One Knoxville SC enters its fourth professional season as the reigning USL League One champions, aiming to defend its title in a newly expanded league that features the largest roster of teams in its history. Beginning the 2026 season, the club will rely on its established strength and experience to face heightened competition.
Review of Past Success and Home Field Dominance
Under the guidance of head coach Ian Fuller in his inaugural season, One Knoxville SC not only secured the league title but also captured the 2025 USL Players Shield awarded to the regular season’s top team. The squad continues to build on an impressive home unbeaten streak of 24 matches, a record in league history, which started in mid-2024 following the move to Covenant Health Park. Since relocating to this stadium, the team remains undefeated in league play.
We do have a target on our backs, so it’s definitely a different challenge from last year,
Fuller reflected on Wednesday.
Now it’s up to us to meet those challenges.
Upcoming Schedule and League Expansion Highlights
The 2026 season will kick off with One Knoxville traveling to face Westchester SC, followed by a home opener at Covenant Health Park against Forward Madison FC on March 14. The USL League One has expanded to 17 teams this season, marking an eight-year high for league participation and increasing the level of competition facing defending champions One Knoxville SC.
Team Changes and Veteran Presence for the New Campaign
The offseason brought the departure of Kempes Tekiela, the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. Despite this loss, the team retains several vital contributors from its championship roster, including Jordan Skelton, the reigning USL League One Defender of the Year, and Nico Rosamilia, who earned the 2025 USL League One Final MVP honors.
I think for the guys that have come back at least, there’s the hunger to go and do it again,
said Skelton.
For the guys that weren’t here, there’s obviously that drive and motivation to be like ‘man, I want to be able to have a taste of that.’
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As One Knoxville SC prepares to start this season with a target on their backs, the expanded league adds complexity and new obstacles. However, the team’s home field advantage, experienced leadership from Ian Fuller, and the determination expressed by players such as Jordan Skelton and Nico Rosamilia suggest a poised and motivated group ready to compete. How they adapt to a deeper field of competitors will be key to their hopes of securing back-to-back titles and extending their dominant home record.
