KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee and Michigan State will renew a rarely played nonconference matchup with a home-and-home series announced Friday, sending the Vols to host the Spartans on Nov. 17, 2026, with Tennessee traveling to East Lansing in 2027 for the return game (date to be determined).
Historic but infrequent meeting
The programs have met only seven times since the series began in 1939. Tennessee holds a 2-5 edge in those matchups, with the Volunteers' records in the series broken down as 1-2 at home, 0-2 on the road and 1-1 at neutral sites.
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| All-time (Tennessee) | 2-5 |
| Home | 1-2 |
| Road | 0-2 |
| Neutral | 1-1 |
Most recent meeting: Elite Eight thriller in 2010
The last official contest between the programs came in the 2010 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. Michigan State edged Tennessee 70-69 on March 28, 2010, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis — the Volunteers' first trip to a regional final in program history.
- Home game: Tennessee vs. Michigan State — Nov. 17, 2026 (Knoxville).
- Return game: at Michigan State — 2027 (date TBA).
- Series starts: 1939; Vols lead the series 2-5.
The Nov. 17 game will be among the higher-profile nonconference opponents Tennessee schedules this season and gives fans in Knoxville an early chance to see a nationally recognized program at home. Tip time and broadcast information were not announced with the matchup.
For local followers, this pairing also revives memories of the programs’ only recent tournament collision and gives the Vols an opportunity to add a marquee regular-season victory to their KenPom and NET profiles ahead of SEC play. Ticketing details and additional game-day information will be released by Tennessee Athletics as they become available.
Coverage and context for the game — including travel notes for the 2027 trip to East Lansing and updates on tip time and television — will be provided by News Block as officials release more information.
