Peyton Manning Kicks Off Tennessee's Adidas Partnership
Adidas and the University of Tennessee officially launched their 10-year partnership on Thursday morning — and it included surprises no one saw coming. If yesterday's Penn State Nittany Lions announcement was a hard launch, today's Tennessee Volunteers rollout is more of a slow burn.
Fans must wait for an official look at the new uniforms and a chance to buy the new adidas gear (more on that below). However, the biggest part of the announcement was Vols quarterback legend Peyton Manning narrating the campaign film and breaking the news that he has signed with adidas.
Peyton Manning
Straight from The Sheriff’s mouth @Vol_Sports
— adidas US Football (@adidasFballUS) July 2, 2026
Welcome to the \\\ family pic.twitter.com/c9y4Riom6y
Manning, joined by 20 student-athletes representing each of the university's 20 varsity sports, appeared in the official campaign film. It highlighted the sweeping NIL opportunities adidas is unlocking for University of Tennessee student-athletes
Recorded inside Neyland Stadium, the video captures the pride, spirit, and tradition of Tennessee Athletics. Plus, it showcased a glimpse of the new era adidas is ushering in. Big Orange faithful got their first look at the new fan gear and the replica home jersey worn by Manning.
Adidas Reunites With Tennessee
Three-stripe living.
— Tennessee Athletics (@Vol_Sports) July 2, 2026
In the perfect shade of orange.
\ \ \ @adidas pic.twitter.com/ukfH0hoYqZ
Adidas and Tennessee have officially reunited for the first time since 2014. "Relaunching our partnership with Tennessee is incredibly energizing for our team at adidas," said Chris McGuire, adidas Vice President of Sports Marketing, North America.
It's an honor to work with Peyton to celebrate the first phase of our new relationship, and we're eager to show Vol Nation how we can continue to elevate the standard for their athletic program."
New Uniforms
Next week. Big week. pic.twitter.com/0tCDfgoCO2
— Tennessee Athletics (@Vol_Sports) July 2, 2026
Tennessee will unveil its new adidas uniforms across multiple sports with daily releases on social starting next week: Orange uniforms on July 6; white uniforms on July 7; Summitt blue uniforms for select women's sports on July 8; dark mode football uniforms on July 9.
Fan Gear
A new era of Tennessee style begins July 10. 🍊 pic.twitter.com/c8QQHOjtZW
— Alumni Hall UT (@alumnihallut) July 2, 2026
The film marked the official debut of licensed UT gear, bringing adidas' signature Three-Stripe aesthetic to the distinctive look of Tennessee. Fan apparel will be available starting July 10 on adidas.com, with additional product rolls and team uniforms set to be unveiled soon.
New Era in Knoxville
new \ \ \ era pic.twitter.com/6Jsl5jAK8a
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) July 2, 2026
"Our mission is to build the nation's premier athletics department and set the standard in college sports," said Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White.
"Partnering with adidas is a natural fit, as their commitment to being the world's leading sports brand aligns with our vision. We are excited to unveil our new adidas partnership and showcase a fresh look to Vol Nation in the coming days."
Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Jerseys On SI for all your uniform news from the sports world and beyond.
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Pat Benson covers team uniforms and player apparel for Jerseys On Sports Illustrated. Pat is a trusted voice for fans, regularly breaking news, spotlighting important stories, and interviewing the biggest names in sports. Pat also covers the footwear industry and has authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020." You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.
Follow Pat_Benson_Jr