Alabama, Tennessee to renew long-standing tradition of Third Saturday in October rivalry

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - A long-standing tradition of the “Third Saturday in October” is returning this fall.

Alabama and Tennessee announced Wednesday that both universities have agreed to a two-year deal to wear their home jerseys for the annual rivalry game, beginning this season.

Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne said the agreement will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.

“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.”

2026 will mark the first time since 1970 that both Alabama and Tennessee will dawn their home jerseys inside Neyland Stadium. When the Volunteers travel to Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2027, it will be the first time ever that they will wear their orange jerseys in Tuscaloosa.

“The Alabama-Tennessee rivalry is one of the most historic in all of college football,” said Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. “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.”

Both teams will kickoff their 2026 seasons Sept. 5 with the Crimson Tide taking on East Carolina, and the Vols taking on Furman.

The Crimson Tide will play at Tennessee Oct. 17.

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