Tennessee Sets 2025 Checker Neyland Opener Against Georgia

The Tennessee Volunteers have announced key dates and special event designations for their 2025 football season, highlighting the season opener against the Georgia Bulldogs on September 13 as the ninth annual 'Checker Neyland' game—a tradition where fans create a checkerboard pattern in Neyland Stadium to energize the team. This game will also honor John Henderson, a Tennessee legend and College Football Hall of Fame inductee in 2025. Other notable dates include the Champions Weekend on October 11 against Arkansas, the first-ever meeting with New Mexico State on November 15 serving as both the Homecoming and Salute to Service game, and Senior Day on November 29 against Vanderbilt to recognize senior players. The Georgia matchup, traditionally moved around the schedule, now opens SEC play and represents one of the toughest contests for Tennessee, who have won the past three Checker Neyland games but have struggled against Georgia recently. Season tickets have sold out again, reflecting strong fan support with a high renewal rate and a large waiting list. These announcements collectively mark significant moments and traditions for Tennessee's 2025 season, blending competitive challenges with celebrations of program history and fan involvement.