Alabama and Tennessee are bringing a little extra tradition back to the Third Saturday in October.
The schools announced Wednesday that both teams will wear their home jerseys in the 2026 and 2027 games - Alabama in crimson, Tennessee in orange. That means this season’s Oct. 17 matchup in Neyland Stadium will be the first time the rivals have both worn their home colors against each other since 1970.
The 2026 game in Tuscaloosa carries its own first. It will be the first time Tennessee has ever worn orange at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama’s home games against Tennessee were played in Birmingham’s Legion Field from 1932 through 1997, which is why that particular look never happened there before.
According to the schools, the “two-year jersey agreement was made in conjunction with both administrations and head coaches along with the Southeastern Conference.”
Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne called the move a return to something bigger than just uniforms.
"This series is built on decades of tradition, and we're excited to bring back a piece of its history beginning this season," Alabama athletics 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."
There is some history behind the jersey talk, too. Tennessee and then-coach Lane Kiffin asked for permission to wear orange at Alabama in 2009, but while the SEC approved it, then-Alabama athletics director Mal Moore turned it down.
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