the Vols’ trajectory as they navigate a demanding slate that also features ranked matchups against South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Auburn and Georgia Tech.