No. 19 Tennessee (9-3) will face South Carolina State (1-13) on December 30, 2025, at Food City Center in Knoxville. The game starts at 7:00 PM CT (8:00 PM ET) and will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
This matchup is unique as it marks the first meeting between Tennessee and South Carolina State. Previously, Tennessee defeated Northern Kentucky and North Florida, which were also teams they hadn’t faced before. Interestingly, the Volunteers have had limited experience against current members of the MEAC, winning twice against Norfolk State and once against Coppin State.
Tennessee’s head coach, Rick Barnes, has an impressive record of 9-0 against MEAC teams. Barnes faced South Carolina State twice in 1997 when he coached Clemson, winning both games. This track record adds to his impressive 845 career wins, which ranks him ninth all-time among Division I coaches.
Last season, South Carolina State was picked to finish fourth in the MEAC after finishing 20-13. Their standout player, sophomore guard Jayden Johnson, was named the MEAC Preseason Player of the Year, while junior guard Owen Bronston Jr. is the team’s leading scorer with 11.7 points per game.
Interestingly, Tennessee boasts a 44.6% offensive rebounding rate, the highest in the nation. They have been dominant on the boards, averaging over 35 rebounds in most games this season, which contributes to their overall strategy of wearing down opponents.
The Volunteers aim to reach double-digit wins before SEC play begins for the fourth straight season. Their perfect home record in non-conference games has lasted 43 games, dating back to the 2020-21 season. This achievement ties them for the second-longest non-conference home winning streak in program history.
In light of recent statistics, Tennessee has maintained a perfect 58-0 record against Quad 3 and Quad 4 opponents over the past five seasons. This success puts them at the top of their game and secures Barnes’s reputation as one of the most effective coaches in these matchups. Strong performances from players like Ja’Kobi Gillespie have also propelled the team forward. He recently earned SEC Co-Player of the Week honors and is close to reaching the significant milestone of 1,500 career points.
As Tennessee prepares for this match, fans can expect an exciting game, bolstered by impressive stats and a strong home-court advantage.
