SEC, Big Ten football strength of schedule comparison after Week 5

As of Week 5 of the 2026 college football season, Tennessee has a 4-1 record (1-1 in the SEC). The Vols have won games against Furman, Kennesaw State, Georgia Tech, and Auburn, but suffered their first loss to Texas in Week 4. Tennessee's remaining home games include matchups against Alabama, Kentucky, and LSU, while they will play at Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt.

According to ESPN's Football Power Index, Tennessee currently has the 34th-hardest strength of schedule in the nation after Week 5. Below are the strength of schedule rankings for SEC and Big Ten schools entering Week 6.

Among SEC schools, Arkansas leads the pack, followed by Michigan State, Texas, Purdue, and Oklahoma. In the Big Ten, Michigan State holds the top spot, with Purdue, Ohio State, and Wisconsin rounding out the top four. The full list of 138 schools competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the 2026 season includes a mix of well-known programs like Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU, as well as lesser-known teams such as Nebraska and Washington.