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2026 Tennessee football post-spring game-by-game predictions
TL;DR
Tennessee football wrapped up spring practices on April 11 and will start the 2026 season on September 5 against Furman. The Vols will have Alabama, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt as permanent opponents in the SEC.
Key points
- Tennessee concluded spring practices on April 11
- 2026 season starts on September 5 against Furman
- Permanent SEC opponents are Alabama, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt
- Tennessee has a 45-20 record under coach Josh Heupel
- Away games include Georgia Tech, Arkansas, and Texas A&M
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Tennessee concluded spring football practices April 11 with its annual Orange & White Game at Neyland Stadium.
The Vols will kick off their 2026 football season Sept. 5 versus Furman at Neyland Stadium. 2026 will mark the sixth season for the Vols under head coach Josh Heupel.
From 2021-25, he has guided Tennessee to a 45-20 (24-16 SEC) record, one College Football Playoff appearance and four bowl games.
Beginning in 2026, Tennessee will play Alabama, Kentucky and Vanderbilt as permanent opponents. Each SEC school will have three permanent opponents and six rotating opponents for the next four years.
The Vols will host Furman, Kennesaw State, Texas, Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky and LSU, while playing at Georgia Tech, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt during the 2026 campaign.
More: Tennessee DC Jim Knowles' defenses by the numbers at Ohio State, Penn State
Following the Orange & White Game and spring football practices, Vols Wire provides game predictions for Tennessee in 2026.
2026 Tennessee football post-spring game-by-game predictions
Q&A
When does Tennessee football start its 2026 season?
Tennessee football will kick off its 2026 season on September 5 against Furman.
Who are Tennessee's permanent SEC opponents starting in 2026?
Tennessee's permanent SEC opponents starting in 2026 will be Alabama, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt.
What is Tennessee's football record under coach Josh Heupel?
Under coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has a record of 45-20 from 2021 to 2025.
Where will Tennessee play its away games in the 2026 season?
In the 2026 season, Tennessee will play away games at Georgia Tech, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt.
