KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee softball will open its season down in Clearwater, Florida, for the second time over the past three seasons, taking part in the 2025 NFCA Leadoff Classic at the Eddie C. Moore Complex.
 
Opening Day for the Big Orange will be Thursday, Feb. 6, as it faces Nebraska at 7 p.m. ET. The matchup will be the seventh all-time between the Lady Vols and Huskers, with UT owning a 5-1 edge in the series.
 
Tennessee will play a doubleheader on Feb. 7 and 8, battling Bethune-Cookman and Iowa on the tournament’s second day before facing Notre Dame and Northwestern on day three.
 
The Lady Vols close out the tournament on Feb. 9, against Pittsburgh.
 
It will be the second time in the last three seasons that the Lady Vols have participated in the season-opening tournament. In 2023, Tennessee was crowned tournament champion after going 3-0 with victories over Howard, Illinois and No. 6 Northwestern.
 
Tennessee’s full 2025 NFCA Leadoff Classic schedule can be viewed below. All times listed are in ET. Dates and times are subject to change.
 
2025 NFCA Leadoff Classic
 
February 6: vs. Nebraska at 7 p.m. – Tennessee leads all-time series 5-1
 
February 7: vs. Bethune-Cookman at 4 p.m. – All-time series tied 1-1
 
February 7: vs. Iowa at 7 p.m. – Tennessee leads all-time series 3-1
 
February 8: vs. Notre Dame at noon – All-time series tied 3-3
 
February 8: vs. Northwestern at 6 p.m. – Tennessee leads all-time series 8-6
 
February 9: vs. Pittsburgh at 10 a.m. – Tennessee leads all-time series 2-0