Last season was another impressive one for the Tennessee Basketball Team, racking up 30 wins and making a deep run to the Elite Eight. The Vols notched several marquee victories, including notable non-conference wins over Louisville, Baylor, and Illinois.
Looking ahead, Tennessee is once again positioned as a top contender in the SEC. Their non-conference schedule is loaded once more, highlighted by a three-game showing at the Players Era Festival. With a mix of rematches and fresh challenges on deck, here’s a look at four of the top confirmed opponents the Vols will face this season.
4. Syracuse Orange (Away)
Next season could mark a turning point for Syracuse, as they return key contributors like Donnie Freeman and JJ Starling while adding Georgia Tech point guard transfer Naithan George. Incoming top-30 recruit Kiyan Anthony could also give the Orange a scoring boost. With that mix of experience and upside, Syracuse has the potential to emerge as a sleeper contender in the ACC.
3. Illinois Fighting Illini (Neutral Site)
Despite the departure of multiple NBA Draft picks, Illinois remains a dangerous team. Big man Tomislav Ivisic is now joined by his brother, Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas transfer), forming a unique frontcourt pairing. Former Cal standout Andrej Stojakovic, who averaged nearly 18 points per game, adds scoring punch, while Kylan Boswell returns as one of the Big Ten’s best two-way guards. If freshmen Mihhailo Petrovic and David Mirkovic make an impact, the Illini should stay within the top 25.
2. Louisville Cardinals (Home)
After a strong debut season under head coach Pat Kelsey, Louisville could take another leap forward. The Cardinals added elite transfer shooters Isaac McKneely (Virginia) and Ryan Conwell (Xavier), giving their offense a major lift. Five-star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. could emerge as a breakout star, and forward Kasean Pryor is back after missing last season with an injury. This team has the tools to be one of the nation’s highest-scoring units.
1. Houston Cougars (Neutral Site)
Fresh off a national championship game appearance, Houston returns its dynamic backcourt of Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp. The Cougars also welcome a top-3 recruiting class, headlined by five-star talents Chris Cenac Jr. and Isiah Harwell. Under Coach Kelvin Sampson, Houston has been a perennial powerhouse, and with even more talent on board, they’ll be as formidable as ever.
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