Tennessee's already tough nonconference basketball schedule just got even harder with a familiar face now on the other side. Former Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey is now leading the NC State Wolfpack after spending the last five years in Knoxville. Gainey will now get his chance for a friendly but competitive matchup against Rick Barnes and the Vols.
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Per college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Vols will take on former associate head coach Justin Gainey and the NC State Wolfpack in a neutral-site game in Nashville next season. The game doesn't have a specific date yet, but based on last year, it will likely be in December.
NEWS: Tennessee and NC State will meet next season in a neutral site game in Nashville, according to a source.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 22, 2026
Rick Barnes against Justin Gainey. https://t.co/UE5b3Mek3K
Tennessee agaisnt NC State Nashville
This is one that Vols fans will certainly have circled on their calendar next season. Tennessee fans were very sad but excited to see Gainey leave. He deserved his chance to be a head coach. But that also means the Vols lost a top assistant. Tennessee fans will be rooting for Gainey all season except when he meets with the Vols in Nashville.
Gainey did a lot of special things during his time in Knoxville. He was the defensive coordinator for Rick Barnes, and he had a strong player development track record. As we know, the Vols have consistently had top defenses in the country, and Gainey played a major role in that by helping set up game plans for opponents. Now Tennesse and Barnes will have to outsmart Gainey in this game. Maybe this is a "I taught you everything you know, but not everything I know" moment for Barnes.
Either way, this should be a fun matchup between two great coaches who clearly respect each other. NC State will be a solid team, and it’s always good for Tennessee to get real tests against quality opponents, as it only helps them prepare for March Madness. Last year in Nashville, Tennessee took a beating from Illinois 75-62, so hopefully, the Vols can flip the script and leave Bridgestone Arena with a win.
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