Tennessee Vols preview Alabama game with new defensive coordinator
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 1:33 PM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026

The Tennessee Volunteers will face the Alabama Crimson Tide on October 17, 2026, at Neyland Stadium. Under Coach Josh Heupel, the Vols finished the previous season with an 8-5 record and a disappointing loss to Illinois in the Music City Bowl. Despite challenges, Tennessee has new defensive hires aimed at improving their struggling defense. They also need to address quarterback concerns after the departure of Nico Iamaleava. The game will be crucial as Tennessee looks to improve from last year's performance against top SEC teams.
- •Tennessee's 2025 record was 8-5, tying for 8th in SEC.
- •New defensive coordinators Jim Knowles and Anthony Poindexter join the staff.
- •Tennessee lost key players, including Nico Iamaleava and Colton Hood.
- •The Volunteers seek to build on last season's performance against Alabama.
- •The game is scheduled for October 17, 2026, at Neyland Stadium.
- 1:33 PMYahoo Sports — Predicting the 2026 Alabama Football Season: Tennessee Vols Preview & Game-By-Game Picks
"The Volunteers have a new defensive coordinator who should improve that side of the ball. But quarterback is a bigger concern.
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