Vols Set to Checker Neyland as Texas Comes to Knoxville for Historic Sept. 26 Matchup
Image: Emma Ramsey/Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
KNOXVILLE – Tennessee football has announced its 2026 game designations for what will be one of the most anticipated home schedules in recent years. The featured game comes on Sept. 26 when the Vols will Checker Neyland for the tenth time as Texas travels to Knoxville for the first time ever in a regular season matchup. It will also mark the first meeting between the two programs outside of the Cotton Bowl in Dallas as the Vols and Longhorns have not faced off since 1968 when Texas defeated Tennessee 36-13.
Tennessee’s home slate features several annual traditions as the Vols will host Salute to Service to honor the nation’s service members and their families on Sept. 19 against Kennesaw State. On Oct. 3, Auburn visits Knoxville for the first time in 13 years as Tennessee celebrates its fifth Champions Weekend, recognizing past teams and individuals who won SEC or NCAA championships during their time on Rocky Top.
Homecoming is set for Nov. 7 when Kentucky comes to town, continuing one of the league’s oldest rivalries. The home schedule closes on Nov. 21 with Senior Day against LSU as Tennessee honors its outgoing veterans in the final game at Neyland Stadium for the 2026 season.
