On Tuesday, Tennessee football revealed which day to mark on your calendar for the annual spring Orange & White Game. In 2026, it’ll take place on April 11 inside Neyland Stadium.
When Tennessee takes the field for the spring game, it’ll be the last time it wears Nike uniforms and accessories. UT is switching to a deal with adidas that begins on July 1, 2026, and runs for 10 years, effectively through the 2035-36 athletic year.
This means that the start of this offseason for Vols football will feature the old Nike equipment with a switch to adidas coming in fall camp.
The official kickoff time for the spring game is not yet set, but admission is free this season. Tennessee is currently in the midst of winter workouts after reporting back from the break following the Music City Bowl. The Vols will officially begin their spring practice on Monday, March 16.
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“Our mission is to build the premier athletics department in the country and to lead the way in college sports. Partnering with adidas is an ideal fit, as their mission is to be the best sports brand in the world,” Tennessee Director of Athletics Danny White said in a statement. “There is no denying the resurgence of Tennessee Athletics, powered by the greatest fan base in all of sports. Our strong licensing numbers, impressive television ratings, and sold-out venues all reflect this. adidas recognized our potential and responded with one of the best apparel deals in the history of college sports, prioritizing Vol Nation and the Tennessee brand.
“This partnership provides us with a significant advantage in the ever-evolving landscape of college sports. We take pride in our fan base and the competitive edge they offer us. We refuse to partner with someone who does not feel the same way.”
Tennessee previously partnered with adidas from 1995-2015 during a stretch that saw Tennessee football win the 1998 National Championship and the Lady Vols basketball program win national titles in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2007 and 2008. Tennessee made the switch to Nike beginning July 1, 2015, and wore the famous swoop while winning the 2024 College World Series.
If you’re superstitious, the trend of non-adidas schools winning the title in football was bucked this past year, as well. The Vols in 1998 were the most recent adidas school to win the championship before Indiana claimed the throne in January.
While previous adidas uniforms weren’t necessarily fan favorites at times, the brand and Tennessee are emphasizing their commitment to getting the Vols’ and Lady Vols’ uniforms right as they renew their partnership this summer. The Tennessee Creative team will remain the primary designer of the university’s uniforms.
