Tennessee fans suddenly have a big reason to prefer Adidas over Nike as the official apparel brand of the Vols

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 5:59 PM ET

The Tennessee Vols' current apparel deal with Nike is set to expire next year.

Tennessee is essentially deciding this summer whether they want to re-sign with Nike or go back to Adidas (which was the official apparel brand of the Vols prior to 2015).

Nike is the more popular brand with fans, but a deal with Adidas would likely be more lucrative for Tennessee (and that's important in the NIL era).

One concern, beyond product design, that Vols fans have about potentially switching to Adidas is how it would impact recruiting. Nike is believed to be far more popular among recruits and current players.

Multiple Tennessee Football players are starting to chime in about the rumors of a potential switch from Nike to Adidas.

So what you want about the rumored deal and what good it would do for Tennessee, but these Athletes and Coaches do NOT want to wear to adidas. pic.twitter.com/DiqH8r1RfB
— Vol Scoops (@VolScoops) May 20, 2025

As you can see, with multiple players voicing their opinion, it's a reasonable concern.

However, based on the latest recruiting news, it likely isn't as big of a concern as many people believe.

Adidas announced a new NIL deal on Thursday with 2026 five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys.

Keys is currently committed to LSU, but Tennessee is one of the programs that's working hard to flip the talented wide receiver.

Don't blink or you'll miss the future ⭐️

Welcome to the three stripes, Tristen @Tkgot5 pic.twitter.com/aZ1648Mit0
— adidas Football US (@adidasFballUS) June 4, 2025

Keys is rated as the No. 3 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class. He's easily one of the most highly coveted high school recruits in the nation. Keys obviously doesn't speak for every recruit, but if he's on board with Adidas (and the Adidas money, let's be honest), then maybe the idea of the Vols leaving Nike isn't the crisis some are making it out to be.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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