Nebraska Cornhuskers football: a program steeped in tradition, known for its powerhouse history and fiercely loyal fanbase. Alongside the on-field legacy, the Nebraska Uniforms themselves have become iconic. But within the Husker Nation, a passionate debate constantly simmers: should Nebraska stick with its timeless, classic look, or embrace modern uniform trends and alternate designs?
For many, including purists, the beauty of Nebraska uniforms lies in their simplicity. The white helmet, adorned with the bold, sans-serif red “N.” The home games awash in red jerseys paired with white pants. Road games presenting a stark contrast in white jerseys over red pants. Striped pants? While optional, they are a strongly favored element, adding a touch of vintage charm. This classic combination, like a fine wine, seems to only improve with time, embodying the enduring spirit of Nebraska football.
However, a vocal segment of fans craves something more contemporary. They believe “Go Big Red” should translate to visually bolder statements, perhaps all-red uniforms, or the striking all-white look. The interlocking NU helmet from 2021, a modern twist on the classic, has its proponents. Ideas like incorporating the “Iron N” or the script “Huskers” onto the helmet also surface in these discussions. And then there’s the color black – undeniably a school color, adding another layer to the uniform conversation.
The Blackshirt Jerseys: A Uniform Experiment
The question of black Nebraska uniforms is particularly intriguing. Speculation has swirled around the potential return of the “Blackshirt” jerseys as an alternate Nebraska uniform option for 2024. Originally introduced in 2019, these jerseys, dubbed “Everybody Gets a Blackshirt!“, were envisioned as a unique alternate.
There was even talk of elevating the Blackshirts beyond a mere alternate, perhaps making them a “third uniform” worn multiple times each season. Former head coach Scott Frost initially suggested these black jerseys could be a reward, stating in 2019 that earning the right to wear the Blackshirts could become a tradition for outstanding defensive performances. He even hinted at white road versions, teasing a “White is the New Blackshirt” concept in a 2020 hype video.
However, the white Blackshirt uniform never materialized, and the black jerseys themselves vanished after the 2020 season. Their initial outing against Indiana in 2019 was lackluster, and a subsequent appearance against Illinois in 2020, coupled with other factors, seemed to shelve them indefinitely.
Several reasons contributed to the Blackshirt jersey’s quick retirement. Firstly, the defenses during the Scott Frost era rarely produced dominant performances worthy of such a special uniform. From their debut through the end of 2020, Nebraska’s defense conceded an average of 29 points per game, with only one opponent held under 21 points.
Secondly, former Athletic Director Trev Alberts, known for his emphasis on “brand consistency,” reportedly opposed black Nebraska uniforms. Some speculate this stemmed from a belief that black was Omaha’s color due to his UNO background. Others suggest a deeper respect for the Blackshirt tradition, feeling it should be reserved for deserving defensive players, not broadly distributed across the team. Regardless of the precise reason, black uniforms were scarce across all Nebraska teams during Alberts’ tenure.
A Shift in the Wind: Troy Dannen and Uniform Innovation?
But the landscape has shifted with the departure of Alberts and the arrival of Troy Dannen as the new Athletic Director. Dannen appears to bring a different sensibility, perhaps one more open to bolder aesthetics.
Dannen’s tenure as Tulane’s Athletic Director (2015-2023) offers a glimpse into his approach. He reintroduced the “Angry Wave” logo, widely considered a top-tier college sports emblem. Since then, Tulane’s uniforms have become a highlight, employing a dynamic “mix-and-match approach” using dark green, baby blue, white, and black across helmets, jerseys, and pants.
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While not as extreme as Oregon’s constantly evolving uniforms, Tulane under Dannen adopted a weekly freshness, having sported over 25 different helmets since the Angry Wave’s return. Could Dannen bring this willingness to innovate to Nebraska uniforms? While his primary focus is on NIL, revenue, and broader strategic goals, early indications suggest he’s supportive of Head Coach Matt Rhule’s vision.
Matt Rhule’s Uniform Philosophy: A Blend of Tradition and Trend?
Matt Rhule, with his Penn State background rooted in Paterno-era minimalism, might seem like a proponent of classic uniforms. However, his coaching history reveals a different story.
At Temple, Rhule’s teams embraced a seemingly random mix-and-match approach. The Temple Owls utilized maroon, black, and white variations across helmets, jerseys, and pants, resulting in approximately a dozen different combinations in his final three seasons (2014-2016) before his move to Baylor.
Baylor took uniform variety to another level. A 2016 report claimed the Bears had a staggering 120 potential uniform combinations. A 2019 redesign further expanded their options with a fresh mix-and-match set in green, yellow, and white.
Notably for Husker fans desiring all-red or all-white Nebraska uniforms, Rhule’s Baylor teams favored the “color rush” look. In 16 out of 39 games under Rhule, Baylor donned monotone uniforms.
The Monotone Possibility for Nebraska
The allure of monotone Nebraska uniforms is undeniable, particularly for recruiting. Recruits often participate in photo shoots donning all-red or all-white Huskers gear. These images ignite the recurring debate among fans. Younger fans often praise the “sick,” “clean,” or “fire” aesthetic of color rush looks. Older fans, however, might recall the all-red Oklahoma game in 1986 with trepidation, or Nebraska’s underwhelming 5-14 record in “surrender whites” since 1990.
While some fans would be content with Nebraska perpetually in red-over-white at home and white-over-red on the road, the current trend leans towards change. The preferences of younger generations are increasingly influential. A Nebraska uniform “color rush” at some point in 2024 seems plausible. Perhaps testing the waters against a non-conference opponent like Northern Iowa would be a strategic approach.
Reimagining Black Nebraska Uniforms
Returning to the black Nebraska uniforms, if they are indeed making a comeback, there’s room for significant improvement. While some fans and recruits appreciate black uniforms, the 2019-2020 “Blackshirt” jerseys were widely considered visually cluttered.
To elevate black Nebraska uniforms, several adjustments could be made:
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Eliminate the Blackshirt skull and crossbones on the sleeves. If the Blackshirt tradition is as revered as purported, placing its symbol on jerseys worn by all players, including offensive players and reserves, diminishes its significance. A “Black Shirt” uniform can exist without mimicking the practice jersey’s design.
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Streamline the color palette. The previous black jerseys incorporated white numbers, red TV numbers, and red names – too many competing elements. A cleaner approach would be to adapt the classic Nebraska uniform template in black with a single secondary color. Black and white? Black and red with white outlines for legibility? Exploring these options through mockups is essential.
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Embrace the monotone trend fully. Pair black jerseys with black pants, creating a contemporary “color rush” effect. And, venturing into potentially controversial territory for traditionalists: consider a black helmet. This helmet could feature the standard red “N,” the interlocking NU, or even the vintage sans serif “NU” for a retro twist.
Navigating the Mix-and-Match Path
Introducing a black Nebraska uniform into the rotation could open the door to further uniform experimentation, potentially leading to mixing and matching red, white, and black components. This is a path some traditionalists might find concerning.
However, given Matt Rhule’s history and Troy Dannen’s apparent willingness to support his coach, significant changes to Nebraska uniforms are possible. Ultimately, for most fans, the desire for winning trumps uniform preferences. If Rhule believes uniform adjustments can contribute to success, even touching the iconic Nebraska uniforms, fans may be willing to embrace the evolution.
