Tennessee Basketball: Key Dates, Matchups, and Tournament Plans for 2025-26 Season
KNOXVILLE — Tennessee basketball fans have plenty to look forward to as details surrounding the Volunteers’ 2025-26 season continue to take shape. While the full schedule is still being finalized, several key games and tournaments are already on the horizon.
ACC/SEC Challenge
The Volunteers’ opponent for the 2025 ACC/SEC Challenge will be announced in late June. There’s growing excitement among fans at the possibility of hosting Duke in Knoxville. Tennessee will not face Louisville, Syracuse, or Notre Dame in the Challenge, narrowing the potential list of opponents.
Non-Conference Schedule Highlights
One marquee non-conference game is already confirmed: Tennessee will host Louisville on December 16 in Knoxville. Both teams are projected to be ranked, setting up what should be a high-profile showdown in Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.
Additionally, Tennessee has committed to participating in the Players ERA NIL Tournament in Las Vegas during Thanksgiving week for the next three years. The 2025 tournament will feature 18 teams and a new, innovative format combining international-style group play with championship matchups.
SEC Play
In SEC action, Tennessee will continue its annual home-and-home series with Vanderbilt and Kentucky. A third team for a double matchup will be announced, likely by late May or June. Specific dates for conference games are expected to be released in late August or early September.
Projected home games for Tennessee include:
- Ole Miss
- Auburn
- Texas
- Texas A&M
- LSU
- Oklahoma
- Kentucky
- Vanderbilt
- Plus one additional opponent (TBD)
On the road, Tennessee is slated to travel to:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Missouri
- Mississippi State
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Vanderbilt
- Plus one more opponent (TBD)
Last season, Tennessee played Florida twice, and it’s yet to be determined whether this year’s matchup will take place in Knoxville or Gainesville.
Postseason Outlook
The 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament is scheduled for March 11-15 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Looking ahead to the NCAA Tournament:
- First and Second Rounds (March 19 & 21): Buffalo (NY), Greenville (SC), Oklahoma City (OK), Portland (OR)
- First and Second Rounds (March 20 & 22): Tampa (FL), Philadelphia (PA), San Diego (CA), St. Louis (MO)
- Sweet 16/Elite 8 (March 26 & 28): Houston (South Region), San Jose (West), Chicago (Midwest), Washington, D.C. (East)
- Final Four: April 4 & 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
With a loaded schedule, top-tier matchups, and postseason destinations set, Tennessee basketball is gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling season under the bright lights.
