Tennessee basketball releases 2025-26 non-conference schedule

Tennessee revealed their 2025-26 non-conference men’s basketball slate, and…well…it’s pretty nasty stuff.

Tennessee will go into a stretch from November 24 through December 16 where they will play (at least) five Power Four opponents, including the team that bounced them from last year’s tournament in the Elite Eight in the Houston Cougars. Illinois and Louisville made the field of 68 last year, and Syracuse should be better this season with contest being a true road game for the Vols.

Some game and dates had been revealed before, but, to me, seeing the totality of it all, it strikes me as challenging.

The Vols have never shied away from a challenge under Rick Barnes. They routinely have schedules with marquee non-conference matchups or play in tournaments with notable teams in the field. Those have resulted in some resume-boosting wins for the Big Orange over the years, and this year will have plenty of those opportunities again.

Tennessee also welcomes the Duke Blue Devils to Thompson-Boling Arena in an exhibition game before the season begins, so they will get a first-class tune up before heading into the real action.