An iconic college football rivalry has officially brought back an old tradition; Alabama and Tennessee are both slated to wear home jerseys for their 2026 and 2027 matchups. The Crimson Tide and the Volunteers' tradition started in its first meeting in 1928. However, ahead of the 1971 season, the SEC implemented a rule that the visiting teams were required to wear white uniforms, pausing the double-home jersey tradition.
Tennessee and Alabama are heading into their 109th year in the rivalry, which formally took the name "third Saturday in October" to pair with the game's scheduled date. Alabama currently leads the rivalry with an all-time 61-40-7 record. Next to Alabama and Tennessee, UCLA and USC are the only other rivalry to wear both home jerseys.
After a 37-20 home win for the Crimson Tide last season, both teams bring in new faces at quarterback for a preseason top 25 matchup. Following the departure of star quarterback Ty Simpson, No. 13 Alabama has yet to name a new starter, but will likely turn to Keelon Russell.
Russell, the sophomore from Duncanville, Texas, was the No. 2 ranked quarterback, per 247Sports, in the 2025 class. The Tide also returns star wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams and running back Daniel Hill to their offense.
Alabama will look to return to the CFP after their first-ever appearance last season under head coach Kalen DeBoer. For No. 20 Tennessee, head coach Josh Heupel has a brewing quarterback competition between five-star freshman Faizon Brandon and redshirt freshman George MacIntyre.
Notably, Heupel also returns star running back DeSean Bishop and wide receiver Braylon Staley. After the Volunteers finished the season 8-5 (4-4 in SEC play) overall, Tennessee is due for a solid 2026 campaign. Alabama and Tennessee will debut its home jerseys in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct.
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