News Summary
The University of Tennessee has announced the launch of its ‘Volunteer Spirit’ football uniforms, set to be worn during the annual Salute to Service game. Designed to honor military heritage, the uniforms feature a Smokey grey color scheme and symbolic elements that pay tribute to Davy Crockett and Tennessee’s military roots. The design was a collaborative effort with military organizations and aims to reflect the connection between sports and military accomplishments. Fans can expect the new merchandise to be available soon, showcasing the university’s rich culture and traditions.
KNOXVILLE – The University of Tennessee has unveiled its new “Volunteer Spirit” football uniforms, set to debut on November 15, 2025, during the annual Salute to Service game against New Mexico State. This game, occurring just four days after Veterans Day, will honor service members, veterans, and their families, continuing a tradition that pays respect to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The “Volunteer Spirit” uniform draws inspiration from Tennessee’s historical “Volunteer Spirit,” a nickname reflecting the state’s commitment to military service. The design prominently features elements that pay homage to one of Tennessee’s most legendary figures, Davy Crockett. A modern interpretation of Crockett’s infamous fringed uniform is manifested in the form of the “Davy Stripe,” which adorns the helmet and sleeves, serving as a tribute to Tennessee’s rich historical heritage.
Set against a backdrop of military homage, the new uniforms employ a striking two-tone Smokey grey color scheme for both the jersey and pants. This color choice symbolizes steel forged from military artillery, bridging the gap between sports and significant military accomplishments. The word “Volunteers” dominates the chest of the jersey, a reminder of the state’s military roots.
The jersey numbers are presented in a stencil-style font, reminiscent of military-standard typography, enhancing both visibility and resilience. This dedication to detail reflects a growing trend in sports uniforms where functionality meets tribute.
In addition to the uniform, the iconic “Star Vols” logo makes a welcome return, now featured as a military-style patch on the pants and helmet bumper. This symbolic addition further enhances the connection between the team and its honor for military personnel.
The development of the “Volunteer Spirit” uniforms was a collaborative effort involving several key organizations. The Tennessee Military Department, the 134th Air Refueling Wing, and the Tennessee National Guard played crucial roles in the design process, ensuring a meaningful representation of military pride. Tennessee’s in-house creative agency, 151 Creative, along with the UT equipment staff and Nike, worked diligently to bring this concept to life.
During the design process, a special “Volunteer Spirit” Tennessee Tri-Star logo was created in recognition of the contributions made by the 134th Air Refueling Wing. A promotional content shoot took place in May, featuring various service members from multiple branches of the military filmed at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, further stressing the authenticity and commitment behind the uniform’s design.
The “Volunteer Spirit” uniform marks the fourth edition in the Nike Smokey Grey series, which began in 2022. Previous versions include the original “OG” Smokey Grey introduced in 2022, the “Artful Dodger” honoring Condredge Holloway in 2023, and the “Volunteer State” uniform in 2024 celebrating the university’s flagship status.
Fans of the Tennessee Volunteers can now find merchandise featuring the “Volunteer Spirit” Smokey Grey uniforms at various retailers and will soon have access through the official athletics website at shop.utsports.com. This rollout reflects the growing anticipation surrounding the new uniform’s debut and its connection to Tennessee’s vibrant culture, rich history, and significant ties to its military tradition and accomplishments.
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Additional Resources
- UT Sports
- MSN Sports
- 247 Sports
- Sports Illustrated
- Rocky Top Insider
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers
- Google Search: Tennessee Volunteers football uniforms
- Google Scholar: Tennessee football uniform
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Tennessee
- Google News: Tennessee Volunteers new uniform
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
