Alabama, Tennessee reviving historic uniform matchup for 'Third Saturday in October'
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An old tradition is coming back to Alabama vs. Tennessee this October when the two rivals face off in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Alabama and Tennessee football will both wear their home jerseys against each other in 2026 and 2026 — crimson and orange, respectively — for the first time since 1970. The schools announced the uniform decision for the "Third Saturday in October" on Wednesday, Aug. 19, in conjunction with the SEC.
Normally, the road team wears white, like most teams in college football. The new agreement brings back a tradition where both the Crimson Tide and Vols wear their home uniforms for the rivalry.
“The Third Saturday in October stands alone in college football, and we are excited to restore one of its most iconic traditions as both teams wear their home jerseys,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White said in the announcement. “I’m grateful to Alabama AD Greg Byrne and his staff for their shared commitment to bringing this experience back to the fans of one of the sport’s greatest rivalries.”
"This series is built on decades of tradition, and we're excited to bring back a piece of its history beginning this season. 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."
Next season's game will also mark the first time Tennessee has worn orange at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama's home stadium. The two teams previously played Alabama-designated home games at Birmingham's historic Legion Field through the 1997 season, after which the universities made a permanent change alternating campuses each year.
The two teams have played every season since 1928, outside of 1943 due to World War II. Alabama holds a 60-40-7 edge in the all-time series, although the Vols have won two of the last four matchups.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alabama, Tennessee reviving historic uniform matchup for 'Third Saturday in October'
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