Alabama-Tennessee’s bold move sets a precedent Texas A&M and Texas should consider to add more flair to the in-state rivalry
Alabama and Tennessee will each wear home uniforms during their head-to-head matchup in 2026 and 2027, the first team both teams are wearing home uniforms in the same game since 1970. And it’s something Texas A&M and Texas should consider as well.
The Lone Star Showdown needs to follow Alabama and Tennessee’s lead. If you missed the recent news about the Third Saturday in October rivalry, Alabama and Tennessee have committed to wearing their home uniforms against each other for matchups in 2026 and 2026. Primary color versus primary color. It’s something that hasn’t been done since 1970.
And I am 110 percent of the belief that Texas A&M and Texas should do the exact same thing to add even more flair to this in-state rivalry.
Why maroon vs. burnt orange works on the field
When we talk about the maroon and white versus the burnt orange and white, those color palettes contrast so much that you can actually put them on the same football field without a clash of styles. It’s not like two shades of red bleeding together under stadium lights. It’s two distinct identities standing across from each other, and it would look really good.
And you may say, Tegan, who cares about this? Just play the game on the field. I care about everything in college football. I have two college football accounts. I love this sport in every facet of it, from recruiting battles to uniform combinations. So of course I’m going to have a take on the uniform colors of one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries.
The other option that should be the staple
Now, say you don’t like the primary-color-versus-primary-color combination. That’s your opinion, and you’re entitled to it. But I would say the other option that should just be the staple of this rivalry is equally compelling.
When I think of the Lone Star Showdown, I think of Texas wearing their all-white uniform and Texas A&M wearing their maroon-out uniform. Home or away, it doesn’t matter. That’s what it should be as the iconic uniform matchup for this game, every single year.
College football rivalries thrive on identity, and few things sharpen that identity faster than a signature look on game day. Alabama and Tennessee showed the rest of the sport how it’s done. Texas A&M and Texas have every reason to follow suit, and either combination would be a significant upgrade over what we’ve been getting.
