If you’re scrambling to find out what's the score of the Tennessee football game, I’ve got the answer for you right now, though it might not be the "live" update you were expecting.
The Tennessee Volunteers aren't on the field today, January 15, 2026. Their season actually wrapped up a little over two weeks ago.
The last time the Vols took the turf was on December 30, 2025, in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl. It was a heartbreaker in Nashville. Tennessee fell to the Illinois Fighting Illini with a final score of 30-28. It was a back-and-forth affair that literally came down to the wire, leaving the Big Orange faithful with a bit of a sour taste heading into the new year.
Where the Vols Stand Right Now
Since that final whistle in Nashville, the focus hasn't been on a scoreboard; it’s been on the "Portal." Honestly, if you follow college ball, you know the off-season is basically a whole different sport.
Tennessee finished their 2025 campaign with an 8-5 record. They went 4-4 in the SEC. It wasn't the "dream season" many hoped for after some early big wins—like that massive 44-41 upset over Georgia back in September—but it showed they can hang with anyone.
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Recent Results for Tennessee Football (2025 Season)
To give you some context on how they ended up here, here’s a look at the late-season stretch:
- Music City Bowl: Illinois 30, Tennessee 28 (Loss)
- Nov 29: Vanderbilt 45, Tennessee 24 (Loss)
- Nov 22: Tennessee 31, Florida 11 (Win)
- Nov 15: Tennessee 42, New Mexico State 9 (Win)
The Florida game was probably the high point of the back half. Beating the Gators 31-11 in Gainesville? That's always going to feel good, especially since it was the first time the Vols won in The Swamp since 2003.
Why People Are Still Asking for the Score
It’s actually kinda funny. Even though the pads are off, the "score" people are tracking now is in the transfer portal and recruiting trails.
Just today, news broke that the Oregon Ducks are trying to flip a major 2027 commit from the Vols. Plus, we just saw former QB Jake Merklinger announce he's heading to UConn. When people search for "what's the score of the Tennessee football game" in mid-January, they’re often actually looking for these updates, or perhaps they’ve confused the football schedule with the Tennessee Men’s Basketball team.
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Speaking of hoops, the basketball team just had a massive "score" of their own. On January 13, they took down Texas A&M in a double-overtime thriller, winning 87-82. If you see orange and white highlights on your feed today, that's likely what you're seeing.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
If you're already counting down the days until the real football scoreboard lights up again, the 2026 schedule is already set. It's a gauntlet.
Tennessee will open the season on September 5, 2026, against Furman at Neyland Stadium.
The 2026 home slate is actually pretty legendary. They’ve got Alabama, LSU, Texas, and Auburn all coming to Knoxville. It’s going to be one of the most expensive tickets in the country. The quarterback battle this spring between George MacIntyre and incoming five-star Faizon Brandon is basically all anyone in East Tennessee is talking about at the local diners right now.
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Key Dates for Your Calendar
- Spring Game: Usually late April. This is your first look at the new roster.
- Season Opener: Sept 5 vs. Furman.
- SEC Opener: Sept 26 vs. Texas (The first-ever regular-season meeting between these two).
While there isn't a live score to check this second, the "score" of the program's health looks pretty solid. Recruiting is top-five caliber, and despite a shaky finish in 2025, the foundation Josh Heupel has built remains steady.
For the most accurate updates throughout the off-season, keep an eye on official university releases or reliable beat writers like those at Saturday Down South or the Knoxville News Sentinel. They’ll have the details on the next "score" that matters—whether that's a new five-star commitment or the final tally from the Orange and White game this spring.
To stay ahead of the game, check the official SEC football site for any changes to kickoff times for the 2026 season as they get announced later this summer. You should also verify your season ticket status or look into single-game options early, especially for that Texas matchup in September, as it's expected to sell out almost immediately.