If you’re waking up in Knoxville or anywhere across the Volunteer state checking your phone for a kickoff or tip-off time, here is the short answer: No, the Tennessee Volunteers do not have a major varsity game scheduled for today, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
It's one of those rare quiet days in the SEC calendar. Usually, this time of year is a chaotic blur of orange and white, with Rick Barnes’ squad fighting for seeding and the Lady Vols navigating the grind of conference play. But today? The lights are off at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.
Does the Tennessee Volunteers Play Today? The Schedule Breakdown
Honestly, it’s kinda the calm before the storm. If you’ve been following the men’s basketball team, you know they are coming off a massive adrenaline spike. Just two days ago, on Tuesday, January 13, the #24 Vols gutted out an 87-82 double-overtime win against Texas A&M. That game was a total rollercoaster. It’s no wonder they’ve got a couple of days off to recover before the next big one.
While the big "three"—football, basketball, and baseball—aren't in action today, here is what the landscape looks like:
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- Men’s Basketball: Idle today. Their next outing is a massive home tilt against the Kentucky Wildcats this Saturday, January 17.
- Women’s Basketball: The Lady Vols are also resting today. They’ll be heading to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on Sunday, January 18.
- Baseball: We are still about a month out. The 2026 season officially kicks off on February 13 against Nicholls.
- Track & Field: This is actually where the action is starting. While there are no events today, over 50 athletes are currently traveling to the Arkansas Invitational and the Vanderbilt Invitational, both of which start tomorrow, Friday, Jan 16.
Why the Gap in the Schedule?
College sports scheduling is basically a science of recovery. After that double-OT thriller against the Aggies, Rick Barnes needs his rotation players—many of whom played 40+ minutes—to get their legs back.
The SEC typically schedules men's basketball on a Saturday/Tuesday or Saturday/Wednesday rotation. Since Tennessee played Tuesday, their "off" days are Wednesday and Thursday.
Looking Ahead: The Big Rivalry Game
Since there’s no game today, most fans are already looking toward Saturday. Tennessee vs. Kentucky is never just another game. The Vols have maintained a top-25 ranking for 90 consecutive weeks as of this Monday, and protecting home court against the Wildcats is vital for their standing in the SEC.
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The Kentucky game is set for a 12:00 PM ET tip-off on Saturday. If you were hoping to catch some orange on your TV today, you’re basically limited to watching replays of the A&M win or checking out "Vols in the NFL" highlights, as ten former Tennessee stars are currently prepping for the NFL Divisional Round playoffs this weekend.
The 2026 Football Outlook
I know it’s January, but in Tennessee, football is a year-round personality trait. People are already buzzing about the 2026 schedule because it’s the first year of the new nine-game SEC format.
Basically, the traditional "divisions" are gone. Tennessee will be playing Texas at home on September 26, which is already marked on every calendar in the state. Today, the only football news involves the three FWAA Freshman All-Americans the Vols just produced, a school record.
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Actionable Next Steps for Vols Fans
Since the Vols aren't playing today, use this time to prep for a busy weekend.
- Ticket Check: If you’re planning on going to the Kentucky game on Saturday, check the secondary markets now. With the Vols ranked and Kentucky being, well, Kentucky, Thompson-Boling will be at capacity.
- Download the App: Ensure your Tennessee Athletics app is updated for live stats and radio broadcasts for tomorrow’s track meets in Fayetteville and Nashville.
- Apparel Prep: It’s "We Back Pat" week recently, so if you’re heading to any upcoming Lady Vol events, make sure your specific gear is ready to go for the Alabama trip on Sunday.
The wait won't be long. By Saturday afternoon, the orange and white will be back in full force.