Alabama-Tennessee to Wear Home Jerseys in 2026-27 Contests
8/19/2026 12:59:00 PM | Football
The Crimson Tide and Volunteers will each wear their home uniform as the visitors in 2026-27, returning to a long-ago tradition of the “Third Saturday in October”
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama and Tennessee will revive a long-standing tradition in 2026-27, with both universities agreeing to wear their "home" jersey for the annual "Third Saturday in October" pairing.
The two-year arrangement was agreed on by both administrations and head coaches along with the Southeastern Conference. The Crimson Tide will don crimson tops this season in Knoxville while the Volunteers will sport their orange jersey when UT visits Saban Field at 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," said Alabama director of athletics Greg Byrne. "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."
This year's contest on Oct. 17 inside Neyland Stadium will mark the first time since Oct. 17, 1970, that both teams will wear their home jerseys in Knoxville. When the Volunteers travel to Tuscaloosa in 2027, it will represent the first time UT has ever worn the orange tops inside Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The two teams played at Legion Field from 1932-97 with the last home-and-home matchup in Alabama occurring on Oct. 18, 1969, in Birmingham.
"The Alabama-Tennessee rivalry is one of the most historic in all of college football," Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said. "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."
Alabama and Tennessee have played every season since 1928 with the exception of 1943 (World War II – no season). This year's matchup will represent the 109th all-time meeting between the two programs, with the Crimson Tide owning a 61-39-8 (60-40-7 NCAA) advantage in the series.
