Tennessee Volunteers Brace for Midday Heat in Season’s First Three Games—Afternoon Kickoffs Spark Mixed Reactions from Fans

As the Tennessee Volunteers gear up for their 2025 college football season, there’s already one hot topic lighting up discussions across Rocky Top: kickoff times. The Vols’ first three games have all been scheduled for early afternoon starts, a move that’s stirring both excitement and concern among the fan base.

The Volunteers will open their campaign with a 12:00 p.m. kickoff against Chattanooga on August 30 at Neyland Stadium. A week later, they’ll face NC State in Charlotte in a neutral-site clash—also set for a high noon kickoff. Then, they’ll return home to host Kent State at 12:00 p.m. on September 13. Three games, three early starts, and one giant question mark over how this scheduling choice will shape Tennessee’s early-season momentum.

Midday kickoffs are nothing new in college football, but lining up three in a row to start a season is uncommon—especially for a program with as much national interest and media draw as Tennessee. Critics are wondering whether the noon slots could blunt some of the Volunteers’ usual home-field magic, typically amplified by raucous evening crowds under the lights of Neyland.

I love the Vols, but noon games just don’t hit the same,” said longtime fan Jake Warren of Knoxville. “You lose a lot of the energy that comes with a prime-time crowd. People are rushing in from tailgates, and the atmosphere just feels rushed.”

Still, others see strategic value in the early games. For one, earlier kickoffs often translate to cooler weather during the sweltering first few weeks of the season—at least during the opening minutes. That could give Tennessee an edge, particularly against teams not used to the Southern heat.

Head coach Josh Heupel has remained neutral on the matter publicly, emphasizing preparation and execution over timing.

In the modern era of college football, kickoff times are often dictated more by television contracts than by athletic departments themselves. With the SEC locked into major broadcasting deals, especially with ESPN and ABC, game slots are often pre-determined based on projected viewership numbers, advertising potential, and network scheduling needs.

Noon games, while sometimes frowned upon by fans, still draw strong ratings—especially for prominent programs like Tennessee. The early games also avoid direct conflict with primetime national matchups later in the day, giving Tennessee a clearer national spotlight.

Tennessee is one of the SEC’s biggest brands,” said media analyst Bryce Donovan. “They’re going to get eyeballs regardless of kickoff. Noon gives them a stage without heavy competition from other marquee teams.”

For players, noon kickoffs present a different kind of challenge—especially in the Tennessee heat, where field temperatures can soar past 100 degrees by the second quarter. Hydration, conditioning, and depth rotation will all play pivotal roles in how the Vols manage these early games.

Linebacker Elijah Herring brushed off concerns, saying, “We’ve been training in the heat all summer. It’s just part of football down here. You prepare for it, you hydrate, and you come ready to play.”

Medical staff are also taking precautions, ensuring cooling fans, extra hydration stations, and shaded benches are all in place. But even with preparation, the midday sun will be an undeniable factor in player performance and stamina.

The reaction from Vol Nation has been divided. On one hand, families with young children and older fans appreciate the earlier starts, which allow them to enjoy the game and still have a full evening afterward. On the other hand, traditionalists miss the intensity and pageantry that often come with night games at Neyland.

“It’s easier for my kids and for our drive back home, no question,” said Megan Tyler, a season ticket holder from Chattanooga. “But I’ll admit—I miss that feeling of a big night game under the lights.”

Local businesses and bars in Knoxville also have mixed feelings. Afternoon games shift pre-game traffic patterns and reduce the late-night rush that typically follows evening kickoffs.

After the three early games, the Vols’ schedule opens up to more flexible start times. Matchups with major SEC opponents like Florida, Alabama, and Georgia will almost certainly see Tennessee return to evening national broadcasts. Until then, however, the Volunteers will have to navigate the unique rhythm of three straight midday matchups.

Will these early games help Tennessee ease into the season with focus and discipline—or will they dull the atmosphere and energy that Neyland is known for? That answer won’t come until the first whistle blows on August 30.