Tennessee football has announced its game day designations for the 2026 season, including the fan-favorite Checker Neyland event. Vol fans will be asked to coordinate clothing color for the marquee matchup against Texas on Sept. 26 to create the iconic scene.
Before that, UT will also host its annual Salute to Service game. That is scheduled for Sept. 19, the week prior to the Longhorns coming to town, against Kennesaw State. The game against the Owls also marks the return of KSU head coach Jerry Mack, who served as the running back coach at UT under Josh Heupel.
Champions Weekend will be held on Oct. 3 when Auburn comes to Knoxville. This will honor former SEC and national championship teams, which are celebrating various anniversaries. Former Heupel offensive coordinator at Tennessee, Alex Golesh, will be returning to Rocky Top as the head coach of the Tigers that week, as well.
Homecoming is set for Nov. 7 against Kentucky. The Vols will be looking to stay perfect against the Wildcats in the Heupel Era and win their sixth-straight game of the rivalry.
mark your calendars! 🗓️
📰 » https://t.co/1yvAVqWKuE#GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/Ve1U6QMjiI
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) May 5, 2026
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There are currently no kickoff times or TV designations set for any games on the schedule. Those decisions will be made closer to the start of this season, with SEC games being revealed throughout the year a few weeks ahead of game day.
Here is a complete look at the Vols’ 2026 schedule, featuring nine SEC games and five of them being played at home:
- Sept. 5 – Furman
- Sept. 12 – at Georgia Tech
- Sept. 19 – Kennesaw State
- Sept. 26 – Texas
- Oct. 3 – Auburn
- Oct. 10 – at Arkansas
- Oct. 17 – Alabama
- Oct. 24 – at South Carolina
- Nov. 7 – Kentucky
- Nov. 14 – at Texas A&M
- Nov. 21 – LSU
- Nov. 28 – at Vanderbilt
