The No. 18/17 Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team is preparing to kick off the 2025-26 season against the Mercer Bears. This exciting season opener will take place at the Food City Center in Knoxville on Monday at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can follow the action on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app, with commentary from Myan Patel, Steve Hamer, and Sarah Detwiler. Additionally, local radio listeners can catch the game on the Vol Network, featuring Mike Keith and John Wilkerson.
Tennessee’s Recent Performance
Last season, Tennessee concluded a remarkable 2024-25 campaign with 30 victories. They finished fifth in the AP Poll, marking a program record with ten top-25 wins. The team made an impressive journey to the Elite Eight, maintaining a position in the AP top-12 throughout the season. The Volunteers even clinched the No. 1 ranking for five weeks, tying their all-time record.
In their recent exhibition, Tennessee faced a tough opponent in Duke, suffering an 83-76 defeat. Senior guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie led the team with 19 points and eight assists, while Nate Ament contributed 14 points and ten rebounds.
The Matchup: Tennessee vs. Mercer
- Tennessee holds a 4-1 record in the last five encounters against Mercer.
- The Volunteers initially struggled against the Bears, starting with an 0-3 record in the series between 1913 and 1924.
- This matchup will be the ninth meeting between the two teams, and the first while both are ranked.
- Mercer had a challenging 2024-25 season, finishing with a 14-19 record and eighth place in the SoCon preseason poll.
- Brady Shoulders is the returning leading scorer for Mercer, averaging 5.8 points per game.
Historical Context
Tennessee and Mercer have played consistently over the past decade, including games from 2012 to 2015 across different formats, such as the NIT and NCAA Tournament. The most recent victory for Tennessee against Mercer occurred on March 23, 2014, in the NCAA Tournament, where they won 83-63.
Winning Traditions and Future Expectations
The Volunteers boast an impressive record of 35-3 (.921) in home openers at the Food City Center since 1987-88. They are currently looking to build on their recent success, placing third in the SEC preseason poll. This marks their fourth consecutive year among the top three in league rankings.
Tennessee has also achieved significant success in the postseason, leading all SEC programs with 23 victories over the last eight seasons. Under coach Rick Barnes, whose active victories rank among the nation’s best, the team remains a formidable presence in college basketball.
Looking Ahead
As Tennessee prepares to face Mercer, expectations are high for another stellar season. With a strong roster and a commitment to excellence, the Volunteers aim to continue their winning tradition and contend for top honors in the SEC and beyond.
