Vanderbilt Sweeps Tennessee in Knoxville Rivalry Games

Commodores make history with wins over Vols in football, men's basketball, and women's basketball on Rocky Top.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Vanderbilt Athletics made history this season by defeating Tennessee in football, men's basketball, and women's basketball games played in Knoxville. This marks the first time in Vanderbilt's history that the Commodores have swept the Volunteers in all three major sports during games held at Tennessee's home venues.

Why it matters

Tennessee's rivalry with Vanderbilt is one of the most storied in college sports, and the Volunteers have traditionally dominated the in-state matchups, especially on their home turf. Vanderbilt's unprecedented clean sweep of the Vols in Knoxville this season is a significant accomplishment that highlights the Commodores' rising competitiveness across multiple sports programs.

The details

Vanderbilt defeated Tennessee in football 45-24 in late November, then followed up with an 87-77 win over the Lady Vols on Senior Day and an 86-62 blowout of the Tennessee men's basketball team to close the regular season. Each of these victories took place at Tennessee's home venues, making Vanderbilt's feat all the more impressive.

  • Vanderbilt defeated Tennessee football in Knoxville in late November 2025.
  • Vanderbilt defeated Tennessee women's basketball in Knoxville in early March 2026.
  • Vanderbilt defeated Tennessee men's basketball in Knoxville on March 6, 2026.

The players

Vanderbilt Athletics

The athletic department of Vanderbilt University, a private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tennessee Volunteers

The athletic teams of the University of Tennessee, a public research university based in Knoxville, Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“1st time in school history at @VandyFootball, @VandyMBB & @VandyWBB all won in Knoxville.”

— Peter Burns, ESPN Analyst (Twitter)

What’s next

Tennessee baseball will have a chance to avenge their in-state rivals when Vanderbilt hosts the Volunteers for a three-game series in Nashville from March 27-29.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's historic sweep of Tennessee in Knoxville this season underscores the Commodores' growing competitiveness and the narrowing gap between the two in-state rivals. This achievement will only add fuel to the fire of one of college sports' most intense rivalries going forward.