For Tennessee fans across the Southeast curious as to whether the Vols will travel near them in SEC men's basketball play in 2026, that bit of information came to light on Tuesday Wednesday morning. 

Tennessee released the full list of conference opponents that they will play at home, away, and both home and away next season.

The Vols will face three of their biggest multi-sport rivals in Alabama, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt both at home and away in 2026.  The Wildcats and Commodores are no surprise, as that's an annual thing for the Vols.  Tennessee faced the Crimson Tide just once last year - at home on March 1.  Vol fans will remember that game well, as a 30-foot three pointer at the buzzer by Jahmai Mashack gave Tennessee a 79-76 win. Now, Tennessee will get to go to the Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa as well in 2026. 

Aside from that trio of teams, the home highlights include the Vols' only matchup with Bruce Pearl and the 2024-25 #1 overall NCAA Tournament seed and Final Four participant Auburn Tigers.  The Vols faced Auburn just once last year at Auburn - a 53-51 loss.  The Vols will also welcome the Longhorns and Aggies as well. 

Tennessee's slate of six pure road teams won't be easy of course but isn't a murderer's row once - with the exception of Florida.  The national champion Gators bludgeoned the Vols in Gainesville 73-43 back in January.  Florida was the Vols' third home-and-away team last year.

The full 2025-26 schedule with dates will be released later.  By point of reference, the 2024-25 schedule was released on August 20, 2024.