Mark your calendars, Vols fans: Tennessee has officially announced key game designations for the 2026 season, and there's plenty to get excited about. The crown jewel? "Checker Neyland" returns for the highly anticipated showdown against Texas—a matchup that will mark the first-ever meeting between these two storied programs outside of the Cotton Bowl.

The Longhorns are expected to be a preseason powerhouse after another aggressive run through the transfer portal, and all eyes will be on quarterback Arch Manning. That means a Manning will be on the opposing sideline inside Neyland Stadium, creating an awkward (but unforgettable) moment for Peyton Manning, who will no doubt be watching from the stands or a suite.

Beyond the Texas clash, Tennessee has set several other dates worth noting. The September 19th game against Kennesaw State will serve as the "Salute to Service" game, honoring our military heroes. Meanwhile, the Auburn game has been designated as "Champions Weekend"—and it'll be a special homecoming for Alex Golesh, the former Vols offensive coordinator who helped orchestrate Tennessee's 2022 run to a No. 1 ranking. Golesh, now at Auburn after a stint at South Florida, will return to Neyland for the first time since leading Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt to one of the most explosive offenses in program history.

Homecoming will take place on November 7th against Kentucky. The Wildcats are entering a new era under head coach Will Stein, who takes over after Mark Stoops' tenure went stale. Quarterback Kenny Minchey, a transfer from Notre Dame, is set to lead the offense.

Tennessee opens the 2026 season at home on September 5th against Furman, followed by a true road test at Georgia Tech on September 12th. With a schedule full of marquee matchups and emotional storylines, this is shaping up to be a season you won't want to miss—so get your orange ready and start planning your game-day gear now.