Last Saturday, Tennessee football took to Neyland Stadium for the Orange and White Game. As the Vols put a bow on spring camp, it also ushers in a new era for the program.
That public scrimmage marks the final time Tennessee will play in Nike uniforms under its current contract. UT is switching to adidas on July 1, 2026, on a deal that runs for 10 years, through the 2035-36 athletic year.
During the Orange and White Game, Tennessee’s offense wore white jerseys and pants, while the defense was decked out in orange jerseys and pants. Quarterbacks wore the Smokey Gray jerseys from the 2023 season with white pants. Each player, including quarterbacks, sported white helmets.
Faizon Brandon ➡️ Travis Smith Jr.@rockytopinsider pic.twitter.com/yVee2inQfk
— Ryan Sylvia (@RyanTSylvia) April 11, 2026
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Now, UT has a break as it heads into summer workouts. Then, when fall camp begins, Tennessee will be decked out in new adidas merch, including practice uniforms, pants, cleats, accessories and more.
The debut of the Vols in adidas game uniforms will be against Furman on Sept. 5. Its road uniform debut with adidas will be the following week at Georgia Tech on Sept. 12.
“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.
