Tennessee basketball to play NC State in Nashville in 2026-27, per reports

Tennessee basketball and NC State will play in Nashville during the 2026-27 season, according to multiple media reports on April 22. Rothstein didn't cite a location but in previous seasons, Tennessee has played neutral site games at Bridgestone Arena in December. The matchup would pit coach Rick Barnes against former assistant Justin Gainey, who was an assistant for the Vols from 2022-26.

Gainey was hired as the Wolfpack's coach in March, replacing Will Wade. Gainey is a North Carolina native and played four years at NC State. He was first hired as an assistant on Barnes’ staff ahead of the 2021-22 season before being elevated associate head coach the following season.

Tennessee finished 25-12 last season, reaching the Elite Eight where it fell to eventual national champion Michigan, 95-62. NC State went 20-14 and were eliminated in a First Four matchup against Texas. The Vols are 5-7 all-time against the Wolfpack and defeated the Wolfpack 79-70 in the most recent matchup in San Antonio in December 2023.

Harrison Campbell  can be reached at  hcampbell@usatodayco. com  and follow him on X (formerly Twitter)  @hccamp . This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee basketball, Rick Barnes to play NC State in Nashville, per reports