Florida Gators Avoid Tennessee Vols in 2026 Schedule

Florida Gators quarterback Jesse Palmer thinks it's a good thing the team won't play Tennessee Vols in 2026. Palmer, who played for the Gators from 1997 to 2000 and also appeared on The Bachelor, made the comment on the Another Dooley Noted podcast. He cited the many question marks on the team, particularly at quarterback, and noted that the new SEC schedule replaces LSU and Tennessee with Kentucky and South Carolina. This change is due to the SEC's new nine-game conference schedule, which significantly altered the way SEC schedules look moving forward. Palmer's comment is notable given the Vols' recent success against the Gators, having won three of their last four games, including a win last season in the Swamp. Josh Heupel, the Tennessee coach, has done a great job with the Vols, making them a tougher opponent for the Gators. And now, with the schedule change, the Gators won't have to face the Vols in 2026. But Palmer's optimism is tempered by the fact that the Gators still have to face other tough teams in the SEC. The Gators' schedule will include games against Kentucky and South Carolina, which could be more winnable than games against LSU and Tennessee. So, while the Gators may be happy to avoid the Vols in 2026, they still have a lot of work to do to improve their team and compete in the SEC. Palmer's comments were made on the podcast, where he discussed the Gators' schedule and their chances in the upcoming season. He also talked about the team's recruiting efforts and the need for the Gators to improve their quarterback play. The Gators will have to wait and see how their schedule plays out in 2026, but for now, they can focus on preparing for their games against Kentucky and South Carolina.