Volunteers Unveil First Horizon Patch on New Jerseys

When the Tennessee Volunteers took the field at Neyland Stadium on September 5, the buzz wasn’t just about the 56‑9 rout of Furman. A new visual cue caught every fan’s eye – a glossy First Horizon Bank patch stitched onto the left sleeve of each jersey.

It’s a modest‑sized logo, but the impact is anything but small. This is the first time the Vols have allowed a corporate sponsor to sit on the sleeve of their uniforms, a move that reflects a growing trend in college athletics where programs look to diversify revenue streams.

“We’re thrilled to partner with First Horizon,” head coach Josh Heupel said in the post‑game press conference, smiling as he gestured toward the fresh patches. “Their commitment to our community aligns with what the Vols stand for on and off the field.”

First Horizon, a Memphis‑based bank with deep roots in the Tennessee Valley, will see its name on the jerseys for the rest of the 2026‑27 season. The agreement also includes community‑focused initiatives, scholarships, and fan‑experience events throughout the year.

For many longtime fans, the sight of the patch sparked a nostalgic conversation. Some remembered the classic orange “Orange Pride” logo from the early 2000s, while others joked about how quickly the new patch would become part of the Vols’ identity, even before the next halftime show.

On the field, the patch debuted alongside freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon’s spectacular first‑game performance – five touchdowns, a scorching 638 total yards for the team, and a statement win that may catapult Tennessee back into the AP Top 25.

While the patch may seem like a simple branding decision, it underscores a larger shift. College programs are increasingly navigating the balance between tradition and modern financial realities, and the Volunteers appear ready to walk that line with confidence.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how the First Horizon partnership evolves – both in the locker room and in the broader community that rallies behind the orange and white.