Honestly, if you're waking up today, January 15, 2026, and looking for that specific "Power T" energy on your television screen, you're going to have to wait just a little bit longer. There is no Tennessee game today. It's one of those quiet Thursdays in Knoxville. No squeaking sneakers on the hardwood at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, and obviously, Neyland Stadium is tucked in for the winter. But "no game" doesn't mean "no news." In fact, for a Tennessee fan, today is actually a massive day for scouting and looking ahead to a packed weekend of SEC action.
The Short Answer: Is There a Tennessee Game Today?
If you were hoping to catch Rick Barnes’ squad or Kim Caldwell’s Lady Vols tonight, the answer is a firm no. Both teams are currently in the middle of a short breather before the weekend gauntlet begins.
The Men’s basketball team just came off a gritty 87-82 win over Texas A&M this past Tuesday. It was one of those games that aged every fan in the building by five years, but it kept the momentum rolling. Meanwhile, the Lady Vols are still riding high after absolutely dismantling Arkansas 85-50 on Sunday.
If you're wondering when the dry spell ends, it's pretty soon. We’re talking less than 24 hours. While there isn't a game today, the floodgates open tomorrow with track and field, followed by a massive basketball double-header this weekend.
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What’s Actually Happening in Big Orange Country?
Just because the lights aren't on in the arena tonight doesn't mean the athletes are sitting around. Today, January 15, is a major travel and preparation day for several programs.
Track and Field Takes Center Stage
Tomorrow, Friday the 16th, is when the action restarts. More than 50 athletes are splitting up to represent the Vols and Lady Vols at two different meets.
- The Arkansas Invitational: A group of sprinters and jumpers are heading to Fayetteville.
- The Vanderbilt Invitational: The distance and pole vault crews are staying closer to home, heading down I-40 to Nashville.
If you’re a die-hard who follows every stat, keep an eye on the SEC Network+ starting tomorrow afternoon. It's the first real look at some of the fresh faces in the indoor season.
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The Recruitment Trail and NFL Buzz
Football never really sleeps in the SEC. Today is a significant day for the future of the roster. Multiple high-profile transfers are actually on campus in Knoxville today or traveling in for visits starting tomorrow. We're talking about guys like offensive lineman Donovan Haslam and tight end Pearce Spurlin III.
Also, it's worth noting for the "Vols in the NFL" crowd that 10 former Tennessee players are currently prepping for the NFL Divisional Round games this coming weekend. If you can't watch the Vols in orange, watching VFLs like Alontae Taylor or Byron Young hunt for a Super Bowl ring is the next best thing.
Looking Ahead: The Weekend Schedule
Since you’re asking about is there a tennessee game today, you likely want to clear your schedule for when they do play. The next few days are going to be chaotic in the best way possible.
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- Saturday, Jan 17 (12:00 PM ET): The Men’s basketball team hosts Kentucky. This is the big one. ESPN is in town. Food City Center will be deafening. If you don't have tickets yet, good luck—secondary markets are already looking pretty pricey.
- Saturday, Jan 17 (11:00 AM ET): Women’s Tennis vs. Wake Forest at the Goodfriend Tennis Center. A great way to spend a Saturday morning before the hoops game kicks off.
- Sunday, Jan 18 (2:00 PM ET): The Lady Vols travel to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama. This is a huge road test for Coach Caldwell's system as they try to stay perfect in SEC play.
Why Today Matters for Fans
You’ve probably noticed that the rhythm of the SEC season is a bit weird this year. With the expanded conference and the new TV deals, games are scattered all over the week.
Today is basically your "recharge" day. It’s the day to make sure your lucky jersey is washed and your fridge is stocked. Most fans get frustrated when there's a mid-week gap, but with the intensity of the Kentucky rivalry game coming up on Saturday, the players probably need this rest more than we do.
Pro-Tips for Following the Vols in 2026
If you're tired of searching "is there a Tennessee game today" every morning, there are a few better ways to stay in the loop. Honestly, the official UTSports "Composite Schedule" is the only thing I trust anymore.
- Download the Tennessee Athletics App: It pushes notifications for start times and TV channels so you don't miss the tip-off.
- Check SEC Network+: A lot of the smaller sports like tennis and track (which start tomorrow!) aren't on the main cable channels but stream for free if you have a cable login.
- The Vol Network: If you’re stuck in the car tomorrow or Saturday, nothing beats Bob Kesling on the radio.
Summary of Upcoming Action
| Date | Event | Location | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Jan 16 | Track & Field (Arkansas/Vandy Invites) | Fayetteville/Nashville | All Day |
| Saturday, Jan 17 | Women's Tennis vs. Wake Forest | Knoxville | 11:00 AM |
| Saturday, Jan 17 | Men's Basketball vs. Kentucky | Knoxville | 12:00 PM |
| Sunday, Jan 18 | Women's Basketball at Alabama | Tuscaloosa | 2:00 PM |
So, while the answer to "is there a Tennessee game today" is a disappointing no, the weekend is loaded. Take tonight off, watch some of those VFLs in the NFL highlights, and get ready for a massive Saturday in Knoxville.
If you are planning to head to the Kentucky game this Saturday, make sure to check the updated parking maps for the 2026 season, as construction near the waterfront has shifted some of the usual shuttle routes. You'll want to arrive at least 90 minutes early to clear security before the noon tip-off.