Change of plans — Tennessee will now open the 2023 season with a game against Virginia in Nashville at Nissan Stadium. The game will replace a road matchup at BYU, which should have been the other end of a home and home with the Cougars.
Tennessee last opened the season in Nashville back in 2015 against Bowling Green. They also opened the 2002 season with a win against Wyoming at Nissan Stadium.
Virginia and Tennessee haven’t played since the 1991 Sugar Bowl.
“Pivoting to play a marquee non-conference opponent in Nashville made sense for multiple reasons,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said.