Alabama, Tennessee Renewing Uniform Tradition in Rivalry

Alabama and Tennessee will renew a tradition for the next two seasons during the Crimson Tide and the Volunteers' Third Saturday in October rivalry, with Pete Thamel of ESPN reporting that Alabama and Tennessee will both wear their home uniforms during the Alabama and Tennessee game in both 2026 and 2027. It's the first time since 1970 that Alabama and Tennessee will both wear their home jerseys for the game.

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Both Alabama and Tennessee agreed to the new uniform deal. The Crimson Tide will wear its crimson jerseys in Neyland Stadium this season, and Tennessee will wear its orange jerseys in Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2027.

"“This series is built on decades of tradition, and we’re excited to bring back a piece of its history beginning this season,” Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne said in a statement. “This required collaboration from both schools and the Southeastern Conference, and I’m thankful to President Mohler, Tennessee’s administration, including AD Danny White, and the league office for their support and willingness to work together. We believe this will make an already special rivalry even more enjoyable for our teams and our fans.”

"The Alabama-Tennessee rivalry is one of the most historic in all of college football,” Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said in a statement. “I know how much this game means to our fans, and the tradition and pageantry surrounding it is second to none. This will be another unique element that makes the ‘Third Saturday in October’ so special to both universities.”

The 2026 edition of the Third Saturday in October rivalry will take place on Saturday, October 17, in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama holds a 60-40-7 all-time record against Tennessee.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.