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Tennessee announces Checker Neyland, other game designations for 2026 season
TL;DR
Tennessee has announced key game designations for its 2026 football season, including a 'Checker Neyland' game against Texas. The matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams outside the Cotton Bowl.
Key points
- Tennessee announced game designations for the 2026 football season
- Includes a 'Checker Neyland' game against Texas
- First meeting between Tennessee and Texas outside the Cotton Bowl
- September 19 game against Kennesaw State is a salute to service game
- Arch Manning's return adds significance to the matchup
Tennessee VolunteersTexas LonghornsArch ManningPeyton Manning
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 12: A Checkered Neyland Stadium for the college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Florida Gators on October 12, 2024, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Tennessee’s loaded 2026 football schedule now has some important dates to remember. The University announced a few game designations for the upcoming season, which includes a ‘Checker Neyland’ date for the highly anticipated matchup with Texas.
This will be the first ever meeting between Tennessee and Texas that didn’t occur in the Cotton Bowl. The Longhorns are slated to be one of the top teams in the preseason polls after once again attacking the transfer portal hard. Arch Manning returns, which will put a Manning on the opposing sideline inside of Neyland Stadium, making for an awkward situation for Peyton.
Tennessee announced that the September 19th game against Kennesaw State will serve as the salute to service game.
They have designated Auburn as Champions Weekend, which will mark the return of Alex Golesh to Neyland. Golesh helped lead Heupel’s most successful at Tennessee back in 2022, riding Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt to a No. 1 ranking and the head coaching job at South Florida. This will be Golesh’s first season on The Plains.
Finally, Tennessee will play their homecoming matchup against Kentucky on November 7th. The Wildcats are in a completely new era as well, bringing in Will Stein after things got stale with Mark Stoops. Kenny Minchey is set to take over at quarterback after transferring in from Notre Dame.
Q&A
What is the significance of the 'Checker Neyland' game for Tennessee in 2026?
The 'Checker Neyland' game against Texas is significant as it marks the first meeting between the two teams outside the Cotton Bowl, adding to the excitement of the matchup.
When is Tennessee's salute to service game scheduled in 2026?
Tennessee's salute to service game is scheduled for September 19, 2026, against Kennesaw State.
Who is Arch Manning and why is he relevant to the Tennessee vs Texas game?
Arch Manning is a highly regarded quarterback returning for Texas, making the game against Tennessee notable as it features a Manning on the opposing sideline at Neyland Stadium.
