LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska has decided to cancel two upcoming nonconference football games with Tennessee as part of its strategy to recover lost income due to limited seating at Memorial Stadium amid significant renovations scheduled for 2027. This announcement was made by athletic director Troy Dannen on Friday.
The Cornhuskers were expected to play the Volunteers in Lincoln on September 12, 2026, and in Knoxville on September 11, 2027. Tennessee’s athletic director Danny White expressed disappointment on social media, emphasizing that the cancellation was initiated by Nebraska rather than a mutual decision.
In place of the Tennessee games, Nebraska has scheduled home games against Bowling Green for 2026 and Miami (Ohio) for 2027. Additionally, a matchup with Northern Iowa has been added to the 2027 season, allowing the Huskers to host eight games at home that year for the first time since 2013.
Dannen explained, “We believe that having eight home games in 2027 is the most advantageous option to mitigate any financial impact resulting from lower stadium capacity.” He further noted that these extra home games would provide significant economic advantages for the local community in Lincoln.
Historically, Nebraska and Tennessee have faced each other three times, with all encounters occurring in bowl games. Their most recent clash saw the Volunteers secure a 38-24 victory in the 2016 Music City Bowl.
Nebraska has yet to compete against either Bowling Green or Miami (Ohio). This move mirrors a decision made by Tennessee in 2022 when they canceled a scheduled home game against Army. White reportedly signed the cancellation shortly after taking on his role in 2021, allowing Akron to step in as the new opponent. According to local reports, the prior athletic director, Phillip Fulmer, along with former coach Jeremy Pruitt, had begun the cancellation process before White’s arrival.
The transition suggests a shift in scheduling strategy for Nebraska as it navigates the upcoming renovations and seeks to secure its financial position while continuing to serve its fan base effectively.