One of the unique aspects of college football is the sheer profusion of uniforms, some glossy and innovative, others indelibly intertwined with decades of tradition. Whether it’s the erratic and ever-changing costumes trotted out weekly by Oregon, or the staid dark blue and golden domes trotted out by the Fighting Irish – Every college football game offers a feast for the eyes. In this article, we’ll offer an entirely subjective assessment of the best college football uniforms.
10. North Carolina Tar Heels
With a distinct color template consisting of powder blue and white, the Tar Heels trot out a distinguished look each Saturday. Designed by Jordan Brand with argyle patterns splattering the uniform in accent spots, the Tar Heels sport a traditional, yet contemporary look. Though not a notable power in football, UNC nevertheless looks the part of one.
9. Texas Longhorns
Who can deny that the iconic burnt orange of the Longhorns isn’t a memorable color shade? Paired with a contrasting white helmet, blasted with the feared logo of the Longhorns, opposing teams and fans alike know when they’re playing Texas.
8. Auburn Tigers
A perennial SEC powerhouse, Auburn is usually lost in the long shadow of its in-state rival, Alabama. With the Crimson Tide roughly 3 hours down the highway, it’s easy for casual onlookers to recall that the Tigers won the national championship as recently as 2010 and remain annual challengers in the SEC. With a navy, orange and white color scheme, Auburn’s uniforms retain a classic look evocative of players like Bo Jackson, Cam Newton, and Cadillac Williams.
7. Florida State Seminoles
Florida State football is primarily associated with its run of dominance during the 90s, under the auspices of the legendary Bobby Bowden. Their success since his retirement has been intermittent, culminating most dramatically with the rise of Jameis Winston, under the tutelage of Jimbo Fisher, and a proceeding national championship in 2014. Bedecked in garnet and gold, the Seminoles helmets feature two feathered-spears dancing on alternate sides of their helmets. Paired with the inimitable “War Chant” that fans regularly engage in, the Seminoles uniform has an aura to it that borders on spectacle.
6. Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Nebraska Cornhuskers once reigned atop the college football landscape. With likes of Tommie Frazier, Mike Rozier, and Eric Crouch, the Huskers once ruled the roost with their formidable triple-option offense and stifling defensive attacks. Each weekend, the Huskers are uniformed in largely unadorned jerseys, reinforcing the notion that they’ll largely unbalance opponents through fundamentals rather than fireworks. Dressed in red and white, with the block “N” overlaying their helmets, the Cornhuskers offer another more traditional design.
5. Oregon Ducks
At Phil Knight U, a football program almost entirely built by the Nike impresario, Phil Knight; it is not altogether astonishing that the Oregon Ducks are dressed in bombastic, innovative, and eye-catching designs. There really is no standard Oregon uniform, at least since the Duck’s football program caught fire under the machinations of Chip Kelly. Each week, seemingly, a new design is tested, a new look assessed. Though their on-field success is obviously of more significance – For the casual fan, it is almost more fun simply tuning in to view the most recent look of the Ducks.
4. UCLA Bruins
Arrayed in colors reflecting the enduring sunshine and the rolling waves of beachside Los Angeles, the Bruins sport one of the game’s most visually appealing uniforms. With the words “UCLA” in a cursive font across golden helmets, corresponding blue and gold jerseys, and a characteristically picturesquely sunny day at the Rose Bowl: the Bruins apparel reflects its home setting perfectly.
3. Michigan Wolverines
The reigning national champions, the maize and blue, the Michigan Wolverines. The most winningest program in college football history, featuring stars like Charles Woodson, Desmond Howard, Braylon Edwards and more; the Wolverines have long occupied a central place in the college football world, most recently resurrected by Jim Harbaugh. With their iconic winged helmets, Michigan’s uniforms are easily among the most recognizable on a college football Saturday.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes have likely been the most consistent program in college football over the last three decades, outside of perhaps Alabama. Playing in the notorious “Horseshoe,” the Buckeyes play in their classic color combination of scarlet and silver. With bare glistening silver helmets, interrupted only by an array of stickers signifying a player’s accomplishments, Ohio State has one of the most historic uniforms in college football.
1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
There’s nothing particularly imaginative about Notre Dame’s uniforms. Sparkling gold helmets, navy blue jersey’s, yellow pants. It’s nothing one would gawk at, or become altogether enthralled with. Yet, the mystique of the Irish, the heraldry, the history, nonetheless seeps through the blandness. The “Golden Domes” pique our imagination, even if upon face value, there doesn’t seem much to be excited about.
For additional information pertaining to sports, reference the following articles:
Top 5 College Football Coaches Of The 21st Century
