ESPN puts 20th ranked Tennessee on upset alert, and you'll never guess who they're playing
Tennessee to Open 2026 Season Against Furman in a Predicted Blowout
Knoxville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Volunteers are set to kick off the 2026 college‑football season with a Sunday showdown against the Furman Paladins. The matchup, scheduled for Saturday, will take place at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville and is expected to be a decisive victory for the 20th‑ranked Vols.
A Week‑One Upset Question
During a March 27 SportsCenter segment, ESPN host and former SEC quarterback Jordan Rodgers was asked to name a potential upset for the first week of play. Rodgers replied “Tennessee,” suggesting that the Vols would lose to Furman. The comment, made while Rodgers was discussing the upcoming season, drew attention because he is a Vanderbilt alumnus and was asked by the show’s producers, a move the author of the original piece deemed a headline‑driven setup.
Tennessee’s Credentials
Tennessee, led by head coach Josh Heupel, is riding a fast‑paced, wide‑open offensive style that has produced a strong season to date. The Volunteers are ranked 20th in the AP poll and are favored to win the game by nearly seven touchdowns, according to current betting lines.
Furman’s Recent Performance
Furman, an FCS program, finished the 2025 season with a 6‑6 record and suffered a heavy loss to Clemson in their sole FBS game that year (45‑10). While the Paladins have shown some competitive spirit, analysts largely view the matchup as one-sided in favor of Tennessee.
What to Expect
Given the disparity in rankings, talent, and recent performance, most predictions see Tennessee overcoming Furman by a significant margin—likely well over 28 points. The game is expected to be a showcase of Tennessee’s offensive prowess rather than a competitive contest.
In Summary
The Tennessee Volunteers will host Furman on Saturday for a season‑opening game that many expect to be a comfortable win for the Vols. ESPN’s Jordan Rodgers, in a brief SportsCenter segment, named Tennessee as an unlikely upset pick—a prediction that is widely regarded as a stretch, especially given Tennessee’s status as the clear favorite. The game should offer fans a display of Tennessee’s high‑octane offense and a preview of what the Volunteers’ 2026 campaign could look like.
