The latest edition of Tennessee-Alabama now has a slot on the calendar.
The Volunteers will welcome the Crimson Tide to Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET. The SEC announced the start time on Monday, and the television assignment will come later from ABC, ESPN, or SEC Network.
Both teams already revealed what they’ll be wearing for the matchup: Tennessee in its traditional orange, Alabama in crimson. That combination has not been seen in this rivalry since Tennessee’s 24-0 win in 1970.
Tennessee heads into the week at 4-1 overall and 1-1 in SEC play, ranked No. 15 in the AP Top 25 and No. 14 in the Coaches Poll. Before turning its attention to Alabama, Josh Heupel’s team is set for a road game at Arkansas.
The Vols’ lone defeat came in a 20-17 loss to No. 1 Texas.
They responded with a 24-14 win over Auburn, and DeSean Bishop powered that victory. The senior running back piled up a career-high 220 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns on 34 carries as Tennessee erased a halftime deficit.
The defense has been just as noticeable. Tennessee enters Arkansas week leading the nation with 23 sacks and ranking fifth nationally with 42 tackles for loss.
Alabama, meanwhile, is 5-0 overall and 3-0 in SEC play after a 56-23 win over No. 16 Mississippi State in Starkville. The Crimson Tide put up 483 total yards, forced four turnovers, and got a big night from quarterback Keelon Russell, who went 16 of 22 for 285 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground.
The rivalry has delivered plenty of recent fireworks in Knoxville. Tennessee shocked Alabama 52-49 in 2022, followed that with a 24-17 home win in 2024, and Alabama answered with a 37-20 victory in Tuscaloosa last season.
Now the next Third Saturday in October finally has its kickoff time: Tennessee vs. Alabama on Oct. 17 at 3:30 p.m. ET in Neyland Stadium.
In Other News...
Dejuan Lane Just Added Edge To Tennessees Transfer Bet
Dejuan Lane arrived in Knoxville with something to prove, and Tennessee has already given him a clearer lane to do it. A former four-star prospect, Lane came over from Penn State after two seasons that included limited starts, then found a familiar coaching connection waiting for him on Rocky Top. Since the move, he has stepped into a more meaningful role in the secondary, giving the Vols another transfer who fits both the need and the story line.
Lane recently added a little more edge to that transition with a social media post about being overlooked, though he did not say whether he was aiming that message at Penn State or someone else. For Tennessee, the intrigue is less about where the shot landed and more about what it says about the player taking it, because the Vols are betting on transfers who arrive with something to prove as much as they do with talent. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee's Quarterback Battle Just Got Tougher For Josh Heupel
The quarterback conversation around Tennessee is only getting more complicated, and Josh Heupel still has a decision hanging over him after both quarterbacks saw the field against Auburn. Former Vols quarterback Jarrett Guarantano added perspective this week, pointing out just how hard it is to play the position in the SEC while offering support for both players in the mix.
Faizon Brandon remains in the equation despite dealing with an injury, while George MacIntyre made the most of his limited snaps and gave the staff something to think about. Heupel has acknowledged the competition, but he has not made a call yet, leaving Tennessee with a real camp-style battle in the middle of the season and a little less clarity than it would like at the game's most important position. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Made A Real Impression On A Priority Tight End Target
Lee Steeles trip to Tennessee for the Auburn game gave the Volunteers another chance to show why they remain a major player for one of their priority tight end targets. The four-star recruit came away talking positively about the coaching staff, the atmosphere, and the way the program is developing players, all the kinds of details that matter when a prospect is weighing more than just wins and losses.
Steele said Tennessee is among the schools near the top of his list, which is exactly the kind of position the Vols want to be in as they continue building momentum on the recruiting trail. He is still sorting through other offers, though, so Tennessee has clearly made an impression without closing the deal just yet. [Read more 🡒]