The program has enjoyed its most consistent run of success since Barnes turned things around in 2017–18. After missing the postseason in his first two years at Tennessee (just 31 wins in 66 games), Barnes has led the Volunteers to seven straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Vols have reached the Elite Eight in back-to-back years and the Sweet 16 in three consecutive seasons, a stretch rivaled only by the Bruce Pearl era (2005–2011), when Tennessee also made three Sweet 16 trips in six years.
Now, with momentum firmly on their side, the Volunteers aim to start strong in November before testing themselves against some of the nation’s toughest competition. Here’s a breakdown of Tennessee’s non-conference schedule leading into SEC play:
Getting the Party Started
Mon, Nov. 3 vs. Mercer
The opener comes against the Mercer Bears. Surprisingly, Tennessee is just 4–4 all-time in this series, with the last meeting back in 2017.
Sat, Nov. 8 vs. Northern Kentucky
The first-ever meeting between the Volunteers and the Norse. A solid tune-up before the schedule toughens.
Wed, Nov. 12 vs. North Florida
Another first-time matchup for Tennessee, continuing a stretch of early-season home warmups.
Mon, Nov. 17 vs. Rice
These two last met in 1963, when Rice pulled off the win. More than 60 years later, the Vols will look to even the history books.
Thu, Nov. 20 vs. Tennessee State
An in-state battle with added motivation for the Tigers, who would love nothing more than to upset the state’s powerhouse.
Las Vegas Showdowns: Players Era Men’s Championship
Mon, Nov. 24 vs. Rutgers
The first trip outside Knoxville sends Tennessee to Las Vegas, where they’ll open against a Big Ten program trying to rebuild after key roster losses.
Tue, Nov. 25 vs. Houston
Day two in Vegas will be a marquee showdown. Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars, last year’s national runner-up, present a big test for the Vols’ early-season ceiling.
December Challenges
Tue, Dec. 2 @ Syracuse
Part of the ACC/SEC Challenge, this marks Tennessee’s first true road game. The Vols put up 96 points in last year’s win over the Orange, and they hold a 5–3 all-time edge in the series.
Sat, Dec. 6 vs. Illinois (Nashville)
One of the biggest games of the non-conference slate. Last season, Tennessee edged the Illini 66–64 in a thriller. This year, the rivalry shifts to Nashville, promising a massive crowd and national spotlight.
Tue, Dec. 16 vs. Louisville
A historic rivalry renewed. The Vols crushed Louisville by 22 points on the road last season and will look to repeat the dominance at home.
Sun, Dec. 21 vs. Gardner-Webb
A pre-holiday game scheduled to keep momentum steady.
Tue, Dec. 30 vs. South Carolina State
The final non-conference matchup serves as a tune-up before SEC play.
Preparing to compete
The Volunteers finished fourth in the SEC last season, just a year after winning the league and posting a 27–8 record in 2023–24. Barnes has proven his team can grind through tough stretches. Still, this non-conference slate will be about balance, using early games to build chemistry while proving themselves against contenders like Houston, Illinois, and Syracuse.
With back-to-back Elite Eight runs, Tennessee enters 2025–26 as a legitimate Final Four threat. How they navigate this non-conference road map will reveal just how high their ceiling can be.