The 2022 season presented a mix of outcomes for Oregon Ducks fans, yet optimism remains strong in Eugene. With quarterback Bo Nix confirming his participation in the upcoming bowl game, and potentially his return in 2023, the Dan Lanning era is clearly building momentum.
As the season concludes, beyond analyzing on-field performance, it’s time to appreciate another Oregon Ducks hallmark: their distinctive uniforms. Each week, the Ducks’ uniform selection is a topic of anticipation. Now, reflecting on the 2022 season, we’ll definitively rank the uniform combinations, identifying the triumphs and the less successful looks.
Here’s a comprehensive ranking of the Oregon Ducks’ uniform combinations from the 2022 season, from bottom to top.
12. Week 13 at Oregon State Beavers
Game Result: 38-34 Loss
The all-green uniform for the rivalry game against Oregon State felt underwhelming, particularly on the road. While color-vs-color matchups have become a trend in this rivalry, perhaps it’s time to reconsider. Notably, in 2022, the Ducks wore color-vs-color three times (against Georgia, Washington, and Oregon State), and each instance resulted in a loss.
Aside from the game’s outcome, this all-green ensemble marked the second time Oregon opted for a head-to-toe green look in 2022. The first attempt, in my view, was significantly more visually appealing.
11. Week 5 at Arizona Wildcats
Game Result: 49-22 Win
The “egg-shell” or off-white look, introduced in the 2021 season against UCLA, has its supporters. While not disliked, it’s not a personal favorite. It feels like an excessive use of a non-traditional color. The Ducks generally excel when incorporating at least a touch of their classic green or yellow into their uniform combinations. The national championship game against Ohio State, where traditional colors were largely absent, serves as a reminder. While this combo featured a nightmare green helmet, it lacked sufficient traditional Oregon DNA.
10. Week 2 vs. Eastern Washington Eagles
Game Result: 70-14 Win
Initially considered for a lower ranking, this combination appeared better on the field than in its promotional images. The yellow helmet and jersey top are appealing, but the black pants, followed by a sharp transition back to yellow socks and shoes, feels disjointed. It evokes a “bumble bee” aesthetic. Switching to white pants would significantly enhance this combination, in my opinion.
9. Week 3 vs. BYU Cougars
Game Result: 41-20 Win
“Nightmare green?” “Black?” Fan debates raged regarding the color of these uniforms leading up to the game. On television, they appeared almost military brown. While not entirely objectionable, the Ducks possessed far superior uniform options throughout the 2022 season. The muted tones didn’t quite capture the vibrant Oregon spirit usually associated with their uniform choices.
8. Week 9 at California Golden Bears
Game Result: 42-24 Win
These uniforms are objectively fine, yet they don’t stand out as favorites. The yellow helmet’s pop of color complements the apple green, and the incorporation of school colors is appreciated. However, as road uniforms, they were overshadowed by other, more striking combinations from the season. A notable highlight was the debut of the Nike Vapor DT Max ’96 cleats, which elevates this combo’s appeal.
7. Week 8 vs. UCLA Bruins
Game Result: 45-30 Win
This ranking might be controversial.
The pink ‘Stomp Out Cancer’ uniforms, while supporting a crucial cause, weren’t visually the most appealing. The initiative and statement are commendable, and Oregon’s ability to create Breast Cancer Awareness jerseys is impressive. Showcasing them in a high-profile game against UCLA, with ESPN’s College GameDay present, was impactful.
However, the jersey design itself missed the mark. In this instance, omitting school colors might have been beneficial. The attempt to integrate yellow felt forced, resulting in an overly bright, sherbet-like appearance. Removing the yellow shoulder accents might have improved the overall aesthetic.
6. Week 10 at Colorado Buffaloes
Game Result: 49-10 Win
Moving into more favored territory, this uniform combination strikes a pleasing balance with the eggshell speckle design. While a full speckle design from head to toe might resemble Hershey’s Cookies and Cream bars, breaking it up with nightmare green pants creates a compelling look. Exploring a nightmare green top with speckled pants could be an intriguing option for future seasons, adding more variety to Oregon Ducks Uniform Combinations.
5. Week 11 vs. Washington Huskies
Game Result: 37-34 Loss
Despite earlier reservations about color-rush uniforms, the Ducks undeniably look impressive in lightning yellow. This game was visually striking, with Oregon in all yellow and Washington in all purple, creating a vibrant contrast under the Autzen Stadium lights. Ignoring the final score, these uniforms were a visual highlight. The bright yellow truly embodies the energetic spirit of Oregon football.
4. Week 4 at Washington State Cougars
Game Result: 44-41 Win
These were arguably Oregon’s best road uniforms of the season. The all-white ensemble evokes the “stormtrooper” look from the Chip Kelly era’s “Storm LA” days. The subtle green accents on the helmets, including the green facemasks, provide just the right amount of color without being overwhelming. While some may consider it plain, its clean and classic aesthetic is undeniable. The Ducks’ impressive comeback victory against Washington State while wearing these uniforms further enhances their appeal. This uniform combination represents a sophisticated and powerful look for the Oregon Ducks.
3. Week 1 vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Game Result: 49-3 Loss
Disregard the score and the game’s outcome. Despite the result against Georgia, the Ducks’ appearance on the field was undeniably strong.
While the all-green uniform against Oregon State ranked lowest, these all-green jerseys against Georgia were a triumph. The subtle difference – the yellow facemask on the green helmet – makes a significant positive impact. This unique detail elevated the all-green look to a new level of sophistication and visual appeal, setting it apart within Oregon Ducks uniform combinations.
2. Week 12 vs. Utah Utes
Game Result: 20-17 Win
A pattern emerges: a white helmet paired with a colored jersey top, white pants, and white shoes consistently resonates.
These apple green jerseys have a history of success for Oregon, and their combination with white helmets is particularly appealing. It recalls the Marcus Mariota era, specifically the 2014 Ducks’ dominant Pac-12 Championship victory over Arizona while sporting a similar combination. This classic combination remains a strong representation of Oregon Ducks football tradition and style.
1. Week 5 vs. Stanford Cardinal
Game Result: 45-27 Win
Let’s be honest.
Even Oregon Ducks skeptics, and those critical of Nike’s uniform designs, might concede that these green and yellow uniforms are exceptional.
They are vibrant, radiant, and perform exceptionally well visually on the field. The contrast between the green helmet and top with the yellow pants and shoes is perfect. When players like Bucky Irving and Noah Whittington accelerate downfield, the yellow lower portion creates a dynamic blur of motion.
This combination is a bold celebration of school colors, and it’s undeniably the top uniform of the season. These uniforms perfectly encapsulate the Oregon Ducks’ bold and innovative approach to football aesthetics.
