Look ahead to 2026

[McDad]

That’s my GIF, Mr. McThief!

Don't see your name on it, PepperJerks.

 

[OrangeTsar]

This season is done. In an era in which it is CFP or bust, last night we proved we won't be in CFP.

That being said, how optimistic are we feeling about next season?

Not super hopeful as we will be working in yet ANOTHER new QB and this one probably without Joey‘s years of experience

 

[#1fulmerite]

So if we go 10-2 or 9-3 the season is a bust? Not even close

I agree. The problem that I see is the bowl game. If players are coming up, we win just as we did in the Butch era because Tennessee football was coming up and they were hungry. The problem is if they are focused on the portal or NFL, we lose the bowl and the season becomes a dud.

 

[OmahaOmaha]

It’s hard to project a year ahead in today’s landscape.

That being said, a very tough schedule and a new QB don’t bode well for a playoff run.

But hey, He is learning to be a Vol Fan!

 

[OmahaOmaha]

It's a fact. You really think we are winning in the Swamp? Not like we haven't lost 10 straight there. Hell, we should have lost to them last year. You can forget that right now. NOT happening.

Almost lost to them with the # 8 Defense in the Country! Now UT is # 100 in Defense. And we damn sure saw it on National Television in living color.

 

[OmahaOmaha]

2026 Tennessee Football Schedule​

SATURDAY, SEP 5

Furman​

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SATURDAY, SEP 12

atGeorgia Tech​

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SATURDAY, SEP 19

Kennesaw State​

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atArkansas​

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atSouth Carolina​

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Alabama​

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Auburn​

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Kentucky​

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LSU​

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Texas​

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atTexas A&M​

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atVanderbilt​

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Looks like 5 automatic losses. Bama with Simpson back wins in Knoxville too.

 

[ETV]

2026 Tennessee Football Schedule​

SATURDAY, SEP 5

Furman​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

SATURDAY, SEP 12

atGeorgia Tech​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

SATURDAY, SEP 19

Kennesaw State​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

DATE TBA

atArkansas​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

DATE TBA

atSouth Carolina​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

DATE TBA

Alabama​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

DATE TBA

Auburn​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

DATE TBA

Kentucky​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

DATE TBA

LSU​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

DATE TBA

Texas​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

DATE TBA

atTexas A&M​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

DATE TBA

atVanderbilt​

Time TBA ET | TV TBA

Kennesaw State? Really?

 

[Purplehaze26]

80 percent chance we go our normal 9-3 in conference

 

[MOOOOONEY]

This season is done. In an era in which it is CFP or bust, last night we proved we won't be in CFP.

That being said, how optimistic are we feeling about next season?

Still plenty of football left.

Find a way to win out and I would almost guarantee a top 10 finish in the CFP poll.

There’s major upsets that happen almost on a weekly basis.

 

[maxorange]

Curious what your argument would be for us to make CFP? What quality win? What impressive showing? Cfp committee doesn't give a rat's ass about dooley, pruitt, or jones era so save us the rearview mirror bs.

#13 Oklahoma
#10 Vandy
at Florida

That's enough...gets us to a #9 ranking (AP, at least)...right on the fringe of hosting again (but won't)

 

[Vols1498]

lol Tennessee fans are pathetic

 

[Tnphil]

Don't know about most folks......But for me a trip to the Gator....Outback....etc bowls just doesn't tickle my fancy like it use too.

 

[derekg_05]

#13 Oklahoma
#10 Vandy
at Florida

That's enough...gets us to a #9 ranking (AP, at least)...right on the fringe of hosting again (but won't)

If we beat Florida it will hold zero weight. That place is a wreck.

 

[Hunter10139]

If we beat Florida it will hold zero weight. That place is a wreck.

I think it will matter quite a bit. It goes a long way to fixing our reputation for losing to rivals on the road. Plus, it's required if we want to even have a chance to get into the playoff. On top of that, I have to imagine the mental boost our team would get from winning at the swamp might translate into improved performance against Vandy the following week.

Jmo.

 

[valoisvol]

Don't know about most folks......But for me a trip to the Gator....Outback....etc bowls just doesn't tickle my fancy like it use too.

You are correct. The one bright side is the extra practice time for the team. As a coach, I would prepare mostly younger guys and let them play. Who cares about the outcome. Bowl games mean absolutely nothing now

 

[EZE]

Playoffs or not, I wait all year for 12-16 weeks in the autumn. I'm going to enjoy the rest of the year.
Next year will take care of itself.

Hell yes! This is entertainment. And I enjoy watching. And will continue to do so.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

That's a killer schedule.

 

[Tnphil]

You are correct. The one bright side is the extra practice time for the team. As a coach, I would prepare mostly younger guys and let them play. Who cares about the outcome. Bowl games mean absolutely nothing now

True...And don't have to worry about playing the younger guys because a lot of the older guys will opt out and or hit the portal when you are out of the playoffs. Hell, we had a few to hit the portal about a week before our game with Ohio State....

It's coming that some won't even complete the regular season before opting out....Pretty sure it's already happening.

 

[barknoxbrawler]

It's a fact. You really think we are winning in the Swamp? Not like we haven't lost 10 straight there. Hell, we should have lost to them last year. You can forget that right now. NOT happening.

You can think negative all you want. I don’t. They can win any and every game until they don’t.

 

[Fatman Photos]

Some people should find other things to do.

 

[Bill Money]

Most fan bases react this way. Message boards allow fans to react and overreact. And, many post unpopular comments just to get a rise out of others while laughing at the responses. I can count five posters on here they do that.


Bama fans wanted DeBord fired after game one. They gave up on the season till they beat GA.

Ohio st fans, same way. They wanted Day gone after losing to Michigan. I was at the Shoe listening to State fans beaching about that loss while they were drilling us.

Penn St turned on Franklin after one loss this yr.

Texas fans are upset this yr. The call in shows have been brutal, calling Shark and Manning overrated.

Manning does seem overrated. The preseason hype was off the charts. Unfair to the kid, but idiots like Finebaum had already awarded him the Heisman. He’s not even in the conversation at this point and neither is another QB with a lot of preseason hype, Garrett Nussmeier.

 

[NighthawkVol]

It's a fact. You really think we are winning in the Swamp? Not like we haven't lost 10 straight there. Hell, we should have lost to them last year. You can forget that right now. NOT happening.

Some of you have a difficult time discerning the difference between fact and opinion.

Florida may beat Tennessee in the swamp. When/if they do, it will, at that point become a fact. As of right now, nothing predicted or not predicted to happen in the future is a fact. It’s an opinion.

I know this, because I passed the 5th grade.

 

[Jackcrevol]

This season is done. In an era in which it is CFP or bust, last night we proved we won't be in CFP.

That being said, how optimistic are we feeling about next season?

Do you know what cold posterior syndrome is?

Its sitting five rows from top of Neyland, in low 40's, wind whipping, watching Tennessee get absolutely steam rolled by Vandy.

Its also having an NFL roster, and having Albin Kamara on the bench. And not winning an SECC.

Its losing to GA Southern, or whatever they are.

its going to a bowl game in Georgia Dome ans getting waxed by Clemson, Maryland, Va Tech, losing rhe SECCG to LSU's backup QB Ryan Perriloux, with EB on roster.

Its a decade and a half of watching Tim Tebow fall forward for 7 yards. Its Sal Sunseri.

So. I think ill be thankful for Josh Heuepel. And the job he's doing. Right here, right now.

 

[NighthawkVol]

Almost lost to them with the # 8 Defense in the Country! Now UT is # 100 in Defense. And we damn sure saw it on National Television in living color.

Now do our offense. Is it worse than the one that faced Florida last year?

And Florida is exactly the same as last year, right? Because we were playing them after they fired their coach and their season was over in 2024?

 

[OmahaOmaha]

Now do our offense. Is it worse than the one that faced Florida last year?

And Florida is exactly the same as last year, right? Because we were playing them after they fired their coach and their season was over in 2024?

I can make no sense out of this comment/question.