The Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team (8-3) is set to resume action on Thursday, kicking off their Southeastern Conference (SEC) play for the 2025-26 season. They will take on the Florida Gators (12-3) in an exciting matchup at Food City Center, with tipoff scheduled for 2 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcasted on SEC Network+.
This season, the Lady Vols have enjoyed a strong run, securing victories against notable teams such as East Tennessee State, UT Martin, Belmont, Middle Tennessee State, Coppin State, Stanford, Winthrop, and Southern Indiana. However, they faced challenges against higher-ranked opponents, suffering defeats to North Carolina State, UCLA, and Louisville.
In the latest coaches poll released by USA TODAY Sports, the Lady Vols have slipped one spot down to No. 22, reflecting the competitive nature of women’s college basketball. The ranking highlights the uncertainty and intensity of the season, as teams strive to position themselves for a successful path forward.
The USA TODAY Sports Board of Coaches consists of 31 head coaches from Division I institutions, all members of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, ensuring that the rankings are determined by experienced professionals in the field. The continuous engagement of these coaches provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of women’s basketball.
As excitement builds for the upcoming SEC opener, fans can look forward to an intense match between Tennessee and Florida, which could set the tone for the remainder of the season.