🧡 Big News in Big Orange Country — The Vols Are Switching Back to Adidas
If you live in Knoxville, you know there’s nothing quite like a Tennessee game day. Saturdays in the fall? The whole city turns Big Orange. From tailgates to Neyland Stadium, you can feel the energy everywhere you go — and it’s always been paired with one of the biggest names in sports apparel: Nike.
Well… that’s about to change.
After 12 years with Nike, the University of Tennessee announced they’ll be switching back to Adidas when their current deal expires in 2026. That means starting July 1, 2026, you’ll see the Vols (and Lady Vols!) rocking the three stripes once again — something we haven’t seen since 2014.
What’s in the Deal?
The new 10-year agreement with Adidas is a major win for Tennessee Athletics. UT will receive:
-
$1.2 million in base compensation
-
$4.5 million in annual product allotment
-
Access to Adidas’ NIL Ambassador Network for all student-athletes
Adidas is also planning to set up NIL opportunities for athletes during the 2025–26 school year before the official switch.
Vol Nation’s Excited
Lady Vols legend Candace Parker (now president of Adidas Women’s Basketball) called it “coming full circle,” and UT Athletic Director Danny White says this is one of the best apparel deals in college sports history — prioritizing both Vol Nation and the Tennessee brand.
What This Means for Knoxville
Let’s be honest: in Knoxville, football is more than just a sport. It’s a tradition, a gathering, and a piece of our identity. From the moment the Vol Walk begins to the last “Rocky Top” in the stadium, we live and breathe it. And now, that tradition is getting a new look.
So, when you pull out your game-day gear in 2026, it won’t be the swoosh anymore, it will be three stripes. Same Tennessee pride, same sea of orange… just a new chapter in our sports style.
I don’t know about you, but I’m curious to see the first Adidas game-day uniforms. Because here in Knoxville, we may love our brands, but we’ll always love our Vols more. 🧡🏈
