The Third Saturday in October is one of college football’s most historic rivalries between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers — and for at least the next two years, it’ll look the part.
Alabama and Tennessee are bringing back one of college football’s great visual traditions. Both schools announced they’ll wear home uniforms for their annual crimson-versus-orange showdown, regardless of which stadium hosts it, for at least the next two seasons.
Two Jerseys. One Rivalry.
Third Saturday in October.🔗: https://t.co/nkfe2cKD5n pic.twitter.com/QWdU5Ay3XO
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) August 19, 2026
In Knoxville this season, Alabama will wear its crimson jerseys while Tennessee will wear their home oranges in Bryant-Denny Stadium in the 2027 season.
“This series is built on decades of tradition, and we’re excited to bring back a piece of its history beginning this season,” said UA 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 game will be the first time since 1970 that both teams have worn home at Neyland Stadium, with the last home jersey matchup in Alabama being played in 1969 in Birmingham.
“The Alabama-Tennessee rivalry is one of the most historic in all of college football,” Crimson Tide 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), and this year’s matchup will be the 109th all-time meeting between the two programs with the Tide leading 61-39-8 throughout the history.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.

