You’re staring at the clock, checking your phone, and wondering what time is the tn football game today. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. If you are looking for the Tennessee Volunteers football team to take the field this afternoon, I have some news that might be a bit of a letdown, but there’s plenty of context to explain why.
There is no Tennessee Volunteers football game today.
The Vols' 2025-2026 football season officially wrapped up on December 30, 2025, with a tough 30-28 loss to Illinois in the Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. While the pads are packed away for now, the campus in Knoxville is far from quiet. If you’re a fan of the Orange and White, there is still a massive showdown happening today—it’s just on the hardwood instead of the gridiron.
The Big Matchup Today: Tennessee vs. Kentucky
Even though you won't see Josh Heupel on the sidelines today, Rick Barnes and the #24 Tennessee Volunteers basketball team are hosting the Kentucky Wildcats. This is arguably the biggest home game of the season for the hoops squad.
If you are trying to find the start time for the "big TN game" today, here is the breakdown:
👉 See also: Eastern Conference Finals 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
- Tip-off Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Food City Center, Knoxville, TN
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN App / WatchESPN
- Radio: Vol Network (Mike Keith and Chris Lofton on the call)
This isn't just any regular-season game. Tennessee currently holds a 79-victory record over Kentucky, which is more than any other program in the country. Under Rick Barnes, the Vols have been particularly dominant, winning 12 games against the Wildcats since 2015.
Why Isn't Tennessee Playing Football Right Now?
It’s easy to get confused with the timing of the tn football game because the College Football Playoff (CFP) calendar has shifted so much recently. We are currently in the heart of the NFL Divisional Playoffs—in fact, there are pro games happening today and tomorrow—but the college season is almost at its end.
The CFP National Championship is set for Monday, January 19, 2026. That game will feature the Indiana Hoosiers taking on the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Since Tennessee lost their bowl game in late December, they aren't part of this final weekend of action.
Honestly, the "January football" itch is real for Vols fans. After a season that saw huge wins and a few narrow misses, everyone is already looking toward the future.
✨ Don't miss: Texas vs Oklahoma Football Game: Why the Red River Rivalry is Getting Even Weirder
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Tennessee Football Schedule
Since there’s no game today, your best bet is to start marking your calendar for the fall. The SEC recently dropped the 2026 dates, and it’s a gauntlet. Tennessee is moving into a nine-game conference schedule format, which means the stakes are higher than ever.
Here is what the start of the next season looks like:
- September 5: vs. Furman (Home Opener in Knoxville)
- September 12: at Georgia Tech (A massive road trip to Atlanta)
- September 19: vs. Kennesaw State (Back home at Neyland)
- September 26: vs. Texas (The SEC home opener)
The Texas game on September 26 is already being circled by every analyst in the country. It’ll be the first time the Longhorns visit Neyland Stadium as a full-fledged SEC member. If you’re asking what time is the tn football game for that one, expect a "Night in Neyland" atmosphere, though official times usually aren't announced until 12 days before kickoff.
Other Tennessee Sports Happening This Weekend
If the 12:00 PM basketball tip-off doesn't satisfy your craving for Tennessee athletics, there are a few other events happening on campus and nearby:
🔗 Read more: How to watch vikings game online free without the usual headache
- Women’s Tennis: Hosting Wake Forest today, January 17, at 11:00 AM ET.
- Track & Field: Competing at the Vanderbilt Invitational in Nashville today.
- Women’s Basketball: Playing at #21 Alabama tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, at 2:00 PM ET.
Actionable Next Steps for Vols Fans
Since the football team is in the off-season, the real action is happening in the Transfer Portal. Coach Heupel and the staff are currently hosting several key visitors this weekend.
Keep an eye on names like tight end Pearce Spurlin III, who recently visited Knoxville after a stint at Georgia. The staff is also looking closely at offensive line depth, specifically targeting veteran talent to replace outgoing seniors.
To stay prepared for the next time someone asks you what time is the tn football game, you should:
- Sync your calendar: Download the official 2026 schedule from UTSports.com so you don't miss the Furman opener on September 5.
- Check the Portal: Follow reputable sources like 247Sports or GoVols247 for real-time updates on which players are committing to Tennessee this month.
- Tune in to ESPN at noon: Support the basketball team as they try to keep their winning streak against Kentucky alive at the Food City Center.
The wait for football can feel like an eternity, but between the high-stakes basketball schedule and the chaos of recruiting, there’s never truly a "dead" season in Knoxville.