ESPN2, SEC Network and Big Ten Network will showcase Tennessee in marquee matchups against Indiana, Pitt, Penn State, Texas, Kentucky and more as an experienced roster and elite transfer class fuel championship expectations.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. | Tennessee volleyball will receive one of its largest national television showcases in recent program history after ESPN, SEC Network and the Big Ten Network announced eight nationally televised matches for the Lady Vols during the 2026 season.
The expanded television slate reflects Tennessee's growing stature as a contender in one of college volleyball's deepest conferences. Featuring nationally ranked opponents, rivalry matchups and premier non-conference contests, the Lady Vols will have multiple opportunities to showcase their talent before a national audience.
The 2026 television schedule begins Sept. 6 when Tennessee hosts Indiana during the popular Broadway Block Party, a matchup scheduled to air on ESPN2. Just three days later, the Lady Vols travel to Kissimmee, Florida, for a highly anticipated neutral-site showdown against perennial national power Pitt in the SEC/ACC Challenge, also televised on ESPN2.
The SEC Network will carry four additional Lady Vols matches, beginning with Tennessee's home meeting against Illinois in the inaugural SEC/Big Ten Challenge. Additional conference home contests against defending national powers Texas (Sept. 25), Kentucky (Oct. 21) and in-state rival Vanderbilt (Oct. 25) will also receive national television coverage.
Adding another nationally televised opportunity, Tennessee's Sept. 20 road trip to Penn State will air on the Big Ten Network, giving the Lady Vols exposure across three major television platforms throughout the season.
Veteran Leadership Returns to Rocky Top
Tennessee enters 2026 with one of the SEC's most experienced cores, led by three-time All-American setter Caroline Kerr.
The fifth-year standout orchestrated one of the nation's most efficient offenses last season, totaling 945 assists while averaging 9.84 assists per set. Under Kerr's leadership, Tennessee averaged 14.17 kills per set while posting a .292 team hitting percentage, both ranking among the nation's top 15 during the 2025 campaign.
Already sixth in Tennessee history with 3,259 career assists, Kerr enters another season as one of college volleyball's premier playmakers.
Middle blocker Chelsea Sutton also returns after leading Tennessee with 116 total blocks while contributing 215 kills and ranking among the SEC's most efficient attackers.
Outside hitter Mackenzie Plante adds another experienced presence after recording career highs across nearly every statistical category during the 2025 season. Plante finished fourth on the team with 182 kills while adding 175 digs, underscoring her two-way value.
Elite Transfer Class Adds Immediate Firepower
Perhaps the biggest storyline entering the season is Tennessee's highly accomplished transfer class.
Leading the group is former Coastal Carolina standout Jalyn Stout, the NCAA's all-time career leader in triple-doubles with 46. During her Chanticleers career, Stout amassed more than 1,100 kills, 1,500 assists and 1,000 digs, showcasing one of the nation's most versatile skill sets.
The Lady Vols also welcome:
- Kennedi Rogers, an ACC All-Freshman performer from SMU.
- Nia Hall, who led South Carolina in kills during the 2025 season.
- Raegan Burns, an experienced defensive specialist from Kansas with 756 career digs.
- Mallory Matheny, one of the nation's highest-rated prep setters who arrives from Indiana.
The combination of veteran leadership and proven transfer production gives Tennessee one of the SEC's deepest rosters entering the fall.
National Spotlight Continues to Grow
The expanded television schedule reflects Tennessee's continued rise as a nationally relevant volleyball program. High-profile matchups against Indiana, Pitt, Penn State, Illinois, Texas, Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Missouri provide opportunities to strengthen NCAA Tournament credentials while introducing the Lady Vols to audiences across the country.
With championship aspirations, an experienced roster and one of the nation's premier transfer classes, Tennessee appears positioned to compete for a top finish in the SEC while pursuing another deep postseason run.
Single-match tickets are now available through Tennessee Athletics, while season ticket packages remain on sale beginning at $60, giving fans multiple opportunities to experience one of the program's most anticipated seasons in recent years.
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-- By Amelia Nettles
© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.
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