2026-06-17 · 247Sports

The Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up for a challenging 2026 season with a first-ever nine-game SEC slate. Under the guidance of head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 8-5 season in 2025. With a new starting quarterback and a revamped defense, Tennessee is an unknown entity at the national level. The team is currently in the third phase of its offseason, focusing on individual and collective improvement through grueling summer strength-and-conditioning sessions and player-led workouts. As the Vols prepare for preseason camp, they will face a tough schedule, including a Week 2 SEC-ACC clash against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta on September 12. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 7 p.m. The Vols are 45-20 in five seasons under Heupel and are looking to make a statement in the upcoming season. With a strong recruiting class and a new coordinator, Tennessee is poised to make a run in the conference. The team's performance will be closely watched as they take on a challenging schedule. The Vols' chances against Georgia Tech will be a key storyline to follow in the early going of the 2026 season.