Tennessee Faces Off Against Tennessee State in Exciting Hoops Clash
Tennessee’s men’s basketball team, currently ranked No. 20/17, is gearing up for a matchup against Tennessee State on Thursday, November 16, 2025. The game will take place at the Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET. Fans can enjoy the live broadcast on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.
Tennessee vs. Tennessee State: A Competitive History
The Volunteers and the Tigers have a recurring rivalry, although they have not faced each other since the 2015-16 season. Tennessee holds a dominating 6-0 record in their all-time series against Tennessee State, with an average victory margin of 18.3 points. Notably, four of these wins came by over 20 points.
- Tennessee State’s records last season included a 17-16 overall record and a fourth-place finish in the OVC preseason poll, receiving one first-place vote.
- Senior guard Aaron Nkrumah leads Tennessee State with an impressive 18.5 points per game.
Tennessee’s Impressive Season Start
The Vols have begun the 2025-26 season with a perfect 4-0 record, including a recent substantial victory against Rice, where they won 91-66. Felix Okpara shone in that game, recording his first 20-point game. The Vols have demonstrated scoring depth, featuring three players who scored 17 points in each of their last three games.
Key Statistics and Team Highlights
Some key stats illustrate Tennessee’s strong performance this season:
- Tennessee leads the nation in rebounding margin, boasting a +22.0 advantage.
- The Vols also rank first in offensive rebounding percentage, sitting at 52.6%.
- The team has maintained a 40-game winning streak in nonconference home games, dating back to December 8, 2020.
Head coach Rick Barnes has achieved significant milestones, collecting 840 wins, ranking him ninth all-time among active Division I coaches. This season, the Volunteers are projected to continue their strong performance, as they were voted third in the SEC media preseason poll.
Freshman Standouts
Nate Ament has emerged as a notable freshman talent. He received SEC Freshman of the Week honors and has consistently performed at a high level. In his first four games, Ament logged at least 18 points and eight rebounds, making him a standout among Division I freshmen.
Looking Ahead
As the Volunteers aim to extend their undefeated streak against Tennessee State, fans can anticipate another exciting clash. The team’s momentum, combined with a strategic coaching approach, positions them favorably for continued success this season.
