Finding out what channel is the tennessee vols football game on used to be simple. You’d just flip to the local CBS affiliate and call it a day. But man, things have changed. Between the SEC’s massive new broadcast deals and the ever-shifting landscape of streaming, tracking down the Big Orange has become a bit of a weekend ritual for fans.
If you're looking for the game today, January 15, 2026, the short answer is: there isn't one. The Vols wrapped up their 2025 campaign back on December 30th in a heartbreaker at the Music City Bowl. But if you’re trying to plan for the upcoming 2026 season or wondering where to find the "VFLs" (Vols for Life) playing in the NFL playoffs this weekend, I’ve got you covered.
Where to Find Tennessee Football in 2026
The 2026 season is going to look a little different. The SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule, which means more high-stakes matchups and fewer "cupcake" games. Because of the exclusive deal with Disney, almost every single Tennessee game will be on an ABC or ESPN property.
Here is the breakdown of the major networks that carry the Vols:
- ABC: This is now the "home" of the SEC's biggest games. If the Vols are playing a night game at Neyland or a massive rivalry like the Third Saturday in October against Alabama, it's likely on ABC.
- ESPN/ESPN2: Usually reserved for mid-tier SEC matchups or big non-conference games.
- SEC Network: You’ll find the early-season games here, like the season opener against Furman on September 5th.
- ESPN+ / SEC Network+: These are digital-only streams. Usually, one or two games a year—often against FCS opponents—wind up here.
Honestly, the "flex" scheduling makes it tough. Networks often don't announce the exact channel until 6 to 12 days before kickoff. It’s annoying, but it’s how they ensure the best games get the best time slots.
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The 2026 Schedule: Mark Your Calendars
The 2026 slate is absolutely brutal, but in a fun way. We’re seeing a historic matchup with Texas in Knoxville for the first time as conference foes. If you’re trying to figure out what channel is the tennessee vols football game on for these specific dates, keep this list handy:
- Sept. 5 vs. Furman: Likely SEC Network or SECN+.
- Sept. 12 at Georgia Tech: This is an ACC-hosted game, so check ABC or ESPN.
- Sept. 26 vs. Texas: This is a "Circle the Date" game. High probability for a 3:30 PM or 7:30 PM slot on ABC.
- Oct. 17 vs. Alabama: The Third Saturday in October. Always a national broadcast on ABC or ESPN.
- Nov. 21 vs. LSU: Senior Day in Knoxville. Expect ESPN or SEC Network.
Cutting the Cord: Streaming the Vols Without Cable
You don't need a $150 cable bill to watch Josh Heupel’s offense go fast. I’ve helped a few friends set this up, and basically, you have four main options that actually work.
YouTube TV
This is probably the most "user-friendly" choice. It carries ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and the SEC Network in the base package. Plus, the unlimited DVR is a lifesaver if you have to work during a noon kickoff.
Fubo
Fubo is great because it’s built for sports fans. They have a "Sports Plus" add-on that ensures you never miss a regional broadcast. One thing to watch out for is that they sometimes have a slightly higher monthly cost once you add all the sports tiers.
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Hulu + Live TV
This is a solid "all-in-one" deal. Since Disney owns both Hulu and the SEC's broadcast rights, you get ESPN+ included for free. That's a huge win because it covers those "extra" games that aren't on regular TV.
Sling TV
This is the budget option. You’ll need the Sling Orange package plus the Sports Extra add-on to get the SEC Network. Just a heads up: Sling doesn't always carry local ABC stations in every market, so you might need a digital antenna to get the big games.
What Most Fans Get Wrong About SEC Network+
This is a huge point of confusion every year. People see "SEC Network+" on the schedule and go searching for a channel on their TV guide. You won't find it.
SEC Network+ is a streaming-only platform. You access it through the ESPN App. If you have a login for a TV provider (like YouTube TV or Xfinity), you just plug those credentials into the ESPN app on your Roku, Apple TV, or phone, and the stream unlocks. You don't usually have to pay extra for it if you already have the SEC Network in your channel lineup.
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Keeping Up With the Vols in the NFL
Since there's no college game today, you might be looking for the former Vols playing on the "next level." This weekend (Jan 17-18, 2026), the NFL Divisional Round is packed with VFLs.
- Joshua Palmer (Buffalo Bills): Playing Saturday at 4:30 PM on CBS.
- Jauan Jennings (San Francisco 49ers): Catch him Saturday night at 8:00 PM on FOX.
- Derek Barnett (Houston Texans): Playing Sunday at 3:00 PM on ABC/ESPN.
- Darnell Wright (Chicago Bears): Playing Sunday night at 6:30 PM on NBC.
Actionable Steps for the Season
Don't wait until 15 minutes before kickoff to realize your streaming app needs an update or you’ve forgotten your password.
- Download the ESPN App now. Link your service provider today so you aren't scrambling when the Vols are lining up for the first snap.
- Check the "Flex" Window. Every Monday morning during the season, check the official UT Sports website or Twitter (X). That’s when the 6-day or 12-day windows usually lock in the specific channel.
- Get a Backup Antenna. If you rely on streaming, an inexpensive digital antenna is a great $20 investment. If your internet goes down, you can still catch the ABC games in HD for free.
- Sync Your Calendar. Go to the official Tennessee Athletics site and "Sync Schedule" to your phone. It usually updates the TV information automatically as soon as it's announced.
The 2025 season ended with a bit of a thud—an 8-5 record and that 30-28 loss to Illinois—but the 2026 roster is shaping up to be something special. Between the new SEC rivals and the expanded playoff race, knowing exactly what channel is the tennessee vols football game on is the first step to making sure you don't miss a single "Rocky Top" moment.