Vols Plan to Checker Neyland For Texas Game

(utsports.com) — Tennessee Athletics has announced its 2026 home football game designations, which will be highlighted by a new, five-game Southeastern Conference slate in Neyland Stadium.

The Volunteers open their 130th season on Sept. 5 against Furman. When Tennessee hosts Kennesaw State two weeks later on Sept. 19, the annual Salute to Service game takes centerstage. Salute to Service honors our nation’s service members, veterans and their families.

Checker Neyland presented by Pilot is set for the Vols’ SEC opener against Texas on Sept. 26. The two teams are meeting in the regular season for the first time ever. The 10th Checker Neyland game in program history showcases Tennessee’s iconic checkerboard pattern through Neyland Stadium.

The following week on Oct. 3, Champions Weekend presented by Pilot will be held when Auburn visits Knoxville. The two teams are facing off in Neyland Stadium for the first time in 13 years. The fifth annual Champions Weekend presented by Pilot will welcome past teams and individuals who won SEC and/or NCAA championships during specific years and celebrate anniversaries.

Homecoming is scheduled for Nov. 7 against Kentucky. It’s the second time in three seasons that UT will host an SEC foe for Homecoming.

Game time windows and additional game day information will be announced at a later date.

Season tickets are sold out for the fourth consecutive year. Fans interested in purchasing future new season tickets can fill out the 2027 season ticket interest form.

2026 Tennessee Football Game Designations
Kennesaw State (Sept. 19) – Salute To Service
Texas (Sept. 26) – Checker Neyland presented by Pilot
Auburn (Oct. 3) – Champions Weekend presented by Pilot
Kentucky (Nov. 7) – Homecoming