Tennessee moves up in the polls after win over Kennesaw State

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 19: Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel reacts to a call during the college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kennesaw State Owls on September 19, 2026, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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What is the story about?

The polls are out, and the Tennessee Vols’ upcoming matchup with the top-ranked Texas Longhorns got a little bit shinier.

Tennessee moved up one spot from 15 to 14 in the AP Poll. They moved from 14 to 13 in the Coaches Poll.

Tennessee and the rest of the teams around them were the beneficiaries of one of the most

shocking results of this young 2026 season. Kentucky when into College Station as a three-touchdown underdog and absolutely put it on Texas A&M, winning 31-21. They held a 28-7 second half lead and simply dominated Mike Elko’s team. A&M fell from No. 9 to No. 23.

Now, the stage is set for Tennessee’s Saturday clash with Texas at Neyland Stadium at noon ET on ABC. Knoxville will be on center stage for a loaded college football slate, with ESPN College Gameday coming to town.