Tennessee football has officially announced its highly anticipated 2026 home schedule, and the headline event is a showdown that has fans buzzing: the Vols will host Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns for the annual Checker Neyland game on September 26. This marks the Longhorns' first-ever trip to Neyland Stadium, adding an extra layer of history to what promises to be an electric atmosphere.
The matchup carries special significance beyond the gridiron. Manning, the rising star quarterback for Texas, will face Tennessee on the same field where his uncle, legendary Vols quarterback Peyton Manning, once dazzled crowds. It's a storyline that blends family legacy with college football tradition, sure to captivate fans across the country.
Checker Neyland has become one of the most iconic traditions in college football, where the stadium transforms into a sea of orange and white checkerboard patterns based on assigned seating. Fans can visit CheckerNeyland.com to find their designated color. This will be the sixth consecutive season Tennessee has hosted a Checker Neyland game, and the 10th overall in program history. The Vols hold a 4-5 record in previous Checker Neyland games, with three of those wins coming against Florida. Under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee is 3-2 in these signature contests.
The 2026 season kicks off on September 5 against Furman, and the home slate is packed with marquee matchups. Homecoming is set for November 7 against Kentucky, a game where Tennessee has dominated under Heupel, winning all five meetings. Champions Weekend on October 3 will feature Auburn, with added festivities honoring past SEC and NCAA championship teams. That game also brings intrigue as Auburn is led by former Tennessee offensive coordinator Alex Golesh and safeties coach Tim Banks, who was dismissed as the Vols' defensive coordinator in December.
The Salute to Service game on September 19 will see Tennessee face Kennesaw State, a program coached by former Vols running backs coach Jerry Mack. This annual tradition honors service members, veterans, and their families. Finally, senior day on November 21 will host LSU, coached by another familiar face from Tennessee's past.
With a blend of tradition, compelling storylines, and high-stakes football, the 2026 season at Neyland Stadium is shaping up to be one for the ages. Whether you're rocking orange or white, this is a season you won't want to miss.