Tennessee announces Checker Neyland, other game designations for 2026 season
Some dates to know.
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 12: A Checkered Neyland Stadium for the college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Florida Gators on October 12, 2024, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Tennessee’s loaded 2026 football schedule now has some important dates to remember. The University announced a few game designations for the upcoming season, which includes a ‘Checker Neyland’ date for the highly anticipated matchup with Texas.
mark your calendars! 🗓️ 📰 » https://t. co/1yvAVqWKuE #GBO 🍊 pic.
twitter. com/Ve1U6QMjiI — Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) May 5, 2026 This will be the first ever meeting between Tennessee and Texas that didn’t occur in the Cotton Bowl. The Longhorns are slated to be one of the top teams in the preseason polls after once again attacking the transfer portal hard.
Arch Manning returns, which will put a Manning on the opposing sideline inside of Neyland Stadium, making for an awkward situation for Peyton. Tennessee announced that the September 19th game against Kennesaw State will serve as the salute to service game. They have designated Auburn as Champions Weekend, which will mark the return of Alex Golesh to Neyland.