Tennessee Vols' newest smokey greys uniforms are a big nod to the Volunteer state

For the first time ever, the Vols will be featuring a home uniform that includes the lettering "Tennessee" across the chest of the uniform above the numbers, akin to what Michigan State, Texas, and others have implemented on their uniforms.  Of course, the difference is that these are for just one game and the others are permanent, but its still a significant change for Tennessee.  

The other notable addition - and boy is it - are the inclusion of the tri-star logo on various parts of the uniform.  Three parts, actually: the shoulder pads, and the pants in two places.  The state of Tennessee emblem is also on the shirt, as are the smokey mountains on the helmet.  

And that's fitting, given the theme is to encapsulate the university representing the entire state.  As the university notes, from Mountain City to Memphis. 

Last year's theme was a nod to the great Condredge Holloway, as the team put a smokey grey touch on the classic uniforms the Vol great from the early 1970s wore.  The team will release a new theme in 2025 as well as part of a three-year program - at minimum; the program could continue further - to pair a new look with a particular theme relating to the university.  

According to its press release, merchandise reflecting the new look and tri-star/Volunteer state theme will be released later this month into early August.