The Oregon Ducks’ 2022 season was a rollercoaster, but one thing remained consistent: their eye-catching uniforms. As the dust settles on the season, it’s time to delve into a definitive ranking of the Oregon Football Uniform Combinations from the past year, separating the spectacular from the slightly less so. Oregon is synonymous with innovative football uniforms, and each week brought anticipation for the fresh threads the Ducks would sport. Now, with the 2022 season in the rearview mirror, let’s analyze which uniform styles soared and which fell short of expectations.
Here’s a detailed ranking of the Oregon Ducks’ uniform combinations from the 2022 season, from bottom to top:
12. Week 13 at Oregon State Beavers – All-Green Overload
Game Result: 38-34 Loss
These all-green uniforms worn against the Oregon State Beavers in the rivalry game landed at the bottom. While color vs. color matchups can be visually interesting, this particular all-green ensemble felt underwhelming, especially on the road. The Ducks have participated in several color vs. color games recently (also against Georgia and Washington in 2022, all losses), prompting a question of whether this trend needs re-evaluation given the results. This all-green look, while conceptually similar to the Week 1 Georgia uniforms (ranked much higher), lacked the same visual appeal. The execution here simply didn’t resonate as strongly.
11. Week 5 at Arizona Wildcats – Eggshell Experimentation
Game Result: 49-22 Win
The “eggshell” or speckled look, debuted in 2021, made another appearance against Arizona. While not universally disliked, this uniform combination sits lower in the rankings. The full eggshell design can feel overwhelming to some, with many fans preferring it as an accent rather than the primary feature. Another point of contention is the limited use of traditional Oregon school colors in this combination. Historically, when the Ducks stray too far from green and yellow, the results can be less impactful – reminiscent of the national championship game against Ohio State. Although this combo included a nightmare green helmet, it arguably wasn’t enough to fully tie it to the classic Oregon aesthetic.
10. Week 2 vs. Eastern Washington Eagles – Bumblebee Buzzkill
Game Result: 70-14 Win
Initially considered for an even lower ranking, the uniform worn against Eastern Washington fared slightly better in live action than in promotional images. The yellow helmet and jersey are strong elements, but the combination with black pants and then a sudden shift back to yellow socks and shoes felt disjointed. This stark contrast created a “bumblebee” effect that wasn’t entirely cohesive for many viewers. Switching to white pants could have significantly improved this uniform, creating a cleaner and more balanced look.
9. Week 3 vs. BYU Cougars – Military Muddy Waters
Game Result: 41-20 Win
Pre-game debate swirled around the color of these uniforms against BYU – were they nightmare green, black, or something else entirely? On television, they appeared almost military brown or a muted earth tone. While not inherently bad, this color choice felt less aligned with the vibrant and energetic Oregon brand. In a season filled with more striking options, this uniform combination simply didn’t stand out positively. It lacked the visual pop and distinctive Oregon flair seen in other 2022 sets.
8. Week 9 at California Golden Bears – Solid but Not Spectacular
Game Result: 42-24 Win
There’s nothing objectively wrong with the uniforms worn against California. They incorporate school colors effectively, with a nice yellow helmet accentuating the apple green. These served as a decent road uniform option, offering a recognizable Oregon look. However, they didn’t reach the upper echelons of the 2022 uniform rankings. Notably, this game marked the debut of the Nike Vapor DT Max ’96 cleats, adding a point of interest, but the uniform itself was more solid than sensational.
7. Week 8 vs. UCLA Bruins – Pink Purpose, Mixed Reception
Game Result: 45-30 Win
The pink “Stomp Out Cancer” uniforms, worn for Breast Cancer Awareness against UCLA, are sure to be a divisive choice in these rankings. The cause behind these uniforms is undeniably commendable. Oregon’s initiative and resources to create these jerseys for such a significant game is praiseworthy. However, aesthetically, the execution was less universally loved. The attempt to incorporate yellow accents to maintain brand identity arguably made the color palette too busy and “sherbert-looking.” Many feel that removing the yellow shoulder accents could have streamlined the design and improved the overall look.
6. Week 10 at Colorado Buffaloes – Speckle Done Right
Game Result: 49-10 Win
Moving into more favored territory, the uniform combination against Colorado showcased the eggshell speckle in a more balanced way. While the full speckle “Cookies and Cream” look might have been overwhelming, using it selectively on the helmet and jersey, paired with nightmare green pants, created a visually appealing contrast. This combination demonstrated how the eggshell element could be effectively integrated without dominating the entire uniform. A future variation with a nightmare green top and speckled pants is an intriguing possibility.
5. Week 11 vs. Washington Huskies – Lightning Yellow Pop
Game Result: 37-34 Loss
Despite the earlier critique of color-rush uniforms, the all-lightning yellow against Washington was a standout. The vibrant yellow against Washington’s all-purple created a visually stunning game, especially under stadium lights. Ignoring the game’s outcome, these uniforms were undeniably striking and memorable. The lightning yellow is a bold color that Oregon pulls off exceptionally well, and this full uniform set maximized its impact.
4. Week 4 at Washington State Cougars – Stormtrooper Chic
Game Result: 44-41 Win
The best road uniform of the 2022 season was undoubtedly the all-white “stormtrooper” look against Washington State. This combination pays homage to the classic “Storm LA” era under Chip Kelly. The clean white is accented perfectly by green helmets and facemasks, providing just the right amount of school color without being excessive. While some might find all-white uniforms basic, they project a sense of crispness and sophistication. The Ducks’ impressive comeback victory while wearing these uniforms only adds to their appeal.
3. Week 1 vs. Georgia Bulldogs – Green Done Right (Round 1)
Game Result: 49-3 Loss
Putting aside the game’s lopsided score, the all-green uniforms worn against Georgia were a visual triumph. While superficially similar to the less favored all-green set against Oregon State, the key difference is the yellow facemask on the green helmet. This subtle addition elevates the entire look, creating a unique and impactful combination. It’s a detail that hadn’t been prominently featured before and proved to be a successful design choice.
2. Week 12 vs. Utah Utes – Apple Green Classic
Game Result: 20-17 Win
A recurring theme emerges near the top of the rankings: white helmets, colored jersey tops, white pants, and white shoes are a winning formula for Oregon. The apple green jerseys paired with white helmets, as seen against Utah, are a consistently successful look. This combination evokes memories of past Oregon triumphs, like Marcus Mariota and the 2014 Ducks dominating in the Pac-12 Championship game in similar attire. It’s a classic Oregon aesthetic that always delivers.
1. Week 5 vs. Stanford Cardinal – Green and Yellow Perfection
Game Result: 45-27 Win
The top spot belongs unequivocally to the green and yellow uniforms worn against Stanford. Even critics of Oregon’s sometimes unconventional uniform choices would likely concede that this combination is exceptional. The brightness and vibrancy of the green and yellow are perfectly balanced. The contrast between the green helmet and top with the yellow pants and shoes creates a dynamic visual. When players like Bucky Irving and Noah Whittington are in motion, the yellow lower portion becomes a blur of speed and energy. This uniform is a definitive celebration of Oregon’s school colors and the best of the 2022 season.
