Alabama, Tennessee plan home jerseys Third Saturday

Alabama and Tennessee will revive the long-standing Third Saturday in October tradition by each wearing their home jerseys for the next two meetings, with orange worn by the Vols and crimson by Alabama. The 2026 game at Neyland Stadium will mark the first time since 1970 that both teams wear home jerseys in Knoxville, and the 2027 return to Bryant-Denny Stadium will be the Vols’ first orange appearance there. The two-year agreement was made in collaboration with both schools and the SEC, described as a restoration of a historic aspect of one of college football’s most storied rivalries. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer and Tennessee athletic director Danny White emphasized the tradition and pageantry as central to the matchup’s appeal. The series dates back more than a century, with Alabama holding the series lead, and proponents say the change adds a fresh element to an iconic rivalry. The announcements also note the broader context of the rivalry’s history, including past notable games and the long-running nature of the series.