One thing that makes Tennessee so competitive every year is the fact that they are always playing one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the nation. This upcoming season, the Vols have Purdue, the Players Era, which will feature plenty of big-time opponents, NC State, and others. The non-conference schedule just got even harder for Tennessee with their latest opponent.
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Two of the most loved and iconic head coaches in all of college basketball will be meeting up for a home-and-home series over the next two years. Tennessee will host Tom Izzo and Michigan State on November 17, and then Tennessee will make a return trip to the Breslin Center next season. This is a huge matchup for Tennessee.
Tennessee basketball has scheduled a home-and-home series with Michigan State.
— Ben McKee (@benmckee14) July 17, 2026
Spartans will play in Knoxville this season on Nov. 17.
Vols will make the return trip to East Lansing during the 2027-28 season. That date has not been determined yet.
Michigan State is a great test for Tennessee
If there is one thing that is true, it’s that Tennessee and Michigan State are probably the two toughest teams in college basketball. Both Tennessee and Michigan State love to defend, rebound, and run. With Tennessee’s revamped roster, this will be a perfect test to see how tough this team is. Michigan State will punch them in the mouth, but will Tennessee respond?
Izzo also has a remarkable backcourt for next year, with point guard Jermey Fears running the show. He is the favorite for the Wooden Award next season. Fears isn't the best shooter, but he is an amazing passer with great vision and basketball IQ. What makes Fears so special is that he may not be the most athletic guard, but he's crafty with his angles and can pull up from 15 feet off the dribble or finish athletically at the rim at an elite level. Whoever Barnes decides to guard him will have to be on their A game.
Not to mention, former Vols recruit Coen Carr is one of the most athletically gifted basketball players ever. Seriously, he's one of the best dunkers to ever walk the planet. He is a lob machine and plays above the rim, executing put-backs and running for backdoor cuts. I expect Barnes to have Jalen Haralson guarding him, which will keep his hands very full. It will also be a good test of Tennessee's communication, as the Vols will have to defend against what will feel like a million Michigan State ball screens.
Whether the Vols win the game or not, it will be a great test for them early in the year to see how they stack up against one of the best teams in the nation, year in and year out.
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