The Tennessee Volunteers have officially added Kennesaw State to their 2026 football schedule, locking in a matchup that will bring the FCS program to Neyland Stadium on Sept. 12, 2026. While the Owls might not be a household name, the decision reflects a calculated move by Tennessee’s athletics department as they piece together one of the most important non-conference slates in years.
Coming off the announcement of a high-profile home-and-home with Georgia Tech, the addition of Kennesaw State provides balance — and an opportunity for depth evaluation early in the season.
The Matchup: Kennesaw State Comes to Knoxville
Kennesaw State, a rising program that recently moved to the FBS level as part of Conference USA, will make its first-ever trip to Neyland Stadium in 2026. This will be the first meeting between the two schools, and while the Vols are expected to dominate the matchup, the game serves several strategic purposes.
Most notably, it provides Tennessee with:
- A manageable game between high-caliber contests.
- A platform to develop young talent and rotate the roster.
- A revenue-generating home contest with minimal risk.
Why Kennesaw State?
Kennesaw State might not have the national prestige of a Power Five program, but make no mistake — the Owls have been one of the better developmental programs in the Southeast. Before their FBS move, they were consistent playoff contenders in the FCS under coach Brian Bohannon.
By 2026, the Owls should be more acclimated to the speed and size of the FBS level. However, Tennessee’s advantage in depth, facilities, and SEC talent will make this game one that serves the Vols more than the visitors.
Building Out 2026: The Full Picture
Tennessee’s 2026 non-conference schedule now includes:
- vs. Georgia Tech (in Atlanta)
- vs. Kennesaw State
- vs. UTEP
- vs. Kent State
This slate balances quality and logistics:
- Georgia Tech brings a regional Power Five challenge.
- Kennesaw State and UTEP offer tune-up opportunities.
- Kent State adds another winnable Group of Five game.
Combined with a brutal SEC schedule that will likely feature Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma, this non-conference setup makes a lot of sense.
A Smart Mid-Tier Add for Danny White
Athletic director Danny White has shown a keen eye for mixing splashy matchups with smart scheduling. Kennesaw State is a prime example. It’s a game Tennessee should win comfortably, and it creates flexibility within a demanding overall season.
This approach mirrors White’s tenure at UCF, where he routinely booked one marquee opponent, two Group of Five teams, and an FCS or developmental program.
Fan Perspective: A Breather and a Bonus
For fans, the Kennesaw State matchup might not be a marquee ticket, but it presents several advantages:
- Mid-season breather: Sandwiched between tougher SEC games.
- Family-friendly atmosphere: More casual experience with less pressure.
- Opportunity for backups: Expect to see younger players, including future stars, get significant reps.
Potential Pitfalls: The Trap Game Effect
Let’s be clear — Tennessee should not lose this game. But in the era of upsets, complacency can be dangerous. Programs like App State, Georgia Southern, and even Jacksonville State have made headlines by taking down Goliaths.
Heupel and his staff will need to ensure this matchup remains a business trip, not a walkthrough.
Roster Evaluation Opportunity
Perhaps the biggest upside to this game? Depth evaluation.
Expect to see:
- Backup quarterbacks like Jake Merklinger get live reps.
- Redshirt freshmen and second-team linemen rotate in early.
- Early enrollees and freshmen get a taste of Neyland under the lights.
This is how Tennessee builds for the long haul. These “gimme” games are also long-term investments in roster development.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Sexy, But It’s Smart
In the grand scheme, Kennesaw State won’t generate headlines. But this type of scheduling wins championships in the long run.
It’s balanced, it’s strategic, and it provides Tennessee with a critical developmental opportunity during what will be one of the toughest seasons in recent memory.
Tennessee fans want big games — and they’re getting them with Georgia Tech, Texas, and Oklahoma. But every great meal needs side dishes, and Kennesaw State is exactly that. It’s not the main course, but it’s absolutely part of the recipe.
