Tennessee Athletics confirmed this week that it has officially ended its long‑standing uniform deal with Nike and will begin a new partnership with Adidas. The transition, first announced last summer, culminates in a multi‑day rollout that kicks off on July 6 with the debut of orange‑colored gear.
A short teaser video released by Adidas and the university featured several current Volunteers athletes — including Jeremiah Telander, Aaliyah Moore, Sage Mardjetko, Juke Harris, Tyler Lundblade and Erin Nuwer — alongside a cameo by former NFL star Peyton Manning, who helped unveil the design.
A new era for Volunteers athletics
The move builds on a historic relationship that dates back to the mid‑1990s, when Adidas first equipped the Volunteers and helped the football team capture the 1998 national championship while the Lady Vols secured five basketball titles between 1996 and 2008.
After a decade under Nike, which began on July 1, 2015, the program experienced a resurgence, highlighted by a 2024 College World Series championship. The new Adidas agreement is expected to generate fresh revenue streams and marketing opportunities for both the athletic department and its student‑athletes.
The rollout will continue over the coming days, with additional uniform pieces and merchandise to be revealed in the weeks that follow. University officials say the partnership will open doors for player‑focused initiatives and community projects.