If you woke up today, January 18, 2026, and immediately started looking for the what time is university of tennessee football game today info, I have some news that might be a bit of a bummer.
There is no game.
The Tennessee Volunteers football season is officially in the rearview mirror.
Honestly, the last time we saw the Big Orange on the field was back on December 30, 2025. That was the Music City Bowl in Nashville. It was a tough one, too—a 30-28 loss to Illinois that left a lot of fans in Nissan Stadium feeling like the offseason couldn't come soon enough.
But don't put the jersey away just yet. While Josh Heupel’s squad isn't hitting anyone today, there is a whole lot of Tennessee action happening right now that you probably don't want to miss.
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Why There’s No Football Game Today
College football has a very rigid rhythm. By the time mid-January rolls around, the only teams still wearing pads are the ones in the NFL or the two teams that just finished up the College Football Playoff.
Tennessee finished their 2025 campaign with an 8-5 record.
They had some high highs—like that 31-11 win over Florida in the Swamp—and some lows, like the overtime heartbreaker against Georgia. But once the clock hit zero in Nashville at the end of December, the football team shifted into "recruiting and portal" mode.
If you see people wearing orange and heading toward a TV today, they aren't looking for touchdowns. They are looking for buckets.
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The Lady Vols Are On the Court
If you really need your Tennessee fix today, the Lady Volunteers are actually playing right now. They are down in Tuscaloosa taking on Alabama.
- Game: Tennessee Lady Vols vs. Alabama
- Time: 1:00 p.m. CT (2:00 p.m. ET)
- Location: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, AL
- TV: Check your local SEC Network listings
It's a big matchup. The Lady Vols have been hovering around the Top 20 all season, and playing in Tuscaloosa is never a walk in the park.
What Time is University of Tennessee Football Game Today: Looking Ahead to 2026
Since you're clearly itching for some football, let’s talk about what’s actually on the horizon. The 2026 schedule has already been dropped, and it’s basically a gauntlet.
The SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule starting this fall. That means the "cupcake" games are mostly disappearing, and the rivalries are getting weirder.
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Tennessee’s season opener for 2026 is set for September 5 against Furman in Knoxville.
Yeah, it’s a long wait. We’re talking about 230 days of waiting. But the home slate at Neyland Stadium next year is arguably one of the best in a decade. We get Texas at home for the first time ever as a conference opponent. We get Alabama. We even get Lane Kiffin bringing LSU into Knoxville for Senior Day.
Key Dates for Your 2026 Calendar
- September 5: vs. Furman (The Opener)
- September 12: at Georgia Tech (First trip to Bobby Dodd since '86)
- September 26: vs. Texas (The "Real UT" Battle)
- October 17: vs. Alabama (The Third Saturday in October)
- November 21: vs. LSU (The Lane Kiffin Return)
The NFL "Vols" Are Still Playing
Even though the college kids are in the weight room, plenty of "VFLs" (Vols For Life) are active in the NFL playoffs right now.
Fourteen former Tennessee players made it into the 2026 NFL postseason. If you’re watching the Divisional Round games today or looking at the rosters, keep an eye out for guys like Jauan Jennings with the 49ers or Byron Young with the Rams. James Pearce Jr., who just left Rocky Top, has been tearing it up as a rookie too.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
Since there is no football game today, here is how you can stay plugged into the program during the "dark months" of the offseason:
- Follow the Transfer Portal: This is basically the "free agency" of college football. Tennessee has already seen some movement, with players like Caleb Herring heading to South Carolina and Jordan Ross off to LSU. Keep an eye on who Heupel brings in to replace them.
- Check the Basketball Schedule: The men's team just played a brutal game against Kentucky yesterday (a narrow 80-78 loss). Their next big one is against Alabama on January 24.
- Renew Your Tickets: If you’re planning on being in Neyland for that Texas or Alabama game, the renewal window for 2026 season tickets is usually open around now.
The wait for football is always the hardest part of being a fan. But hey, at least we aren't Florida. Go Vols.