With fall camp around the corner, which will feature scrimmages in Neyland Stadium, and Tennessee football’s 2026 season starting in early September, the UT Grounds Crew has been working hard. The group just laid a new field at the historic venue in anticipation of Josh Heupel’s sixth season leading the charge.
The crew showcased the process on Instagram by showing the removal procedure, preparation and laying of the new real grass. This comes at a good time for Tennessee, as well. Since last season ended, UT has hosted a Savannah Bananas game, which features a dirt baseball field, and a Luke Combs concert.
Here are the video and photos posted by the UT Grounds Crew:
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
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The first home game of the year will be a tune-up game against FCS opponent Furman. The Paladins will be making the trip to break in the new field on September 5, 2026. The game is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. ET and will air on SECN+/ESPN+. Then, it’s a trip to Georgia Tech on the road the following week before returning to play Kennesaw State at home on September 19 at 7:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
The first SEC game on the new grass will be against Texas in front of a ‘Checker Neyland’ crowd. The matchup is scheduled for September 26 at noon ET on ABC or ESPN. The following Saturday, Auburn comes to town on October 3 in the FLEX window.
After a road trip to Arkansas, Tennessee hosts Alabama at home for the Third Saturday in October on October 17 in the FLEX window. Then, it’s a road game at South Carolina before returning home against Kentucky on November 7 for a night game.
Following a road game against Texas A&M is the final home game of the year against LSU. Lane Kiffin’s return to Neyland Stadium is slated for November 21 in the FLEX window. Then, the season ends on the road at Vanderbilt.
