The University of Tennessee football program is set to engage in an exciting and competitive home-and-home series with Georgia Tech in 2026 and 2027. This development marks a significant moment in both schools’ schedules, as the Volunteers will face off against the Yellow Jackets in a unique two-year stretch, with the first game slated for Atlanta in 2026 and the return matchup in Knoxville the following year.
This series further enhances the Volunteers’ commitment to scheduling high-level competition in non-conference play. Both Tennessee and Georgia Tech share a long history of collegiate football, with each program carrying a rich tradition that includes championship aspirations, historic moments, and passionate fan bases. For Tennessee, the series provides an opportunity to test their mettle against an ACC opponent known for its disciplined and hard-nosed football style, while also offering Georgia Tech a chance to assert itself against an SEC powerhouse.
In 2026, the first game of the series will take place at Bobby Dodd Stadium, one of the oldest and most iconic stadiums in college football, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Known for its unique atmosphere and historic significance, Bobby Dodd will provide a captivating backdrop for the Volunteers’ first encounter with the Yellow Jackets. The stadium’s intimate size and its design, with a seating capacity of just under 55,000, create an environment where every fan’s voice is heard, making for an electric atmosphere on game day.
This game will carry a special significance for both teams. For Tennessee, it offers a chance to measure up against a team that has produced several notable seasons in the ACC. Georgia Tech, despite recent struggles in terms of consistency and recruiting, has had its share of success under the guidance of its head coaches. The Volunteers’ upcoming trip to Atlanta will also serve as an opportunity to continue building the program’s strength in non-conference matchups, something that head coach Josh Heupel has been emphasizing since his arrival in Knoxville. With his fast-paced offensive system, Heupel has made Tennessee a major contender in the Southeastern Conference, and this game in 2026 could be a significant test for his team’s ability to perform away from home against a team from a different conference.
The Yellow Jackets, led by their coaching staff and a roster filled with hungry players, will look to use this game as a springboard to gain national attention. Playing an SEC team at home always holds added importance for Georgia Tech, as the opportunity to defeat an SEC power in front of their home crowd can be a major recruiting tool and a boost for the program’s morale. Although Georgia Tech has experienced some growing pains in recent years, it is a team with a solid foundation that is always capable of pulling off an upset, particularly when playing on their home turf.
The 2026 game will feature two teams that are in the midst of significant program-building phases. For Tennessee, much of the focus will be on continuing its ascent in the SEC and positioning itself as one of the premier teams in the country. The Volunteers have made significant strides in recent years under Heupel’s guidance, and they will look to continue building on their momentum heading into 2026. On the other side, Georgia Tech will be focused on establishing itself as a competitive team within the ACC. As the Yellow Jackets look to make their mark, the game against Tennessee will be a defining moment in their season.
When the 2027 season rolls around, Tennessee will return the favor by hosting Georgia Tech at Neyland Stadium. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, Neyland Stadium is one of the largest and most storied venues in all of college football, with a seating capacity of over 100,000. Known for its passionate fan base, the “Vol Navy” that fills the Tennessee River with orange boats on game days, and the iconic “Rocky Top” fight song, Neyland Stadium is an atmosphere unlike any other. The return game promises to be a spectacle, with Georgia Tech’s players stepping into one of the most intimidating environments in college football.
Tennessee’s return game against Georgia Tech will also hold major implications for both programs. While the 2026 game in Atlanta will have its own significance, the 2027 matchup in Knoxville is an opportunity for Tennessee to defend its home field against an opponent from a different power conference. The Volunteers have a tradition of dominance at Neyland Stadium, and they will look to extend that legacy with a strong performance in front of their home fans. For Georgia Tech, the 2027 game will provide an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to compete at a high level on the road, in what is sure to be a hostile environment.
Both teams are expected to have dynamic and talented rosters by the time these games take place. Tennessee’s offense, led by a high-powered passing attack and a potentially explosive quarterback, will look to put pressure on Georgia Tech’s defense. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech will rely on its unique triple-option offense, which has been a staple of its identity for many years. Tennessee’s defense, which has steadily improved under Heupel’s leadership, will face a difficult challenge in containing Georgia Tech’s unconventional attack, which requires disciplined and focused play on the defensive side of the ball.
The 2027 matchup will likely carry even more significance as the national landscape of college football continues to evolve. With conferences realigning and programs across the country working to strengthen their schedules, games like this one between Tennessee and Georgia Tech become more valuable in the eyes of both schools’ fanbases. For Tennessee, a win in this home-and-home series would solidify the program’s standing as one of the elite teams in college football, while a loss could be a setback that serves as motivation for future seasons.
Looking ahead, these two games in 2026 and 2027 are indicative of Tennessee’s commitment to scheduling tough, competitive opponents in non-conference play. The Volunteers have long been known for their intense rivalries within the SEC, but this series with Georgia Tech adds a new dimension to their non-conference schedule. This home-and-home series also continues the growing trend of college football programs seeking out challenging opponents across the country to prepare for postseason play.
The rivalry between Tennessee and Georgia Tech, while not as well-known as some of the marquee matchups in college football, carries with it a sense of respect and mutual admiration. Both teams have had their moments of greatness, and these games will provide an opportunity for both fan bases to see their teams challenge each other on the gridiron. For Tennessee, it is another chance to prove that their rise as an SEC powerhouse is no fluke. For Georgia Tech, it is an opportunity to show that they are capable of competing with some of the best teams in the country.
As these two programs gear up for what promises to be an exciting and competitive series, the 2026 and 2027 games will be eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike. The chance to witness these teams battle on the field will be a thrilling experience for everyone involved. From the iconic Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta to the electrifying atmosphere of Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, these games will highlight the best of college football, with two proud programs looking to make their mark in the ever-competitive landscape of the sport. As the calendar moves closer to 2026 and 2027, football fans from Tennessee and Georgia Tech can look forward to a series that promises to bring drama, excitement, and high-level competition to the forefront of college football.