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Tennessee opens the 2026 season ranked No. 20 in the preseason AP Top 25

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Game Day Center) — The countdown to Tennessee football is on, and the Volunteers will open the 2026 season ranked No. 20 in the Associated Press preseason Top 25. (ESPN)

The Vols begin the season Saturday, Sept. 5, at 3:30 p.m. ET against Furman.

🟠 AP TOP 25

1. Ohio State
2. Oregon
3. Georgia
4. Notre Dame
5. Texas
6. Indiana
7. Miami
8. Texas A&M
9. Ole Miss
10. Oklahoma
11. LSU
12. Texas Tech
13. Alabama
14. BYU
15. USC
16. Michigan
17. Washington
18. Penn State
19. SMU
    20. Tennessee
20. Utah
21. Iowa
22. Houston
23. Louisville
24. Missouri

Ohio State claimed the No. 1 spot in the preseason AP poll, with Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas rounding out the top five.

For Tennessee, the No. 20 ranking gives the Vols a spot in the preseason national conversation as they prepare for a schedule that includes Texas, Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M.

First stop: Sept. 5. Neyland Stadium. Furman. 3:30 p.m.