The Tennessee Volunteers are set to begin their 2026 football season on Saturday, hosting the Furman Paladins at Neyland Stadium. This nonconference matchup is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. EDT and will be available for viewing on SEC Network+.
The broadcast team for this exciting game will feature Richard Cross as the play-by-play announcer, with Max Starks serving as the analyst and Ashlyn Sullivan reporting from the sidelines. Their experience and insights will add depth to the coverage of this anticipated season opener.
This contest marks the third time that Tennessee and Furman will face off in their football history. The Volunteers currently hold a 2-0 advantage in the series, with both previous games taking place in Knoxville. The first meeting occurred on September 20, 1941, when Tennessee triumphed with a score of 32-6. The teams met again on October 24, 1942, with the Vols securing a decisive 52-7 victory.
As the 2026 season commences, Tennessee is poised to continue its impressive streak at Neyland Stadium, where they will aim for their 28th consecutive sellout. This remarkable run has been ongoing since September 17, 2022, showcasing the unwavering support of the Volunteers' fanbase.
Entering Week 1, Tennessee is ranked No. 18 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, reflecting the team's strong performance in recent seasons. Historically, the Volunteers have an impressive record in season openers, boasting a 97-26-6 mark overall and a 96-26-6 record in NCAA-sanctioned openers. It is worth noting that Tennessee's 2020 season opener was vacated by the NCAA, which slightly affects their historical tally.
As the Volunteers prepare to take on Furman, fans are eager to see how the team will perform and whether they can maintain their winning streak against the Paladins. The matchup not only serves as a test for Tennessee but also as an opportunity for Furman to make a statement against a ranked opponent.
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