Tennessee basketball will play Florida State in SEC/ACC Challenge

Tennessee basketball will face Florida State in the 2026 SEC/ACC Challenge, scheduled for December 1 at the Food City Center in Knoxville. This will be the 10th meeting between the two teams, with Tennessee leading the series 5-4 since their first matchup on December 9, 1957. Their last game took place on November 29, 2019, when Florida State won 60-57 at the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, Florida. The most recent meeting in Knoxville occurred on December 19, 1987, ending in overtime with Tennessee winning 81-78. The SEC/ACC Challenge is an annual event where Tennessee has a 1-2 record, losing to North Carolina in the inaugural year but defeating Syracuse in 2024 and 2025. Tennessee holds a strong overall record against current ACC schools, with an all-time mark of 128-102 and a 4-5 record against Florida State specifically. Head coach Rick Barnes has a 87-76 record against current ACC opponents. Game details, including time and broadcast information, will be announced later. This matchup adds to Tennessee’s competitive schedule, as they continue to build their resume against top-tier opponents. The Vols and Seminoles last played in Knoxville over three decades ago, making this a highly anticipated rematch.