ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) predicts Tennessee's 2026 college football season, offering a comprehensive look at the Vols' prospects. With a preseason ranking of No. 16, the FPI projects a 7.3-game regular-season win total for Tennessee against a nine-game SEC schedule. Despite a 3.3% chance of winning the SEC, the Vols have a 20.5% chance of making the College Football Playoff. The FPI's recent track record shows mixed results, with varying success in predicting Tennessee's wins and losses. The 2026 season begins with a home opener against Furman, a Football Championship Subdivision opponent, providing an opportunity for the Vols to ease into the season. The FPI gives Tennessee a 99% chance to win this game. The Vols then face Georgia Tech, with a 74.3% chance of victory, followed by Kennesaw State, projected to win with a 96.2% probability. The season continues with a challenging SEC opener against Texas, where the Longhorns are the preseason FPI favorite. The FPI predicts a 24.5% chance of Tennessee winning this game. The Vols' schedule also includes a rivalry game against Auburn, where former Tennessee coach Alex Golesh returns to Neyland Stadium. The FPI gives Tennessee a 65.3% chance of victory in this game. The season's mid-point features a trip to Arkansas, where the Vols face a first-year coach in Ryan Silverfield. Tennessee has a 73.5% chance of winning this game. The FPI predicts a close contest against Alabama, with a 40.9% chance of Tennessee emerging victorious. The season's final stretch includes games against South Carolina, Kentucky, Texas A&M, LSU, and Vanderbilt, each with varying probabilities of Tennessee winning. The FPI's predictions highlight the challenges and opportunities ahead for the Vols in the 2026 season, providing valuable insights for fans and analysts alike.
