Evan Williams Announces 2026 College Football Initiatives

Bourbon

September 21, 2026

Evan Williams College Football bottles in rickhouse 2026

As anticipation builds for the start of another college football season, Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is expanding Evan Williams Bourbon Nation with new fan-focused experiences, a partnership with creator-led sports media company Snapback Sports, the return of its limited-edition Evan Williams Single Barrel Collegiate Edition bottles, and the continuation of its partnership with college sports broadcaster Molly McGrath. 

Together, these Bourbon Nation initiatives reinforce Evan Williams’ commitment to celebrating the traditions, rivalries and communities that make college football one of America’s most beloved sports. 

Max Stefka, AVP Heaven Hill Brands said in a news release, “College football is built on traditions that bring people together, and that’s exactly what Evan Williams Bourbon Nation is all about. Whether it’s enjoying a tailgate with friends, collecting a special-edition bottle representing your school, or connecting with fans through new partners like Snapback Sports and Molly McGrath, we’re proud to create authentic experiences that celebrate the passion of college football season.”

Continuing a Winning Partnership with Learfield

The 2026 season also marks the continuation of Evan Williams’ relationship with Learfield, the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through the ongoing partnership, Evan Williams Bourbon Nation will once again engage fans across six premier college athletics programs—University of Alabama, The Ohio State University, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of South Carolina and Syracuse University—bringing together official university partnerships, on-campus activations, limited-edition collectibles and memorable game day experiences that celebrate the traditions and spirit of college football.

Evan Williams Teams Up with Snapback Sports

New for 2026, Evan Williams is partnering with Snapback Sports, the creator-led sports media company connecting millions of fans through authentic, entertaining and community-driven content.

As part of the collaboration, Evan Williams will serve as the presenting sponsor of Snapback Saturdays, Snapback Sports’ college football tour traveling to marquee matchups every Saturday throughout the season. Snapback Sports will also attend Evan Williams Bourbon Nation tailgates at:

  • The University of Alabama – October 10
  • University of Oklahoma – November 14

Additionally, Snapback Sports will create original content supporting Evan Williams’ consumer sweepstakes, giving fans the chance to win an Evan Williams tailgate trailer.

Jack Settleman, CEO of Snapback Sports said, “Snapback Sports is built around bringing fans closer to the moments, traditions and personalities that make college football so special. Partnering with Evan Williams allows us to celebrate those experiences in an authentic way while creating content that resonates with our community.”

ESPN’s Molly McGrath Returns as Evan Williams Bourbon Nation Brand Ambassador

Evan Williams is also continuing its relationship with Molly McGrath, whose passion for college football and deep connection to the sport make her a natural ambassador for Evan Williams Bourbon Nation.

Throughout the season, McGrath will help bring fans closer to the excitement surrounding college football through Evan Williams content and fan engagement initiatives.

Limited-Edition Collegiate Edition Bottles Return

Also returning for football season are the Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles, available in partnership with six universities:

  • The University of Alabama
  • The Ohio State University
  • University of Oklahoma
  • University of Oregon
  • University of South Carolina
  • Syracuse University

Available now, the limited-edition bottles will be allocated and sold exclusively within each participating school’s market. Select Collegiate Edition bottles will also be available for purchase at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville.

Each 750mL bottle features:

  • A 2018 vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon
  • Custom wax dipped in one of the university’s primary colors
  • A custom front label, back label and commemorative string tag featuring each schools logo and celebrating Evan Williams Bourbon Nation

The collectible bottles celebrate the traditions that unite college football fans while showcasing the craftsmanship behind Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon. The commemorative tag reads:

Fans can learn more about Evan Williams Bourbon Nation, participating events and promotions by visiting www.evanwilliams.com and following @evanwilliamsbourbon on social media.

Read more: Evan Williams Releases Collegiate Edition Bourbons

The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second-largest selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com.

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