Tennessee and Nike have been partners since 2014. Despite a successful run for the past decade-plus, the Vols are returning to their roots next year.
According to ESPN’s Chris Low, Tennessee is reuniting with Adidas — the school’s apparel provider from 1995-2014 — in 2026. He added that the university is expected to announce the move later today.
The Vols’ Adidas return comes at a time where their athletic programs are thriving. Tennessee’s softball team has made two Women’s College World Series appearances since 2023, and the women’s basketball team has reached the Sweet 16 in three of five campaigns. The football team is a constant top 25 presence, the men’s basketball squad has reached back-to-back Elite Eights, and the baseball team won the 2024 College World Series.
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Tennessee accomplished great things in Nike threads, but has a more illustrious history with Adidas. The Vols’ most recent football title (1998) came in Adidas uniforms. Five of Pat Summit’s national championships (1995-97, 2007-08) occurred when Adidas provided apparel. Tennessee also donned Adidas for its first-ever Elite Eight appearance in men’s basketball (2010).
The Vols aren’t the only SEC school to switch apparel providers. Auburn officially transitioned from Under Armour to Nike in July 2025. We’re still a year out from Tennessee swapping over, but the change will be on top of us before we know it.
