Tennessee football schedule revealed for 2026 and the last 6 weeks are a nightmare

The SEC has officially released the schedule for next fall, and it looks like Tennessee will play a gauntlet like always. The Vols are going through a lot of changes off-season, as Josh Heupel just fired defensive coordinator Tim Banks and hired Jim Knowles to fill the void. 

The quarterback situation is still unclear, as Joey Aguilar could potentially be back. The defense needs an overhaul with starters from the transfer portal. Tennessee brings back a really young squad from last season, and with additions from the portal, the 2026 Volunteers could be an SEC sleeper team, but with a lot of needs to fill, it's somewhat unclear.

But the 2026 campaign won't be easy. In fact, it will be very tough. Let's take a look.

Tennessee football schedule in 2026 is a challenge

Overall, Josh Heupel and his staff have a tough road ahead of them. The SEC did Tennessee no favors, and when you really break it down, the first six weeks are much easier than the last. The Vols start their gauntlet with powerhouse Alabama, as the SEC has run through the Crimson Tide for the last 20 years. Tennessee then has to take on a South Carolina team that will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025.

The last four weeks specifically are the most challenging stretch the Vols will go through. I might be higher on Kentucky than most, but there is no denying Will Stein is an offensive genius. He adapts his scheme to his players, and he completely transformed Oregon's offense. Kentucky might be in a transition phase in 2026 with Stein in his first year, but don't sleep on the Wildcats. Texas A&M at Kyle Field is never easy, but the Aggies will potentially be a top-five team next fall. There are rumors that Marcel Reed may transfer, but no matter who the signal-caller is, it will be a grind.

On November 21st, new LSU head coach, and former Tennessee head man, Lane Kiffin makes his second return to Neyland Stadium. LSU is always a tough battle, and you know, with Kiffin at the helm, they will be highly aggressive in the transfer portal this offseason.

Finally, the Vols have to play a rivalry game on the road in Nashville versus Vanderbilt to cap off the season. In previous years, Tennessee could look past Vandy, but not anymore. Clark Lea has completely transformed the program, and they now are a difficult test. Josh Heupel will look to get revenge after Tennessee's disastrous performance against Vandy in 2025.

There’s no question that Tennessee has a gauntlet ahead of them. When it’s all said and done, the Vols might be an improved team in 2026 but not much improvement record wise.