Auburn's Pearl Faces Tennessee in Homecoming Game

First-year Auburn head coach Steven Pearl discusses the challenges of facing his alma mater Tennessee on the road.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In his first season as Auburn's head coach, Steven Pearl is preparing to face his former team, the Tennessee Volunteers, on the road. Pearl discussed the challenges of taking on one of the top teams in the SEC, highlighting Tennessee's physicality, rebounding prowess, and stifling defense. He also reflected on his time as a player at Tennessee and how it shaped his life and coaching career.

Why it matters

This matchup holds personal significance for Pearl, who spent five years as a player at Tennessee before embarking on a coaching career. The game also has major implications for both teams' seasons, as Tennessee is one of the top programs in the SEC while Auburn has been surging of late with four straight wins.

The details

Pearl praised Tennessee's toughness, physicality, and ability to dominate the offensive glass, noting that the Volunteers are averaging 20 offensive rebounds per SEC win. He acknowledged the challenge of scoring against Tennessee's stifling defense, which has historically given Auburn fits. Pearl also highlighted the growth of Tennessee freshman forward Nate Ament, who he compared to former Auburn star Jabari Smith in terms of his mid-range game and overall talent.

  • The game will take place on Saturday, January 30th at 8:30 PM Eastern Time.
  • Tennessee is coming off big road wins at Alabama and Georgia.

The players

Steven Pearl

In his first season as the head coach of the Auburn Tigers, Pearl is facing his alma mater Tennessee, where he played for five years and met his wife.

Nate Ament

The Tennessee freshman forward has emerged as a key player for the Volunteers, showing improved physicality and confidence as the season has progressed.

Ja'Kobi Gillespie

The Tennessee point guard leads the team in points, assists, and steals, serving as the engine that makes the Volunteers' offense run.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Tennessee is obviously really tough at home. They're really good in general this year. They've only lost one at home. coming off two huge wins, both on the road — at Alabama and at Georgia. Had a lot of step-up in those games.”

— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach (on3.com)

“If winning is important to you, and that's what matters, then you'll check out every possession. If you don't, they're going to make you look stupid. They had 26 offensive rebounds at Georgia. If they get one less offensive rebound, Georgia probably wins the game.”

— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach (on3.com)

“Coach Barnes has done an unbelievable job with everything they've accomplished. They play with a different level of toughness, physicality and grit, and it's served them well.”

— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The game between Auburn and Tennessee will take place on Saturday, January 30th at 8:30 PM Eastern Time at the Food City Center in Knoxville.

The takeaway

This matchup holds deep personal significance for Auburn head coach Steven Pearl, who is facing his alma mater Tennessee for the first time as a head coach. The game also features a clash of two of the SEC's top teams, with Tennessee's physicality and rebounding prowess posing a major challenge for an Auburn squad that has been surging of late.