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Tennessee Vols In The Players Era Tournament: What To Know

  • Writer: Ellie Williamson
    Ellie Williamson
  • Nov 23
  • 3 min read

Big Stage In Las Vegas

The Players Era Men’s Championship runs Nov. 24–27 in Las Vegas. It’s a loaded 18-team field. Tennessee Basketball will join other national powerhouses in a very competitive early-season event. The format is interesting. The Vols will play group-style, and the first two days’ results determine where they go on Nov. 26–27. There’s a big NIL angle here in partnership with the NCAA.

The Players Era promises significant name-image-likeness opportunities tied to the event. Last year in this tournament, the payouts reached $9 million in NIL funds across the eight teams.



Tennessee’s Matchups To Start

  • Nov. 24 vs. Rutgers at 1 PM ET On TNT.

  • Historically, Tennessee is 2–0 vs. Rutgers, though they haven’t played since 1992. 

  • If Tennessee wins → moves into the upper competitive tier. If Tennessee loses → drops into the mid/lower bracket tier for the remaining games.


  • Nov. 25 vs. Houston at 6 PM ET On TNT.

  • This is a marquee matchup. The Vols met Houston in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament last season and lost 69–50. Revenge Game is here. 

  • This is the pivot game that determines whether Tennessee enters a top-flight semifinal matchup or falls into the middle tier.


Why This Matters for Tennessee

  • Tough Non-Conference Test: Rick Barnes has emphasized that they want to challenge themselves early. It appears the depth of the Tennessee team will be crucial with the absence of Bishop Boswell. JP Estella is also not 100 percent as of recent reports from Coach Barnes. The Vols have won 41 consecutive non-conference games. They are betting on the streak to continue in Vegas.


  • Preparation for SEC Play: Playing two top-tier teams in a row gives Tennessee a preview of high-level competition before the SEC grind. This young roster of superstars will be baptized into big-time college basketball early in Vegas.


  • NIL Exposure: Beyond basketball, the Vols benefit off the court. In a true NIL style alignment with the NCAA, this tournament gives players real NIL opportunities with payouts for participation. The exposure to a nationally televised audience on TNT is also part of the prize. TNT has traditionally carried Holliday NBA matchups. This time, it’s Tennessee Basketball on the production stage. 


Potential Challenge

  • Houston is Elite: Given their matchup, the Vols need to be at their best. Houston is not just a tough draw. This one means a revenge opportunity. 


  • Uncertainty for Game 3: Because matchups on Nov. 26–27 depend on results, the third game isn’t known yet. That could make it harder to prepare.


  • Pressure to Perform: With so many high-caliber teams, a stumble early could impact momentum.

This is a major opportunity for Tennessee to prove itself on a national stage. If they handle Rutgers and show up strong against Houston, they could make a statement and build serious momentum going into their season. Even beyond wins and losses, the experience in Las Vegas, both on the court and off via NIL, could be a game-changer for the Vols’ roster and culture.


Here are some scenarios for the VOLS in this tournament to help you follow along: 


SCENARIO A: Tennessee beats Rutgers AND beats Houston 

  • Tennessee will be re-evaluated with the field of 18.

  • Most likely potential opponents for Game 3 (Nov. 26): Kansas, Alabama, Gonzaga, UConn

SCENARIO B: Tennessee Beats Rutgers But Loses To Houston

  • Tennessee will be re-evaluated with the field of 18.

  • Likely Game 3 opponents: Saint Mary’s, San Diego State, Texas, Illinois, Creighton

SCENARIO C: Tennessee loses to Rutgers, But Beats Houston

  • This is less likely but still possible.

  • Vols will be re-evaluated with the field of 18.

  • Game 3 opponents: Texas, Illinois, Creighton, SDSU, St. Mary’s.

  • Game 4:Depends on Game 3, but would likely be mid-tier unless Tennessee wins twice.

SCENARIO D: Tennessee loses To Both Rutgers AND Houston (0–2)

  • Vols will be re-evaluated with the field of 18.

  • Most likely Game 3 opponents: Providence, UNLV, Georgia Tech, Oregon State, BYU

  • These are typically matched with 0–2 teams. If Tennessee wins Game 3: Game 4 is one more game against another 1–2/0–3 tier team.

  • If Tennessee loses Game 3: Game 4 is a final placement game vs. another 0–3 team.


You can follow along with The Players Era Tournament on all socials for BTS content of the event. 


Updates on TPL Tennessee as well.



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