Tennessee Volunteers is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +15.1. Tennessee Volunteers enters the season with a power rating of +15.1, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Tennessee Volunteers host Furman next in Week 1. In 2025, Tennessee Volunteers went 8-4 overall, 5-7 against the spread, and 8-4 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Tennessee Volunteers Power Rating of +15.1 is 14.9 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Tennessee Volunteers have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 3,819 miles, ranking 129th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Furman | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Georgia Tech | 153 mi | 305 mi |
| Week 3 | Kennesaw State | Home | 305 mi |
| Week 4 | Texas | Home | 305 mi |
| Week 5 | Auburn | Home | 305 mi |
| Week 6 | Arkansas | 574 mi | 1,454 mi |
| Week 7 | Alabama | Home | 1,454 mi |
| Week 8 | South Carolina | 214 mi | 1,882 mi |
| Week 9 | — | Bye | |
| Week 10 | Kentucky | Home | 1,882 mi |
| Week 11 | Texas A&M | 807 mi | 3,495 mi |
| Week 12 | LSU | Home | 3,495 mi |
| Week 13 | Vanderbilt | 162 mi | 3,819 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
The Vols enter 2026 without a proven starter under center after Joey Aguilar's departure. George MacIntyre has a year in the system, Colorado transfer Ryan Staub brings limited experience (427 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs in 2025), and 5-star freshman Faizon Brandon has the highest ceiling but is untested. The offense's ability to stretch the field vertically, a hallmark of Josh Heupel's scheme, hinges on whoever wins the job. An opposing SEC assistant noted that without a confident, mobile quarterback, the run game may struggle to find lanes.
After a disappointing 8-5 season where defense was the biggest liability, Heupel fired coordinator Tim Banks and hired ex-Penn State DC Jim Knowles. Key additions include edge rusher Chaz Coleman and linebacker Amare Campbell, both from Penn State, plus safety transfers TJ Metcalf (Michigan) and DJ Burks (Appalachian State). The return of linebacker Arion Carter and cornerback Ty Redmond (third-team All-SEC as a freshman) provides a foundation, but tackle Daevin Hobbs missed much of spring with a foot injury, leaving depth a concern.
DeSean Bishop returns after an All-SEC season with 1,076 rushing yards, and he is joined by Tulane transfer Javin Gordon and Daune Morris. The offensive line returns five starters, giving the new quarterback a stable pocket and a reliable ground attack. This group should help control games and ease the transition for the unproven passer, but the lack of a proven deep threat at receiver (with Chris Brazzell II gone) could allow defenses to stack the box.
Cooper Ranvier, an All-ACC kicker from Louisville, replaces Max Gilbert at placekicker. Punter Jackson Ross returns for his fourth season after averaging 44.0 yards per punt. Joakim Dodson, who returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the Music City Bowl, adds a dynamic element to the return game. These units could be critical in close games, especially early in the season as the offense finds its rhythm.
The Vols face a tough slate with little margin for error. The quarterback battle and defensive retooling create a wide range of possible outcomes. If the new signal-caller adapts quickly and Knowles' defense improves significantly, Tennessee could exceed last year's 8-5 mark. However, if the offense stalls and the defense remains inconsistent, the season could be a struggle. The early games will be crucial for building confidence and establishing an identity.
Tennessee Volunteers is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Tennessee Volunteers holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +15.1, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Tennessee Volunteers's home field advantage rating is 2.9 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Tennessee Volunteers travels 3,819 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 129th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Tennessee Volunteers: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +15.1.
