It was a strong weekend for Tennessee college football, highlighted by season-opening victories for Tennessee, Middle Tennessee and Vanderbilt, Memphis moving to 2-0, and an in-state FCS matchup between Tennessee Tech and Chattanooga.
FBS
No. 20/18 Tennessee Volunteers — W 56–9 vs. Furman
Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon made an impressive debut, accounting for five touchdowns — three passing and two rushing — as Tennessee rolled in its season opener at Neyland Stadium.
Recap: UTSports.Com
Memphis Tigers — W 42–24 vs. Arkansas State
Memphis improved to 2-0 behind a huge performance from Jaylin Carter, who rushed for 183 yards and four touchdowns. The Tigers piled up 523 total yards in the first game at the renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Recap: GoTigersGo.Com
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders — W 38–14 vs. Murray State
MTSU opened its season with its highest-scoring performance of the Derek Mason era. Roman Gagliano threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another score, while Antonio Martin Jr. ran for 103 yards. The game was weather-shortened.
Recap: GoBlueRaiders.Com
Vanderbilt Commodores — W 28–9 vs. Austin Peay
Vanderbilt opened its season with a victory over the Governors at a sold-out FirstBank Stadium. The game was called with 2:16 remaining because of inclement weather.
Recap: VUCommodores.Com
FCS
No. 13/12 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles — W 24–9 at Chattanooga
Tennessee Tech improved to 2-0, using two second-half touchdown passes from Jax Leatherwood and a strong defensive performance to win at Finley Stadium. Although Tech is now a Southern Conference member, this previously scheduled game was officially a non-conference contest.
Recap: TTUSports.com
UT Martin Skyhawks — W 42–7 vs. Chicago State
UT Martin earned its first victory of 2026 in dominant fashion, using six rushing touchdowns to overwhelm Chicago State in Martin.
Recap: UTMSports.com
ETSU Buccaneers — W 48–14 vs. Tusculum
ETSU picked up its first victory of the season with a convincing home win over the Pioneers in Johnson City.
Recap: ETSUBucs.com
Tennessee State Tigers — L 3–63 at No. 3 Georgia
TSU faced one of the nation’s top programs in Athens. Preston Hurless supplied the Tigers’ points with a 37-yard field goal, while Georgia accumulated 660 yards of offense.
Recap: TSUTigers.com
Austin Peay Governors — L 9–28 at Vanderbilt
Austin Peay actually led Vanderbilt 6–5 after the first quarter, but the Commodores eventually took control. Chris Parson threw for 116 yards and a touchdown for the Governors.
Recap: LetsGoPeay.com
Chattanooga Mocs — L 9–24 vs. No. 12 Tennessee Tech
Chattanooga’s defense kept the Mocs in the game, but the offense was held out of the end zone in the home-opening loss at Finley Stadium. Chattanooga fell to 1-1.
Recap: GoMocs.com
Division II / NAIA
Carson-Newman Eagles — W 44–0 vs. Thomas (Ga.) — Sept. 3
Carson-Newman improved to 2-0 with a shutout victory. The Eagles’ defense tied a school single-game record for interceptions while blanking Thomas.
Recap: CNEagles.com