The kickoff time and broadcast details are set for Jerry Mack’s week three return to Neyland Stadium. Tennessee and Kennesaw State will kick off at 7:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 19. The SEC Network is broadcasting the matchup.
ESPN released the broadcast details for Tennessee’s first three games on Wednesday with two of the Vols’ first three games taking place at night.
The game marks a return for Kennesaw State head coach Jerry Mack. Mack was on Josh Heupel’s inaugural staff at Tennessee, serving as running back’s coach from 2021-23. Mack left Tennessee to be the Jacksonville Jaguars running back’s coach before taking over at Kennesaw State last season.
Mack had a strong first year at Kennesaw State, leading the Owls to a 10-4 record and the Conference USA Championship. Kennesaw State won a 19-15 thriller over Jacksonville State thanks to a two-minute touchdown drive.
Kennesaw State’s season came to a disappointing finish with Western Michigan knocks off the Owls 41-6 in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.
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Tennessee’s matchup against Kennesaw State comes between two key early season matchup for the Vols. Josh Heupel’s sixth Tennessee team travels to Georgia Tech the week before and hosts Texas in its SEC opener the following week.
Expectations vary for Tennessee this coming season. The Vols are coming off a disappointing 8-5 (4-4 SEC) season. Tennessee returns much of its offensive talent from a season ago but must replace starting quarterback Joey Aguilar.
The Vols’ quarterback battle is ongoing as true freshman Faizon Brandon and redshirt freshman George MacIntyre compete for the starting job.
Tennessee underwent a major stand and roster overhaul this offseason after a disappointing 2025 season the field. Heupel hired Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and three other new defensive staffers.
