Tennessee football opens a November to either remember or forget with a top-15 matchup against Kentucky on Nov. 7 at Neyland Stadium
The Vols (6-2, 3-2 SEC) lost at South Carolina two weeks ago on a last-second field goal, earning a second SEC loss before the final month of the season.
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Kentucky (7-1, 5-1) is also coming off of an open date and has a clear path to the SEC Championship Game and the CFP. First-year coach Will Stein has molded his roster into a team that limits its mistakes and maximizes other teams’ turnovers.
UK has beaten Tennessee in Knoxville once since 1984, the 2020 win in front of a COVID-limited crowd at Neyland.
Here are Knox News’ staff predictions for Tennessee-Kentucky:
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) and Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman (87) walk towards the locker room after a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Oklahoma Sooners at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on November 1, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
1 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) and Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman (87) walk towards the locker room after a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Oklahoma Sooners at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on November 1, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee players gather after a football game between Tennessee and South Carolina at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Tennessee defeated South Carolina.
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
The Pride of the Southland Band form a Power T during the pregame ceremonies of the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee celebrates the 44-6 win over Kentucky after the NCAA football match between Tennessee and Kentucky in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.
(Jamar Coach/News Sentinel)
5 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee defensive back Jakobe Thomas (9) does a cartwheel after a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel)
6 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
A masked Tennessee fan at the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Oklahoma on November 1, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
7 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee wide receiver Braylon Staley (14) celebrating after scoring a touchdown in an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma on November 1, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
8 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee cheerleaders during a college football game between Tennessee and Oklahoma in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville on Nov. 1, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
9 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman (87) celebrating his touchdown with Tennessee offensive linemen Lance Heard (53) and Dayne Davis (66) during an NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
10 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
The Pride of the Southland Band performs during a college football game between Tennessee and Oklahoma in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville on Nov. 1, 2025.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
11 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee defensive lineman Omari Thomas (21) celebrates after tackling Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff (12) during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Kentucky in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
12 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
A Pride of the Southland Band member is seen on the field during a football game between Tennessee and South Carolina at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop (18) carries the ball during a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Oklahoma Sooners at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on November 1, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
14 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee players swarm the cart before Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy (15) is carted off following an injury during a football game between Tennessee and South Carolina at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
15 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
A masked Tennessee fan at the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Oklahoma on November 1, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
16 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (0) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and South Carolina in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
17 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews (4) scores a touchdown during a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Oklahoma Sooners at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on November 1, 2025.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
18 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Dr. Michael Stewart, Associate Director of Bands, leads the Pride of the Southland Band during their pregame show at the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee fans cheer after Tennessee scored a touchdown in an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma on November 1, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee cheerleaders on the sidelines of the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Costumed Tennessee fan at the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and South Carolina in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee players line up after a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee players “Run Through the T” as they take the field for the NCAA college football game against Oklahoma on November 1, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Waldo during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Kentucky in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee players ‘Run Through the T’ to take the field for the NCAA college football game against Oklahoma on November 1, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
26 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) during the Vol Walk before a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee fans light up Neyland with their phone lights for the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Oklahoma on November 1, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
The Pride at the Southland Band performing at halftime during the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and South Carolina in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Fireworks light up Neyland Stadium to make the start of the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Oklahoma on November 1, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Smokey surfs the Tennessee student section on a duck during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Kentucky in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
A young Vol fan cheers during the Vol Walk before a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
The Pride of the Southland Band performing at halftime during the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and South Carolina in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee fans cheer during the Vol Walk ahead of Tennessee’s game against Kentucky in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
34 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) celebrates a touchdown during a football game between Tennessee and South Carolina at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Tennessee defeated South Carolina.
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel during the Vol Walk before a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel)
36 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee linebacker Elijah Herring (44) carries a pumpkin with a carved Power T after Tennessee’s game against Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Fans during the Vol Walk before a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel)
38 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
The student section is seen during a football game between Tennessee and South Carolina at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs (53) and Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter (7) tap helmets after a tackle during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Kentucky in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
40 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (0) and quarterback Joe Milton III (7) celebrate Wright’s touchdown during an NCAA college football game between Tennessee and South Carolina in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
41 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee defensive back Boo Carter (23) celebrates after a tackle during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Kentucky in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
42 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee Baseball is saluted on the field during the NCAA football match between Tennessee and Kentucky in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.
(Jamar Coach/News Sentinel)
43 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee cheerleaders at the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
44 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
The Pride of the Southland Band’s halftime performance during the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday, October 29, 2022 in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
45 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) warms up before a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel)
46 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Costumed Tennessee fans in the stands during the NCAA football match between Tennessee and Kentucky in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.
(Jamar Coach/News Sentinel)
47 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins (76) celebrate Hooker’s touchdown during the NCAA college football game against Kentucky on Saturday, October 29, 2022 in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
48 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee defensive back Doneiko Slaughter (0) celebrates after intercepting a pass during Tennessee’s game against Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
49 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (20) celebrates a touchdown during Tennessee’s game against Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
50 / 51
Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Pride of the Southland Band Drum Major Julia Boylan during the halftime show of the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday, October 29, 2022 in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee football is going dark vs Kentucky. See past dark mode games
Tennessee offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins (76) and running back Jaylen Wright (20) celebrate after Wright’s touchdown during the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Kentucky on Saturday, October 29, 2022 in Knoxville, Tenn.
(Jamar Coach/News Sentinel)
Tennessee-Kentucky expert predictions
Adam Sparks, UT beat reporter: Tennessee 28, Kentucky 24
The Vols can certainly beat themselves against the most disciplined team in the SEC. Kentucky leads the league in turnover margin and fewest penalties. But UT can take control of this game by winning the line of scrimmage. That means DeSean Bishop earns bruising yards and UT’s defensive line collapses the pocket around Kenny Minchey. Give Tennessee the edge because of the overwhelming atmosphere of Neyland Stadium in a night game in dark mode.
The Vols still have to find something in their passing game, which is statistically the worst in the SEC. Even if that doesn’t come to fruition, though, Tennessee’s rushing attack and defense have been good enough to beat the toughest teams on its schedule.
Perhaps the open week helped Tennessee clean up some of last game’s mistakes before playing a team that doesn’t make many. Playing at home could push it over the top.
Cora Hall, UT beat reporter: Kentucky 27, Tennessee 24
Both teams are had a week off and are rested going into this matchup, and the Wildcats have proven they can will their way to a win when it matters. The Vols will get close, but they’ve been too inconsistent to bet on a win here.
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Stephen Thompson, UT beat reporter: Tennessee 17, Kentucky 13
I’ve surrendered to the idea that George MacIntyre is who he is, at least for now. But Tennessee’s defense is as good as any in the country and the Neyland effect will be a difference maker in another ugly, but tight win for the Vols.
The Vols likely need to be perfect throughout the rest of the season to reach the College Football Playoff. Coming off the bye, that road starts with an unexpected matchup against No. 7 Kentucky. The Wildcats have solid wins, but a trip to Neyland with a national spotlight brings heightened pressure.
The Wildcats have a better record and a higher national ranking than the Vols. Moreover, Kentucky is clearly headed in the right direction under first-year coach Will Stein.
But history tells us that Tennessee is always the wrong direction for Kentucky football, which has lost 38 of the previous 41 games in the series.
Props to the Wildcats on a great season, but it just feels like they are due for a letdown in a tough rivalry road game. Neyland should be jumping for this one.
