The Tennessee Volunteers football team has announced their uniform selection for the highly anticipated game against the Georgia Bulldogs. For this Saturday’s matchup, UT will sport their striking all-white uniforms.
Vol Nation can expect to see the Vols take the field in white helmets, white jerseys, and white pants as they face off against No. 10 Georgia at Sanford Stadium in Athens. The game, a significant SEC East battle between No. 4 Tennessee (8-1, 5-1 SEC) and Georgia (7-2, 5-2), is set for a primetime slot at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. This uniform choice is sure to resonate with fans, as the all-white look is a classic and frequently favored combination for the Volunteers.
A Season of Diverse Uniform Combinations for the Volunteers
This season has seen the Tennessee Volunteers showcase a variety of uniform combinations, demonstrating a willingness to mix tradition with modern flair. The season opener against Chattanooga witnessed the debut of the latest iteration of the Smokey Grey alternate uniforms, a design deeply rooted in Tennessee pride. These Smokey Grey uniforms, worn during the 69-3 victory, feature the iconic tri-star logo, “Tennessee” across the chest, and state flag-inspired helmet and pant stripes.
Week 2 took the Vols to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they donned the all-white uniforms for the first time this season in a dominant 51-10 win over NC State. For their Week 3 home game against Kent State, a 71-0 victory, the team sported a vibrant combination of orange pants, orange jerseys, and white helmets. The all-white look made a return in Week 4 for a notable 25-15 road victory against Oklahoma.
As conference play intensified, uniform selections continued to vary. Against Arkansas in Week 6, the Vols opted for white jerseys, orange pants, and white helmets. Weeks 7, 8, and 11 saw a consistent combination of white helmets paired with an orange jersey and white pants for games against Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi State respectively. The Mississippi State game also introduced “Summit Blue” accents, a subtle yet meaningful addition. Notably, for their Week 10 matchup against Kentucky, the team embraced their “dark mode” uniforms in a 28-18 win, offering a stark contrast to their more traditional looks.
Exploring Tennessee’s Alternate Uniform History
Beyond the standard orange and white, Tennessee football boasts a rich history of alternate uniforms, adding excitement and visual variety to their on-field presence. The “dark mode” uniforms, featuring an all-black ensemble with orange numbers and stripes, made a celebrated return in the 2023 season. They were notably worn during the 41-20 victory against South Carolina on September 30, 2023, and previously in a 44-6 win against Kentucky in 2022. This bold look marked the first time Tennessee had incorporated a black helmet into their black uniform design.
The “Summitt Blue” accents represent another significant alternate uniform element, paying tribute to the legendary Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt. These special accents, incorporated into a base of orange jerseys, white pants, and white helmets, were featured in the 59-3 victory against UConn on November 4, 2023, and also in 2022 against UT Martin, Summitt’s alma mater.
The Smokey Grey uniforms, with their distinct grey tones and Tennessee-centric design elements, have also become a recurring alternate option. Worn in the 30-13 win against Austin Peay on September 9, 2023, these uniforms pay homage to UT quarterback legend Condredge Holloway. The Smokey Greys have appeared in several seasons, including a notable victory against LSU in 2022, solidifying their place in the Volunteers’ uniform history. Prior to 2022, the Smokey Grey uniforms had been absent since 2017.
As the Tennessee Volunteers prepare to take on Georgia in their all-white uniforms, fans are reminded of the rich tapestry of uniform traditions and innovations that define UT football. Each uniform choice tells a story, connecting the team’s present to its storied past.